The dinner in Vegas that still haunts me

3 Mad Libs for telling a better money story

My nine-year-old is currently on a Mad Lib spree, and I thought— why should she be having all the fun? So I put together the first-ever YNAB Mad Libs right here on Substack!

(Though I can’t technically stop you from inserting the word “butt” as many times as her, I can only encourage you to make mature choices.)

So, set the scene and leave your own YNAB Mad Lib in the comments below. It shouldn’t take more than a minute and I can promise you that these stories are inspiration and fuel (and definitely relief) for our community.

Mad Lib #1:

One time, I [bad money memory]. It was [description]. I remember thinking [ruminating thought]. After using YNAB, when I [spending activity], I feel [adjective]. Worry is [status of money worry in your life].

Copy above to use in comments

I’ll do the first one (and yes, this is unfortunately a real story):

One time, I went to a fancy French restaurant in Las Vegas with a wealthy friend because I neglected to look at the prices beforehand and then was too ashamed to speak up. It was excruciating and Nomi and I were in shock afterwards. I remember thinking, how could I be so dumb? After using YNAB, when I go out to a nice restaurant, I feel at peace and proud of myself for knowing where the money is going to come from. Worry is so much less a part of my life now.

Ben B from our Budget Nerds podcast sent in this one:

One time, I let a door-to-door salesman talk me into buying low-quality steak. (So weird!) Turns out it was a common scam. I felt so stupid and easily manipulated. I remember thinking why did I let the pressure get to me so easily? After using YNAB, when I am pressured to spend money on a whim, I feel much more wary! I’m more inclined to check my plan first, which slows me down just enough to let my brain wake up! Worry is just a signal to check my plan and is quickly resolved now.

Mad Lib #2:

I used to think [old belief about my financial situation]. My low point was [memory]. So I [took an action]. And that was just the beginning. Now I [recent accomplishment]. I’m feeling [adjective].

Copy above to use in comments

Here’s another one from me:

I used to think I would never be able to buy a home. My low point was feeling like it was my fault and that we would be stuck in neglected Brooklyn apartments forever. So I started using YNAB with Nomi and we learned how to talk about money more constructively. And that was just the beginning. Now I own a home that I love in a cool town I never knew about. I’m feeling proud of myself and happy for my family.

Mad Lib #3:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted [dream or goal]. But, I felt [adjective] because [obstacle or belief]. The moment I felt it was actually possible was [transformative memory about saving] and I’m [action you’re taking toward it]. Now, when I imagine it actually happening, I feel [adjective].

Copy above to use in comments

From my colleague, Anna:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to go to Japan. But I felt silly, because every month I was stressed about just paying the rent. The moment I felt it was actually possible was when I made it a priority to save for using YNAB and I’m putting away $50 a week. Now, when I imagine it actually happening, I feel excited to sink my toes into the warm, healing waters of the onsen baths in the forest.

And one more from my colleague, Amber:

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to live abroad for a couple of years. But, I felt like it was unattainable because it was such a big, nebulous goal. The moment I felt it was actually possible was when I sat down with my husband to create a category in YNAB with a reasonable savings goal and now we're putting a little away each month. Watching the number get bigger helps it feel possible! Now, when I imagine it actually happening, I feel like we can do anything we set our minds (and money) to.

I’m really looking forward to reading your stories! See you in the comments…

Dan