# Getting Started with YNAB > New to YNAB? Follow these steps to add accounts, set targets, and assign your money, then use the tips to build the habit during your trial. Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-with-ynab-BJBFUjkUGg Last updated: 2026-10-29T22:03:20.490Z Get up and running with YNAB during your trial, whether you're just starting out or stuck partway through. Follow the steps below, then check out the tips and tricks at the end to help it stick! New to some of the terms below? Bookmark [YNAB Basics & Key Terms](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-ynab-basics-and-key-terms-BJCaIHaTZe) as a quick reference while you get set up. #### Prefer to Watch Videos? Check out our [getting started videos](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq0_N-XTl2yDHsGwhflFMi8Cx4KlQxiGq) (available for web and mobile!), or join one of our [live hangouts](https://www.ynab.com/live-hangouts) to assign your money alongside other YNABers. #### In This Article [Setting Up YNAB](#setting-up-ynab) [Using YNAB](#using-ynab) [Getting Started Tips](#getting-started-tips) [Leveling Up with YNAB](#leveling-up-with-ynab) * * * ## **Setting Up YNAB** ### iOS * **Preparation:** If you want to link your accounts so YNAB can import transactions from your bank, gather the login information for your bank account and any credit cards you spend with. * **Add accounts:** [Add your spending accounts to YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-an-account-ByoxswMJs). When you first learn YNAB, it's easiest to add just your checking/current spending account and any credit card you're actively spending on. You can add savings accounts and other tracking accounts down the road! If you don't want to link your accounts or your bank isn't available, you can choose to add them as Unlinked Accounts. Adding a credit card account specifically? [Credit Cards in YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-credit-cards-in-ynab-H1pdorTTWl) walks through how the payment category works before you make your first purchase. * **Customize Targets:** If you have linked your accounts and there's enough data available, YNAB will use your average monthly spending in some common categories to create categories and targets. From there, you can [add other categories](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-categories-in-ynab-rkWG3rp6x) you can think of and add/edit the targets. You can also learn [how to use Targets](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-targets-in-ynab-r1FTiSaTbe), which are the amount of money you'll want to assign/spend in that category each month. You can also add/edit targets later! * **Assign Your Money:** Once you've added your accounts, you'll see the balance of your checking account at the top of the plan. The next step is to [assign that money](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-assigning-your-money-in-ynab-SyHCkywTZl) to the categories. Ask yourself, "What is this money for? What does **this** money need to do before I get paid again?" You're not assigning your monthly income, just the money you have right now. When the number at the top of the plan reaches zero, you'll stop assigning and now you're ready to use YNAB as you spend! ### Android * **Preparation:** If you want to link your accounts so YNAB can import transactions from your bank, gather the login information for your bank account and any credit cards you spend with. * **Add accounts:** [Add your spending accounts to YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-an-account-ByoxswMJs). When you first learn YNAB, it's easiest to add just your checking/current spending account and any credit card you're actively spending on. You can add savings accounts and other tracking accounts down the road! If you don't want to link your accounts or your bank isn't available, you can choose to add them as Unlinked Accounts. Adding a credit card account specifically? [Credit Cards in YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-credit-cards-in-ynab-H1pdorTTWl) walks through how the payment category works before you make your first purchase. * **Customize Targets:** If you have linked your accounts and there's enough data available, YNAB will use your average monthly spending in some common categories to create categories and targets. From there, you can [add other categories](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-categories-in-ynab-rkWG3rp6x) you can think of and add/edit the targets. You can also learn [how to use Targets](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-targets-in-ynab-r1FTiSaTbe), which are the amount of money you'll want to assign/spend in that category each month. You can also add/edit targets later! * **Assign Your Money:** Once you've added your accounts, you'll see the balance of your checking account at the top of the plan. The next step is to [assign that money](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-assigning-your-money-in-ynab-SyHCkywTZl) to the categories. Ask yourself, "What is this money for? What does **this** money need to do before I get paid again?" You're not assigning your monthly income, just the money you have right now. When the number at the top of the plan reaches zero, you'll stop assigning and now you're ready to use YNAB as you spend! ### Web * **Preparation:** If you want to link your accounts so YNAB can import transactions from your bank, gather the login information for your bank account and any credit cards you spend with. * **Customize Targets:** After you answer a few questions about what you spend money on, YNAB will create categories and targets for you. From there, you can [add other categories](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-categories-in-ynab-rkWG3rp6x) you can think of and add/edit the targets. You can also learn [how to use Targets](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-targets-in-ynab-r1FTiSaTbe), which are the amount of money you'll want to assign/spend in that category each