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Jesse Mecham

YNAB Founder

Jesse Mecham is a personal finance expert, speaker, business leader, and the Founder of You Need A Budget (or YNAB if you are very busy and important). Jesse hosts the YNAB podcast, and is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of book You Need A Budget. (He’s nothing if not consistent!) A self-proclaimed “recovering CPA,” he is deeply passionate about teaching individuals, families, and business owners YNAB’s Four Rules so they can gain total control of their money. 

Jesse first developed the YNAB method as a broke, newly married college student who really needed a budget. In an attempt to make an additional $300/month to cover rent, he sold his budgeting spreadsheet online and YNAB was born. Since 2004, the software has grown into a leading personal finance platform and has helped hundreds of thousands of people break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money. Now, YNAB has a growing team living and working all around the world, and has built a thriving remote culture that earned recognition as Fortune’s #1 best small company to work for (YNAB was doing remote work before it was cool!). When not teaching people how to budget, Jesse loves gardening, woodworking, marksmanship, and travel. He also spends a good bit of time with his wife and the seven small people that live in their house.

All articles by

Jesse

Should I Consolidate My Debt?

If you're asking yourself, "Should I consolidate my debt?" we've got answers, including the requirements that make you a good candidate.

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

Jesse Mecham weighs in on a few things to consider if you're asking yourself, "Should I pay off my mortgage?" Find the right answer for you.

15- vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Which is Better?

Debating whether you should do a 15 vs 30 year mortgage? I'll walk you through the numbers along with the most important factor of all.

Expense Tracking Isn’t Budgeting

Are you just expense tracking rather than actually budgeting? It's a lot more common than you might think. Here's how to fix it.

Make it a Habit: Start a New Habit in One Evening

My desired habit? To spend 5-10 minutes every night brainstorming ideas, creating a To Do list, and prioritizing the list. How did I do?

Do I Need An Emergency Fund?

You know you need an emergency fund, but you aren't quite sure if it's "nice to have" or "need to have." Spoiler alert: it's a need.

How to Manage Money With Variable Income

Are you a freelancer, work in commission sales, a contractor, small business owner, or gig worker? Here's how to budget with variable income.

Deep Thoughts: Deep Work Summary

A Deep Work summary as it relates to budgeting. Find greater success by learning to avoid distractions and master focused concentration.

You Need A Money Management Tool for Your Business

YNAB helps the risk-avoider take calculated risks and helps the risk-taker be more calculating. Learn how to use YNAB for your small business.

Money Lessons I Learned From My Dad

Once I had kids, Father’s Day became a time to reflect on the gifts that my dad gave me in the form of life lessons that related to finance.

Can I Trust YNAB?

Does YNAB share your data? No, your data is yours. Learn more about our stance on data policy and our commitment to keeping your data safe.

How Much House Can I Afford?

You've run the numbers, but why do you still feel unsure if you can actually afford one of the biggest purchases of your life?