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You Don't Need a Budget: Stop Worrying about Debt, Spend without Shame, and Manage Money with Ease
A simple, no‑stress guide to managing money—free of the toxic messages and shame baked into traditional personal finance advice.
Track every dollar you spend. Check your account balances once a week. Always pay off your credit card bill in full. Make a budget—and stick to it. These are just a few of the edicts you'll find in virtually every personal finance book. But this kind of rigid, one‑size-fits‑all advice—usually written for and by wealthy white men (and a few women) with little perspective on the money struggles that many people face—is unrealistic, and only creates stress and shame.
As a financial journalist and educator, Dana Miranda is on a mission to liberate readers from budget the damaging set of beliefs around money that rely on restriction, shame, and greed—much like diet culture does for food and bodies. In this long‑overdue alternative to traditional budgeting advice, Miranda offers a new approach that makes money easy for everyone, regardless of the numbers in their bank account.
Full of counterintuitive advice—like how to use debt to support your life goals, how to plan for retirement without a 401K, and how to take advantage of resources that exist to support those left behind by the forces of capitalism—You Don’t Need a Budget will empower readers to get money off their mind and live the lives they want.
Track every dollar you spend. Check your account balances once a week. Always pay off your credit card bill in full. Make a budget—and stick to it. These are just a few of the edicts you'll find in virtually every personal finance book. But this kind of rigid, one‑size-fits‑all advice—usually written for and by wealthy white men (and a few women) with little perspective on the money struggles that many people face—is unrealistic, and only creates stress and shame.
As a financial journalist and educator, Dana Miranda is on a mission to liberate readers from budget the damaging set of beliefs around money that rely on restriction, shame, and greed—much like diet culture does for food and bodies. In this long‑overdue alternative to traditional budgeting advice, Miranda offers a new approach that makes money easy for everyone, regardless of the numbers in their bank account.
Full of counterintuitive advice—like how to use debt to support your life goals, how to plan for retirement without a 401K, and how to take advantage of resources that exist to support those left behind by the forces of capitalism—You Don’t Need a Budget will empower readers to get money off their mind and live the lives they want.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2024
91 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 24, 2025
(free review copy) I wavered between a three and a four for this, and I wanted to go with the four because I really do appreciate the different way of thinking in this book than the majority of personal finance books. However, I have enough caveats to that, that I ended up going with three.
What I loved: releasing the shame around debt, calling out investing for what it is (largely unethical), calling out resource hoarding for what it is (greedy), viewing taxation as a way of supporting our society and a form of giving, releasing shame around utilizing social supports, and acknowledging that there are different ways of managing money for different people.
Something I struggled with, though, is calling this a budget-free approach, while everything that she advocates for doing is actually what I consider budgeting? I would definitely call the money map at the back of the book a budget of a type. While I do completely agree that assigning spending limits for different categories each month, and allowing zero deviation from those is unnecessarily restrictive and is definitely similar to diet culture, using a tool like You Need a Budget, as I have for many many years, does not mean that you can’t use it in a way that is very similar to her money map. I do use YNAB exactly as she describes in her budget-free strategy in this book (creating buckets for things, setting aside money for commitments first, and having a flexible comfort spending category), and the budget I had my students create when I was teaching high school personal finance was very much similar to this money map. So perhaps the term budget in Miranda‘s view is different than in my view? It's what made the entire concept of this book "stick" for me the entire time I was reading it.
I do really want a lot of people to read this book, because I think it’s an interesting addition to the money space, and I think it will be freeing for many people to read Miranda‘s views on debt and releasing shame and non-hoarding of resources. But for anyone who is straight up struggling with not having enough money to make ends meet, this book proves the point that only people who already HAVE money have the luxury to manage it. I wish that the title had been different and that the focus hadn't been on it being a "budget free" strategy, but instead just an anti-capitalist manifesto, which I fully support.
Source: free print review copy from publisher
What I loved: releasing the shame around debt, calling out investing for what it is (largely unethical), calling out resource hoarding for what it is (greedy), viewing taxation as a way of supporting our society and a form of giving, releasing shame around utilizing social supports, and acknowledging that there are different ways of managing money for different people.
Something I struggled with, though, is calling this a budget-free approach, while everything that she advocates for doing is actually what I consider budgeting? I would definitely call the money map at the back of the book a budget of a type. While I do completely agree that assigning spending limits for different categories each month, and allowing zero deviation from those is unnecessarily restrictive and is definitely similar to diet culture, using a tool like You Need a Budget, as I have for many many years, does not mean that you can’t use it in a way that is very similar to her money map. I do use YNAB exactly as she describes in her budget-free strategy in this book (creating buckets for things, setting aside money for commitments first, and having a flexible comfort spending category), and the budget I had my students create when I was teaching high school personal finance was very much similar to this money map. So perhaps the term budget in Miranda‘s view is different than in my view? It's what made the entire concept of this book "stick" for me the entire time I was reading it.
