How to Use YNAB’s Savings Targets Effectively
YNAB’s target tools make your wish list real—by helping you plan, track, and follow through on your savings goals.
Why Traditional Savings Often Fall Short
We’ve all said it: “I’ll start saving when things settle down.” Or, “I’ll use whatever’s left at the end of the month.” But somehow, there’s never anything left.
That’s why at Master Budget Coaching, we help clients flip their thinking. Instead of waiting for “extra” money to show up, we use YNAB’s built-in savings target features to create intentional, proactive savings habits that actually work.
What Are Savings Targets in YNAB?
In the latest version of YNAB, there are three types of savings targets you can apply to a category. Each one serves a specific purpose and helps you answer this fundamental question:
“How much money does this category need—and when?”
Here’s a breakdown of the three types:
- Set Aside Each Month: Add a consistent amount every month (e.g., $100/month for car maintenance or $50/month for holiday gifts)
- Refill Up To: Keep the category topped up to a certain balance (great for groceries, gas, or clothing—expenses that fluctuate)
- By Date Goal: Save a total amount by a specific date (e.g., $1,200 for a vacation by June 1)
YNAB guides you with prompts and progress bars. You’ll always know if you’re on track—or need to adjust.
Matching the Right Target to the Right Goal
1. Set Aside Each Month
Perfect for predictable, recurring expenses. Think:
- Annual memberships (e.g., Amazon Prime, YNAB itself!)
- Home maintenance
- Birthdays
- Holiday spending
Even if the expense isn’t monthly, the savings can be.
2. Refill Up To
Use this when the category gets used frequently, and you want it to maintain a healthy buffer. Best for:
- Groceries
- Household supplies
- Pet expenses
- Clothing
It helps prevent category depletion and makes spending more predictable.
3. By Date Goal
This is the best choice when your goal has a deadline. Great for:
- Travel or vacations
- Insurance premiums
- Tuition payments
- Big-ticket purchases (like a new mattress or appliance)
You’ll know exactly how much to save each month to hit your deadline.
Real-World Coaching Example: Planning a Trip Without Stress
One client, Andrea, came to us overwhelmed. She wanted to save for a summer vacation and build an emergency fund—but never felt like she had enough for either.
We helped her set up two categories:
- “Vacation 2025” with a By Date Goal of $2,400 by July 1
- “Emergency Fund” with Set Aside Each Month of $150
YNAB guided her monthly contributions and tracked her progress. When she reached her vacation goal a month early, she kept going—and doubled her emergency fund in the process.
“It was the first time I saved without guessing. I knew exactly what to do every month.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using targets is powerful—but misusing them can cause frustration. Watch out for:
Too Many Targets
It’s tempting to create 20 different categories with savings goals. But spreading yourself too thin dilutes progress. Focus on 3–5 key priorities at a time.
Mismatched Goal Types
Using “Set Aside Each Month” for a vacation will leave you short. A “By Date Goal” would give you a defined end and pacing.
Ignoring Prompts
YNAB tells you how much to assign. If you skip those prompts repeatedly, your goals fall behind—and that builds friction.
Use YNAB’s Five Questions to Prioritize Targets
YNAB’s updated methodology is built on five core questions. Two of them are essential for savings:
- What goals, large or small, do I want to prioritize?
- What can I set aside for next month’s spending?
These two questions shape your future. Targets give those answers structure.
Want help applying them? Here’s a breakdown of the method:
➡️ YNAB: The Method Gets an Update
Final Thoughts: Make Saving Intentional, Not Accidental
The difference between financial stress and peace of mind isn’t willpower—it’s structure.
YNAB’s target tools make saving actionable. They shift your mindset from “maybe I’ll get there” to “I’m already on my way.” Whether you’re saving for travel, safety, or fun, your spending plan should reflect your future—not just your present.
About the Author
Trent Ladle is the founder of Master Budget Coaching and a YNAB Certified Coach with degrees in Business Management and an MBA. With nearly 40 years of budgeting experience, he helps clients build values-based spending plans—guided by the belief that when you master your spending, you master your life.
Ready to Build a Spending Plan That Supports Your Goals?
Let’s create a YNAB plan with clear, realistic savings targets—designed to help you move forward with confidence.
