October 30, 2017
Acknowledging how stressful the question “Can I afford this?” can be, Mecham, a software developer, explains that’s precisely why he wrote this helpful book and invented his four-rule system for budgeting. The primary question, Mecham says, is “What do I want my money to do for me?” To that end, the titular “YNAB” plan is comprised of the dictums “Give Every Dollar a Job,” “Embrace Your True Expenses,” “Roll with the Punches,” and “Age Your Money.” Mecham conveniently addresses readers of all ages (kids included) and family situations (single, childless couples, and couples with kids), taking care to include readers with variable incomes. Cheat-sheet reminders at the close of every chapter are especially helpful. Mecham includes illustrative stories from clients, providing an especially helpful example of one couple’s customized YNAB plan, including their spending before and after “budget detox,” and divides into four sections: bills, everyday spending, goals, and true expenses. One of the keys to success, Mecham points out, is flexibility. But the primary attitude adjustment described here is to stop asking, “Can I afford this?” and start asking, “Does this move me closer to my goals?” Mecham makes it seem simple and his tone is encouraging; even readers who’ve never budgeted before will believe Mecham when he tells them, “You’ve got this.”

November 15, 2017

Fans of "You Need a Budget" (or "YNABbers") will be happy that creator Mecham has authored a companion guide to expand on the doctrines of the popular online financial platform and app. The takeaways are Mecham's four simple rules for effective money management: giving every dollar a job, embracing your "true" expenses, rolling with the punches, and "aging" your money. Mecham rounds out the book with specific advice regarding relational budgeting, tackling debt, staying focused, and even includes a simplified adaptation of his rules for teaching youth to budget. Readers won't find excruciating worksheets, or heavy-handed shaming advice, just relational and realistic anecdotes and encouragement, as well as actionable ideas at the end of each chapter. Mecham doesn't promote shady money tricks. The debt-averse principals are similar to those in Dave Ramsey's perennial best seller, The Total Money Makeover. While the book might appeal to existing YNABbers, a subscription is not required to benefit from this book. VERDICT Readers seeking tips for financial resolutions will appreciate Mecham's fresh and proven approach to budgeting.--Jennifer Clifton, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2017
Mecham, founder of the popular personal-expense-tracking app YNAB (i.e., You Need a Budget), writes a series of advice and instructions for managing one's personal finances, from removing debt to teaching children about budgeting. Mecham shares his YNAB rules throughout and provides key takeaways for managing the present and planning for the future. There are plenty of current books on budgeting, but Mecham's work goes beyond an individual's concerns by discussing personal finances for couples and families. Readers can benefit from a quick or leisurely read-through but may require a second or third go to fully retain and recall Mecham's advice. The book can serve as a financial planning manual for those who are completely new to budgeting as well as for those who are seasoned and still need these helpful reminders. Mecham's book is a handy guide for readers looking to increase their financial literacy and manage their money carefully and successfully.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

"When your financial planner sternly says you need a budget,it's like a door slamming shut on a happy future. When Jesse Mecham says it, it's like a door swinging open to a free life. He nderstands how financial stress feels. His principles and tools come right out of his own life experience, but also from his CPA training. His system is psychologically and financially sound.You're going to love this book." — VICKI ROBIN, coauthor of Your Money or Your Life

"In You Need a Budget, Jesse Mecham gets personal with you, because, as it turns out, 'budget' just means making sure you spend your money on your favorite priorities. If you're ready for a disarmingly casual yet deceptively persuasive ride into a new perspective that has changed hundreds of thousands of lives, read on." — PETER ADENEY, personal finance blogger at MrMoneyMustache.com

"Jesse Mecham finally gives budgeting a much-needed rebranding with You Need a Budget. You will learn that the true secret of using a budget is to get more out of life, not to feel restricted." — ERIN LOWRY, author of Broke Millennial

"Jesse Mecham has achieved the impossible: a book on budgeting that is fascinating, entertaining, and practical. Read this book, follow his advice, then watch your bank account grow and your financial worries fade. Managing your money doesn't have to be stressful. Jesse Mecham's simple rules make it easy to get what you want most by forgoing things you won't miss." — JOSH KAUFMAN, bestselling author of The Personal MBA and The First 20 Hours

"A handy guide for readers looking to increase their financial literacy and manage their money carefully and successfully." — Booklist

"[You Need a Budget] conveniently addresses readers of all ages (kids included) and family situations (single, childless couples, and couples with kids), taking care to include readers with variable incomes. Cheat-sheet reminders at the close of every chapter are especially helpful. Mecham makes it seem simple and his tone is encouraging." — Publishers Weekly