3 Best YNAB Alternatives (Simpler & Better Options)

Overwhelmed by YNAB? Try Monarch Money (50% off your first year): https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney If you’ve ever tried YNAB and thought, “Why is this so complicated?” — you’re not alone. We personally tried YNAB twice: once in 2017 and again in 2023 after Mint shut down. Both times, we quit. Not because YNAB is a bad tool, but because it just didn’t fit how we wanted to manage our money as a family. In this video, we share 3 YNAB alternatives that are simpler, easier to use, and actually worked for our family — including the budgeting app we’ve used for the past 3 years. We cover: • Crew • Simplifi • Monarch Money You’ll learn: • Which budgeting apps are easiest to use • The pros and cons of each platform • Which apps work best for families • Why Monarch Money became our favorite • How to choose the right budgeting system for your style The truth is: if YNAB didn’t click for you, that doesn’t mean you failed at budgeting. You may just need a tool that matches how your brain works. Carpe diem. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Why We Quit YNAB (Twice) 00:48 Why YNAB Feels Overwhelming for Some People 01:20 You Didn’t Fail at Budgeting 01:40 #3 Crew (Family Banking + Budgeting) 02:20 Crew’s Pocket Budgeting System 02:50 Why Crew Works Well for Families 03:10 Why Crew Isn’t Our Main Budget Tool 03:35 #2 Simplifi by Quicken 04:00 Why Simplifi Is Easier Than YNAB 04:35 Simplifi Pricing + Downsides 05:10 Quick Comparison: Crew vs Simplifi 05:35 #1 Monarch Money 06:00 Why Monarch Finally Clicked for Us 06:30 Shared Logins + Net Worth Tracking 07:00 Monarch’s AI Features 07:20 How Monarch Helped Us Stay Consistent 07:50 Pricing Comparison 08:15 Who Should Still Use YNAB? 08:50 Final Thoughts _____ MARRIAGE KIDS AND MONEY: This award-winning YouTube channel is dedicated to helping families build wealth and thrive. Each week, Andy Hill shares actionable advice and tips for family financial independence. Also, he interviews personal finance experts, families who've achieved financial independence and work optional parents to inspire you to do the same. BIO - ANDY HILL: Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping families build wealth and happiness. Andy's advice and personal finance experience have been featured in major media outlets like CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and NBC News. With tens of millions of downloads and views, Andy’s message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world. When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a Soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing in his hammock. ✅ CONNECT WITH US Order My Book "Own Your Time": https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Follow On Instagram: http://instagram.com/marriagekidsandmoney Read our Blog: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com Listen to our Podcast: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/podcast-archive/ Subscribe to my YouTube channel today to strengthen your family tree and live financially free! HOW WE MAKE MONEY & DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone, and this content has not been provided by, reviewed, approved or endorsed by any advertiser. Information shared on this channel is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Research & Writing: Andy Hill, AFC® Video Editing: Hinz Video Thumbnail: Ardi, The Thumbnail Wiz Channel Management: Michelle Ahmed