1930: Smart Budgeting in 2026 and the Hidden Habits of People Who Never Worry About Money

<p>Today’s guest is a true blast from the past — and one of the most enduring voices in personal finance.</p><br><p><strong>Jesse Mecham</strong> is the founder of <a href="https://www.ynab.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>You Need a Budget</strong></a>, better known as YNAB. Jesse was last on <em>So Money</em> more than a decade ago — and since then, his little budgeting spreadsheet has grown into a global movement that’s now more than 20 years old.</p><br><p>In an industry where budgeting apps come and go — Mint, anyone? — YNAB has quietly endured. Not by promising shortcuts or get-rich-quick hacks, but by doing something far more radical: teaching people how to actually <em>be good with money</em>.</p><br><p>And not “good” as in million-dollar net worths or retiring at 35 — but good as in sleeping better at night. Not worrying about every expense. Feeling in control. Feeling aligned.</p><p>That’s why I wanted to kick off 2026 with Jesse.</p><br><p>In this conversation, we revisit the philosophy behind YNAB, including the four rules that have helped millions of people escape paycheck-to-paycheck living. We talk about why getting to <em>zero</em> — not riches — is often the most important milestone in someone’s financial life. We explore what Jesse has learned after two decades of watching how people <em>really</em> behave with money. And we dig into what’s changed — and what absolutely hasn’t — about budgeting in a world of higher costs, financial anxiety, automation, and now AI.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>