I do really want a lot of people to read this book, because I think it’s an interesting addition to the money space, and I think it will be freeing for many people to read Miranda‘s views on debt and releasing shame and non-hoarding of resources. But for anyone who is straight up struggling with not having enough money to make ends meet, this book proves the point that only people who already HAVE money have the luxury to manage it. I wish that the title had been different and that the focus hadn't been on it being a "budget free" strategy, but instead just an anti-capitalist manifesto, which I fully support.
Source: free print review copy from publisher
December 24, 2024
I thought this would be an interesting read, which it was, for the first 25% of the book. Then she started talking about how earning a living is ludicrous and living beyond your means is okay because there is all this public assistance available. I stopped reading after that because she suggested that going to a food bank would free up $100 worth of cash for groceries to be used on something else. I don't feel this is right because food banks are for people who literally cannot afford food, not because you need to free up some cash to buy something else.
Yes, I agree with the premise that capitalism is a bad thing, which lots of people have been saying FOREVER and is nothing new. This is a drum a lot of people have been banging for quite a while and fighting for basic things like places to live, food and medical care is tragic, no one ever wants to do anything about it. Public assistance shouldn't be taken for granted because there is not enough to go around for those who need it. Using it like free money seems rather sad. Especially since I noticed she never mentions that if you make enough money (and enough is relative to what the government says is enough) you don't qualify for that anyway.
Also, I don't think prioritizing your bills on which one you should pay this month is the best plan. I think enough TV and movies have portrayed this as a bad idea. Maybe she wakes up and gets a smack in the face of reality later in the book but I stopped giving her credibility after the food bank comment.
The author even admits she was better with money when she had more of it, so capitalism is still the heart of America and probably will be for the foreseeable future because people don't care about other people anymore.
Yes, I agree with the premise that capitalism is a bad thing, which lots of people have been saying FOREVER and is nothing new. This is a drum a lot of people have been banging for quite a while and fighting for basic things like places to live, food and medical care is tragic, no one ever wants to do anything about it. Public assistance shouldn't be taken for granted because there is not enough to go around for those who need it. Using it like free money seems rather sad. Especially since I noticed she never mentions that if you make enough money (and enough is relative to what the government says is enough) you don't qualify for that anyway.
Also, I don't think prioritizing your bills on which one you should pay this month is the best plan. I think enough TV and movies have portrayed this as a bad idea. Maybe she wakes up and gets a smack in the face of reality later in the book but I stopped giving her credibility after the food bank comment.
The author even admits she was better with money when she had more of it, so capitalism is still the heart of America and probably will be for the foreseeable future because people don't care about other people anymore.
October 1, 2024
I understand what Miranda is trying to do with this book and I think it is a good addition to the personal finance space, but I'm not quite sure it worked for me personally. A lot of her advice is similar to the common financial advice you see from the "experts" that she rallies against, but she packages it differently and changing the meaning of it just enough to make it sound revolutionary. It's not that revolutionary BUT I think that the book is helpful for people looking for a true mindset shift about money. For me, I don't feel like I really needed that, but I can appreciate what she is doing with this book.
February 16, 2025
Maybe I can save others some time: her money map is a budget minus hustle culture/money mindset brain rot.
This is a book about semantics: essentially, you do need a budget, because there are consequences for not managing your finances, but don't call it that.
This is a book about semantics: essentially, you do need a budget, because there are consequences for not managing your finances, but don't call it that.
February 15, 2025
wanted to read this because i’ve been consuming a lot of personal finance advice post-grad and was interested in a slightly contrarian take. unfortunately, this book falls into the trap le guin describes as “making a cult of women’s knowledge,” by leaning into both pseudoscience and very emotionally-driven approaches to managing an income. i will not be doing yoga, chanting mantras, and listening to my feelings to determine if i’m saving enough — that’s what the spreadsheet is for.
i liked some of the elements of this book, including the focus on avoiding extreme restraint and the somewhat interesting comparisons to diet culture, but the broad anti-capitalist discussion and continued focus on systemic oppression of all kinds, while rhetorically fine, felt useless in a book that promised practical advice.
i also thought this book over-relied on quotes from others, in several cases from interviews on podcasts. if i am reading a book, i do not ever want to read a quote from a podcast. it weakens the author’s point of view to constantly have a grab bag of alternate perspectives and ideologies— just make your argument better! abolish the caveats.
i liked some of the elements of this book, including the focus on avoiding extreme restraint and the somewhat interesting comparisons to diet culture, but the broad anti-capitalist discussion and continued focus on systemic oppression of all kinds, while rhetorically fine, felt useless in a book that promised practical advice.
i also thought this book over-relied on quotes from others, in several cases from interviews on podcasts. if i am reading a book, i do not ever want to read a quote from a podcast. it weakens the author’s point of view to constantly have a grab bag of alternate perspectives and ideologies— just make your argument better! abolish the caveats.
