While consumers who already have a working budget and are successfully saving money, and decreasing their debts may still find a finance software package useful, YNAB Pro isn’t directed toward this market.  If, on the other hand, a household is counting the days until pay day to make bill payments or buy groceries, YNAB Pro may be appropriate.

The software serves up a financial philosophy based on four principles.  The first is to get at least one month ahead on bills, and end the paycheck-to-paycheck stress. The second is to assign a “job” to every dollar earned.  Rather than deducting necessary payments and then leaving the remainder to “miscellaneous” spending such as entertainment, YNAB Pro suggests planning all expenditures ahead of time. Third, have an emergency account.  Lastly, learn flexibility that will help in recovering from overspending or budgeting errors.