month. You can also add/edit targets later! * **Add accounts:** [Add your spending accounts to YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-an-account-ByoxswMJs). When you first learn YNAB, it's easiest to add just your checking/current spending account and any credit card you're actively spending on. You can add savings accounts and other tracking accounts down the road! If you don't want to link your accounts or your bank isn't available, you can choose to add them as Unlinked Accounts. Adding a credit card account specifically? [Credit Cards in YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-credit-cards-in-ynab-H1pdorTTWl) walks through how the payment category works before you make your first purchase. * **Assign Your Money:** Once you've added your accounts, you'll see the balance of your checking account at the top of the plan. The next step is to [assign that money](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-assigning-your-money-in-ynab-SyHCkywTZl) to the categories. Ask yourself, "What is this money for? What does **this** money need to do before I get paid again?" You're not assigning your monthly income, just the money you have right now. When the number at the top of the plan reaches zero, you'll stop assigning and now you're ready to use YNAB as you spend! [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## Using YNAB * **Approve/Enter Transactions:** Transactions tell YNAB what you've spent and what income you've received since setting up this plan. You'll need to [approve imported transactions](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-transactions-and-categories-SJejV3szx) or [enter transactions](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-transactions-in-ynab-HyDwA_byi) into YNAB to keep it up to date. When YNAB first sees a new payee, you'll need to categorize that spending. When that payee imports again, YNAB will categorize it for you automatically. * **Continue to Customize the Plan:** As you spend, you’ll probably find that you need additional categories! You can [add more categories](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-categories-in-ynab-rkWG3rp6x) at any time. As you use YNAB, you’ll also want to create categories for your [non-monthly expenses](https://www.ynab.com/non-monthly-expenses-for-your-budget/). These are real expenses that don't happen on a monthly cycle like car and home repairs, medical and vet bills, annual subscriptions, and much more. Think of the last time you had to put something on the credit card that you hadn't planned for - create a category so you can plan for the next time it happens! * **Cover Overspending:** If you've spent more than you planned, don't worry! It's all part of the process. Just [move money between categories to cover your overspending](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/overspending-in-ynab-a-guide-ryWoxEyi). It's ideal to cover it as soon as possible so you have a clear picture of what is left to spend. * **Enter and Assign Income:** Each time you get paid, you'll categorize the inflow transaction as Ready to Assign (here's how to [enter your income](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-income-and-other-inflows-H1ZNjfZJi) if you don't link accounts) and assign that new money to categories, just like you did during set up. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## Getting Started Tips * The best way to get the hang of YNAB is to open the app frequently. The available amount in each category is how much you can spend. If you open the app at the grocery store and see $300 in your Groceries category, that's how much you can spend. If you end up needing more before you get paid again, you can change your priorities and move money between categories before you spend. YNAB is designed to be flexible - moving money when your priorities change means you're getting good at money! * If you set up a YNAB plan but then got stuck or haven't logged in recently, you can always start over! You can use the [make a Fresh Start feature](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/plan-resets-and-fresh-starts-HkXYR_c0q#fresh) to start over as of today, but keep any categories, targets, or accounts you already set up! * Starting mid-month? You don't need to wait for the 1st to begin. [Starting YNAB Mid-Month](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-starting-ynab-mid-month-HkJPvHaTZl) covers exactly what to do, including what to do about bills you've already paid this month. * If you have a partner or spouse that you share finances with, you can share YNAB with them too! You can use the [YNAB Together feature](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/ynab-together-B1nS78Cki) to invite them to join your YNAB trial with their own login - included for free under your existing plan. * Have a question as you get started? [Getting Started: Frequently Asked Questions](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-frequently-asked-questions-r1EiQk75Ml) covers common questions about setting up, assigning your money, and building the habit. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## Leveling Up with YNAB Learning to look at your money in a new way can be hard, but there are so many great reasons to stick with it. As you get good with money, you won't necessarily be spending less, you'll be spending _better_. Your spending will be more in line with your priorities and you can use your spending to help you craft the life you want. YNAB can help you: * Break the paycheck to paycheck cycle. * Pay down debt while still saving up for other goals. * Enjoy all the benefits of using a credit card while knowing you could pay it off in full at any time. * Save up for long term goals like vacations, home renovations, and so much more! [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## Help Us Help You **Are you stuck or do you need more help?** [Tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) to ensure that your message gets to our Support team!