Mad about the Method 🧮

If you are outside looking in to You Need A Budget, you see a good deal of chatter about "learning the method" and "The Rules". Sure, you could simply call it an envelope system, put a set amount of money in a fixed envelope and leave it at that - but why are you putting that money in that envelope, why did you pick that amount, why did you prioritize that expense? The method behind YNAB is, in my opinion, the most important part of implementing it as your budgeting system because it fosters awareness, and that runs a bit deeper in the psyche then putting cash in envelopes.

Even with my moderate experience, I come back to the rules to keep our budget honest and in check. That Four Rules can be such a solid foundation for positive change is awesome. They aren't terribly hard rules either. 

Rule 1: Give Every Dollar A Job

Rule 2: Embrace Your True Expenses

Rule 3: Roll With The Punches

Rule 4: Age Your Money

These rules can see you through the foibles and missteps of building your budget - yes! did you know that you don't have to know everything and do everything perfectly. Who knew!! They are also universally applicable to any amount of money you start with. They don't judge you, they keep you accountable, they allow for growth and learning, they don't punish.

Hey, you know I've learned these rules can go beyond the budget too! Give every dollar a job...give every minute a job - live with purpose. Uh FYI, napping counts as purposeful in my book 😴. Embrace your true expenses...acknowledge and accept the aspects of yourself or your life that can leave you depleted - give yourself time, space and knowledge to live with or change those. Roll with the punches, I love this rule ...don't let life run you over, carry the ability to redirect your momentum when the winds change. Age your money... well, we're all on the clock and we can bank the wisdom gained from our time in this life. 

Personally, I'd love to be a gleefully dancing skeleton.

I look for places to where rules, simple strong ones, would benefit other aspects of my life. We associate "rules" with limitations but I'm learning rules evolve into habits, which occupy a known amount of time. That leaves time available to do things like commit to journalling or binge watch a fun show with your family (hello, Once Upon A Time) or work on that passion project that's got your name on it.