Should I upgrade my phone to use YNAB?

[rubytuesdaY99]

I am fairly new to budgeting etc and have been lurking on these threads for a while. I have read all the threads on YNAB and I am thinking of giving it a go.

My current phone contract is due for renewal so I am not sure whether to stick with my old phone (blackberry) and go on a sim only contract to save money over the year or to upgrade to a phone that I can get the mobile app of YNAB on an possibly save more money by budgeting effectively.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!

I've got ynab on a £7 a month Sony smart phone, I've not looked at it properly yet.

You are going to check topcashback & quidco out before upgrading the phone?

YNAB are in the process of developing an app that will run in a mobile browser, so fewer platform limitations for phones (although how easy it would be to use on a BB I think is debatable). However, I don't know if that will be ready any time soon.

You could certainly do YNAB without the mobile app as long as you're disciplined about making a note of your spending whilst you're out, it kind of depends if you make spur-of-the-moment purchases where you need to consult the budget to see if you have the funds - e.g. you see a pair of shoes that you like, how much is left in the clothing budget this month.

It sounds like Fluffy's idea of a very cheap contract phone would be a good compromise, it depends how much you like your BB in general I guess.

I was a dyed in the wool BlackBerry user. Thought I would never change. And then - I got frustrated at it restarting, the rubbish battery life and the lack of useful apps.

I went into the shop with a more open mind than previously when it was time to upgrade and came out with a Samsung S3 mini. I love it. Try a few phones and see what you think. It might not be the most fashionable and expensive phone that suits you and can run YNAB.

If you've been reading threads about YNAB, you'll know it's about a method and a programme. I would try out the PC version before you change your phone, because if the method doesn't suit you, then changing your phone just to run YNAB would be a bit of a shame.

I use YNAB, and it has transformed our finances since we started in November. The mobile app has been necessary to its success for us, but we also bought in to the YNAB way.

Thanks for the replies

I am getting a bit fed up with my BB for the reasons so a change would be good.

I had just assumed that the cheapest way to go means I have to keep my old phone for a bit longer but it sounds like I need to shop around for some low cost deals with a more suitable phone. I am not fussy about my phone as long as it works!

I am trying to get into the YNAB mindset and it is helping already but I think you've convinced me that I may need the mobile app to make it work for me (I can plan on paper but the up to date picture of the state of my money is what appeals)

Thanks again