By popular request, Jesse flips through his office bookshelves and discusses the books he's read recently... and, well, some that he hasn't but is getting around to!

This week he covers books in the “business” category, ranging from marketing, advertising, management theory, team building, and customer service. Many of these books have had an influence on the way YNAB operates and its success.

Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com

By popular request, Jesse scans though his office bookshelf and discusses the books he's read recently... and, well, some that he hasn't but is getting around to!

This week he covers books in the "general" category, basically anything that isn't specifically about business. Next week he will cover the books on his business shelf.

Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com

Jesse interviews a YNAB'er, nurse practitioner Naseema, about how she used YNAB and the four rules to pay off an extraordinary $200k of debt in just under two years, all while going through some tough life transitions.

Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com

YNAB'er Elizabeth wrote into the podcast asking for clarification of Rule Three -- can you use it too often?

Simply put, If you aren't reaching your goals, Jesse says, you're misusing Rule Three. If you aren't saving the money you thing you should be saving, then Rule Three has become an escape hatch for your budget, instead of an empowering tool.

Scarcity is a powerful motivator for budgeting. Embracing the fact that you have limited dollars, and that you cannot rob from your future self to pay unexpected expenses today, means you will have to become comfortable saying "no."

If you'd like to write into the show, email Jesse your questions at podcast@youneedabudget.com.

Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com

With everything that has transpired this year, we could all use some positive news. Today Jesse highlights a couple of positive stories from YNAB users who have managed to save money and stabilize their financial situation despite job loss and salary cuts due to COVID.

Follow the four rules, and things will get better. Budgeting isn't the end-all-be-all, it's not the solution for everything, but it will help you make your financial situation better. Budgeting simply works!

Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com