A listener, Tom, writes into the show to express some confusion over what constitutes "savings" in a budget following the YNAB method. During a call with his bank to discuss refinancing, Tom was asked how much savings he had on hand, a question which dumbfounded him. Technically, everything in the budget is savings, he reasoned, since every dollar had been subjected to Rule One, and was sitting in categories to be spent sooner or later. So... is all money just savings in that case?
Jesse offers a saying from one of the YNAB teachers, that all savings is really just... spending! Money exists to be spent -- sometimes now, sometimes tomorrow, and sometimes years in the future. But money that is not spent eventually is useless, so in that sense all "savings" is really just money waiting to be spent.
Got a question for Jesse? Send him an email:
askjesse@ynab.com
Sign up for a free 34-day trial of YNAB at www.youneedabudget.com
An Experiment Made Permanent
When Expenses Rise: Ben Rolls With the Punches
Money Stress
Rules Changes: A Quick Trip Through YNAB History
How to Talk to Your Partner About Budgeting
Managing Vacation Transactions
How Often Should You Reconcile?
Leaving Margin for Life
One Easy Trick to Boost Your Retirement Savings
This Question Doesn't Have to Be Scary: Can I Afford This?
A Different Take on Credit Cards
Paying Off Debt the Sustainable Way
Rule Four Reviewed
Rule Three Reviewed
Rule Two Reviewed
Rule One Reviewed
A Mother's Method for Living Well (Contest Announcement!)
What's In Your Financial Shovel of Dirt?
Giving Future You A Bit More Negotiation Ammo
Paid In Full, But Always in Debt
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