I got YNAB Nov of last year. I love the idea of it but I’ve never been super good at staying up with it. I like knowing I can afford something but constantly putting $1-5 in a bunch of categories is obnoxious.

Recently I read a MMM blog post where he mentions paying for immediate necessities, having a small emergency fund, and the rest just thrown at debt. I don’t have huge debt, but definitely a chunk of debt that needs to go. I noticed that by the time I contribute to my eleventy hundred categories in YNAB, I have about $50 left over if I’m lucky. I feel I’ll never be FI at this rate, let alone retire.

Is that just the way it goes in the beginning or is there a more minimalistic way to set up YNAB that someone could point me toward?

EDIT: You have all been SUPER helpful! I’ve discovered that the problem is I’m funding categories that I don’t need, and over funding what I do need. I’m letting more money sit in my checking account than is necessary. I’m going to reduce the number of categories and put clear goals on them (probably 2 mo worth).

Thanks again!!