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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: skyler on August 21, 2013, 10:33:24 AM

Title: MINT Q: how to set up next month's budget?
Post by: skyler on August 21, 2013, 10:33:24 AM

Is there a way to budget ahead in MINT? How do I create a budget for September ??

Title: Re: MINT Q: how to set up next month's budget?
Post by: olivia on August 21, 2013, 10:56:27 AM

No, not really.  The program You Need A Budget (ynab.com (http://ynab.com)) is really the best bet for that.  I just started using it and am a big fan.  You get a free trial to see if you like it.

Title: Re: MINT Q: how to set up next month's budget?
Post by: neoptolemus412 on August 21, 2013, 11:04:20 AM

you can do it if it's a long-term expenses.  Otherwise items roll over month to month.   If you have an expense on the horizon, you can setup a budget to accrue monthly for that expense.  For instance, you have car insurance due of $300 in six months.  You set a budget for 6 months from now @ $300.  Mint accrues $50/month.  Then on the 6th month, you see the item in your September budget.

I use Mint for 100% of my bill/cash/credit card tracking (it's poor at tracking investments).  I create a unique monthly budget the first weekend after the 1st of the month.  I also review prior month's expenses.  YNAB is fine.  However, you have to pay for it.  Mint is not perfect for budgeting concerns, but it's free.

Title: Re: MINT Q: how to set up next month's budget?
Post by: skyler on August 21, 2013, 11:15:02 AM

Played with some bills, I see what you mean.
My trash is billed quarterly and it shows taking a prorated amount each month.
I like the MINT "trends"... I love me some pie charts!!!

I have an unused Quicken disk somewhere, I think it's time I find it :)
Not sure I want to pay a monthly fee to anyone yet...

Title: Re: MINT Q: how to set up next month's budget?
Post by: olivia on August 21, 2013, 12:47:12 PM

Quote from: skyler on August 21, 2013, 11:15:02 AM

Played with some bills, I see what you mean.
My trash is billed quarterly and it shows taking a prorated amount each month.
I like the MINT "trends"... I love me some pie charts!!!

I have an unused Quicken disk somewhere, I think it's time I find it :)
Not sure I want to pay a monthly fee to anyone yet...

There's no monthly fee with YNAB, it's a one time cost to buy the YNAB program ($60).  And there are discount codes around here if you use the search bar and search YNAB. 

I've used Mint for years (since before it got bought out by Quicken) but I think YNAB works much better for actual planning.  I'm sure a Quicken type program does the same thing though.