# Using YNAB with Variable Income

> This article explains how to thrive when using YNAB with a variable income. We'll help you plan for the future and keep funds available during leaner months.

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/using-ynab-with-variable-income-an-overview-BynJaHZ09

Last updated: 2026-09-02T17:22:07.564Z

Manage variable income by using a plan template, setting priorities, scheduling transactions, and maintaining daily routines. Plan for the future and keep funds available during the leaner months of income using our tips and resources for mastering a variable income in YNAB!

#### In This Article

[Using YNAB with a Variable Income](#quickstart)

[Mastering a Variable Income](#deepdive)

* * *

## Using YNAB with a Variable Income

Assigning money to your categories and organizing your plan can feel out of place when you don't have a regular income. Not knowing how much your next paycheck will be or when it will come injects uncertainty into your financial life. We want to help you **thrive** when using YNAB with a variable income.

When next month’s expenses are covered, payday and due dates don’t really matter and financial emergencies become inconveniences. You're reducing uncertainty! Here are some tips for how to do that:

*   **Set up** [**a Plan Template**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjcYySRKc1A&feature=youtu.be&t=20%5C).  Knowing exactly when each bill is due and how much it will be (exactly or approximately) will give you back some certainty. Those are things you know.
    
*   **Weigh your priorities over more than just one month.** Should you assign less to Fun Money this month and more for next month's rent category? Maybe. Consider assigning money to necessary bills in future months before you add it to less necessary categories this month.
    
*   **Rely on** [**Scheduled Transactions**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/scheduled-transactions-a-guide-BygrAIFA9) **and** [**targets**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/getting-started-with-targets-ryAEP08xC)**.** Yellow alerts in your categories will remind you if you need to assign more to have enough set aside for those.
    
*   **Keep** [**YNAB accurate**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-keep-your-plan-accurate-SyC9mj9Rq) **by creating a daily routine.** I know, it sounds like something your grandma might have told you, along with "eat your vegetables," and "don't forget to floss," but it's going to be much more fun to spend about five minutes a day in YNAB than a whole morning once a month.
    
*   **Never hesitate to reach out to our Support team!** [Send us a message](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5)! We're here to help.
    

#### Reality for the Win

Above all, remember, only assign the money you have. Getting clear about how much money you have on hand and what that money needs to do next will help you stretch it as far as possible now that you have a plan.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Help Us Help You!

Our Knowledge Base team reviews article feedback responses weekly, and we actively revise these articles to make them as helpful as possible. That's where you come in! Our articles are scored based on the _Yes_ or _No_ ratings received below. We also collect freeform feedback for any _No_ ratings (so our team can focus in on what you were specifically searching for!).

**Success**: Found what you were searching for? It would be super helpful if you click _Yes_ below.

**Suggestions**: Didn't find what you're searching for and you'd like to share what terms or topics you wanted? Click _No_ below. You'll then be able to submit your feedback about this article. **Please note:** the feedback submissions are anonymous, and we’re not able to respond, so make sure to use the next option if you have a specific scenario or question you would like a response to.

**Support**: If you have a question or would like a response to your specific question, [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!