Turned down a $200 'premium' budget app and stuck with my spreadsheet

I was this close to buying YNAB after all the hype, but then I realized my free Google Sheet does the exact same thing for tracking my spending categories. I just added a simple formula for my dining out budget (which I blow every month, honestly) and it works fine. Anyone else find premium apps overrated compared to a DIY setup?

2 comments

2 Comments

thompson.brian26d ago

Yeah, have you tried adding a conditional format to highlight when you're over budget in red? That visual nudge (plus the shame of seeing it) keeps me honest better than any app ever did. Spreadsheets are underrated, man.

jenkins.wade26d ago

Huh, I actually gotta push back on that @thompson.brian. Seeing red all over my budget just makes me feel bad and ignore it even more, I'd rather use a dedicated app that does the math for me.