re: I'm a YNAB geek.

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Why would someone need YNAB? It surprises you the average American is not too bright nor can't plan nor understand how money works? Do you watch people drive while glued to their devices? People have become idiots across a wide spectrum of the population no matter what age.

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You can use a pen and paper, an Excel sheet, or software. You can just wing it. I've done it all. I just prefer the YNAB system, just as many on the White Coat Investor do (doctors, attorneys, engineers, PhD's and other highly educated professionals)

My in-laws think that using a budget means you are poor. Society has made us think that budget = frugal. Budgeting is just smart personal finance. I rail on Dave Ramsey, but he's right that every person/family needs a budget.

My in-laws are facing retirement with nothing, despite making six figures for the last 15 years. They have about $7,000 saved for retirement, and have refinanced their house so many times that they will end up paying 40 years (if they don't refinance again). They also couldn't tell you how much they spend on anything.

We see our money all the time. I can give you a ballpark on anything, and to the penny with a couple of clicks of my phone. I am also on track to have north of $4MM at retirement, my kids have accounts for college, weddings, and first vehicles. Vacations are always fully funded.

My surprise is how bad the situation is. My six year old has $1000 in the bank. But 7 in 10 adults don't?