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].
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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].
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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].
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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
Your Vegas story is classic! I almost did the same at some fancy NYC restaurant with my sister, but somehow we managed the guts to get up from our table before the server returned and walk out!
One time, I splurged on a giant segment of the side of a plane at an antique shop. It was kinda cool at the time. I remember thinking as I could turn it into a funky wall piece, but over the years, that never happened and I even lugged it across the country in a move. I feel like there’s no way I can just throw something like this out after spending all that money. After using YNAB, when I am tempted by the mile high thrill of purchasing expensive art, I feel confident my “Artwork” category will keep me grounded. Worry is something that I know will always be part of my money story, but regret won’t be!
One time, I bought all the groceries I wanted and was so excited to cook with them. It was awful when I realized I didn’t have money to pay for any of them and humiliating when I had to return all of it. I remember thinking I need to be responsible and start doing something different. After using YNAB, when I want to buy groceries, or anything, I scan what I already have, look at my plan, and worry- and humiliation-free, I make my decision. Worry is not part of my financial life.
(I took Mad Lib liberty and change a line or two 😏)