I learned about money management the hard way – student loans, credit card debt, car loans, mortgages – and felt generally anxious about money for many years. I slowly started learning more about personal finance and eventually decided to get a master’s degree in personal financial planning with a focus on financial therapy.
After more than a decade of being self-taught and completing the degree, the light bulb moment happened when YNAB (You Need a Budget) finally clicked for me. It completely changed the way I viewed and interacted with my finances.
YNAB has a learning curve, and I gave up on it a few times. After I understood this budget approach, my money worries faded. I knew that I had to help others use this system, which led me to apply for the YNAB coaching program. I hope to help others use YNAB to lose the money worry and meet financial goals.
Education and credentials
- YNAB Certified Budgeting Coach (first cohort – 2022)
- Master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning (Kansas State University 2019) with a graduate certificate in financial therapy.
- Member of Financial Therapy Association / attended conference (2017)
- Full-time college professor (since 2006)
- Created/taught personal finance course
- Created financial literacy workshops and volunteered teaching financial skills to youths
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“Jen was wonderful. She listened well, responded to all my questions, and gave me the info I needed to accomplish my goals. This session made all the difference for me. I am ready to move forward in exactly the ways I need. I’m excited to get going!”
– Deb Kukal
Disclaimer: I am a YNAB Certified Budgeting Coach, which means that I have been trained to coach people on using YNAB software and the YNAB budgeting method. I have met select requirements of You Need a Budget LLC in order to receive this certification, which means that I have the ability to competently coach YNAB to others. I am not an employee of YNAB, and all non-YNAB related opinions and recommendations are my own. My views do not reflect the views of YNAB and its employees or its affiliates.