In my continuing desire to let the world know What Works for Me (what, is this a productivity blog now?), I present to you You Need A Budget, affectionately known as YNAB. Link: www.youneedabudget.com/ynab-3/

Different from all other budgeting software/systems I've found, in that it concentrates less on what you already spent and more on what you've got left to spend. It doesn't require you to keep track of your spending for a month before you start, and for me the biggest deal--it allows for adjustments on the fly.

With other budgets, and unexpected expense or even an opportunity to stock up on something cheap would blow the budget. And that was it. You blew your budget this month. Better luck next month. YNAB has a built-in method for allowing for those curveballs life throws you and still keeping a budget that makjes sense and keeps you on track.

What's more, and AMAZING, is YNAB's user community. The forums are full of YNAB creators and experienced users who are, bless them, willing to stay with a newbie and talk him through any confusion until everything becomes clear. I've never seen customer support like this anywhere.

Jesse (YNAB's owner) is just about to roll out an eagerly awaited new version in time for Christmas. So if you're feeling the pinch, or at sea with your household finances, check out YNAB--and askk Santa to bring you a copy!