February 20, 2025
Basically tells you to follow your whims, don't invest in stocks and have no budgetary discipline 😑
(Read via Blinkist)
(Read via Blinkist)
dnf
October 17, 2025TLDR you do need a budget but not a line-by-line budget
March 8, 2025
Don't read this whole book - just read the last three chapters. The rest of the entire book is just long, drawn-out, and leaves you scratching your head. I feel like this author thinks she's preaching something radical with the concept of having no budget and relying on debt and community resources, but in reality, that's what most Americans do already. There were moments in the book that made me feel like she was encouraging people to take huge financial risks or be financially irresponsible, like when she quoted K. Kenneth Davis: "When you pay off debt, what do you get back? Nothing" (pg. 164). Also, her example of someone living a no budget lifestyle was someone who took a calculated risk to take out student loans to get a Ph. D and provide a better life for their family...not exactly radical or that unheard of (most people take out student loans for the same reason!). I just feel like this didn't need to be a book. It's sad because I agree with so much of what the author believes, but the majority of the book is not very helpful.
September 18, 2025
This has been one of the hardest reviews I've ever had to write. I just have so many notes, so many issues with the book, and so many "I agree with that, but" feelings. But I guess to boil it down to its core, I think that while Dana Miranda is well intentioned, people who follow her advise will find themselves more worried about debt and worse off in their personal and financial lives.
Consider just a sample of suggestions that might help a person feel empowered in the moment but would put them on unstable ground in the long term.
"When you pay off debt, what do you get back? Nothing." Excuse me, Dana! How about money saved from paying further interest? How about freeing up financial commitments? How about the general peace of mind from knowing you don't owe anyone anything? You can argue that paying down debt isn't always the best life or money move but to pretend it has no value won't help anyone.
Later in the same chapter, Miranda writes, "Instead of complying with the budget culture obligation to eliminate debt at all costs, look for ways to reduce the burden debt can place on your day-to-day life [such as] making just the minimum payments." What kind of advice is that? Yes, making the minimum payment is an option that is available and, yes, maybe in one out of every hundred cases this is the best path, but the vast majority of the time for the vast majority of people this is a bad idea. Furthermore, when this is the best choice, the situation is so dire that it's not like the individual in it needs someone to enlighten them. For most everyone else, ignoring debt might feel good in the moment but it won't help you "find ease" or "reduce the burden debt can place on your day-to-day life." Kicking the can down the road will just make the problem bigger and more overwhelming when it eventually demands it be confronted.
She also talks often about how budgets are restrictive and produce shame. She suggests they force us "to ignore ourselves when we want something, deferring to an external set of guidelines to make our decisions for us." But that doesn't sound like what I've heard from any expert about what a budget is. A budget is a tool where YOU decide your priorities and then allocate money to make sure YOUR priorities are met. Her "budget-free approach is about being able to say yes more often when you're wondering whether or not to spend money" but that completely ignores the fact that our wants and desires wax and wane moment to moment and that advertisers are scarily good at taking advantage of that. Having a budget doesn't mean I don't "trust myself to spend money without destroying my life," it means I want my calm, rational mind to create a plan that is aligned with my values more than hungry, bored, and lonely Joe who's overstimulated and exhausted after a long days work to make spending decisions. "Saying yes more often" when contemplating spending money isn't the answer to stress and anxiety around money or capitalism's shortcomings.
In this sense, the book reminded me of the story of the lions who started a school for zebras. They hired a zebra teacher to tell all the other zebras that running around the hot safari was too hard and strenuous and that they'd be happier if they just laid down and slept all day long. The school was a big success. Zebras stopped running and lived far more comfortable, albeit shorter lives. I'm sure big businesses and capitalists intent on preying on the proletariat find this book immensely satisfactory.
Miranda seemed very intent on creating a safe space, which is certainly admirable but we can take that principle too far. If we're so afraid of ever making someone feel bad that we don't tell them hard truths, they will forever get knocked down by reality but, like bees bumping against windows, never know what they're doing wrong. Miranda preaches there is nothing wrong with you. You have no responsibility for your financial situation; that you're a victim of a broken financial system and that it needs to change not you. While I can get behind the argument that the financial system is broken and even that it's responsible for many if not most of our financial woes, I can't agree that individuals are entirely blameless for their financial predicaments nor that the solution is to do whatever feels good to you in the moment with your money. Ignoring responsible financial habits, chasing hedonic dreams, and spending more than you earn can't lead to happiness and a fulfilling life no matter what Miranda pretends.
The funny thing was even Miranda didn't seem to agree with herself though. While she talks about how budgets are bad, she recommends making and regularly reviewing a "money map." Spoiler, it's just a budget. She pretends it doesn't have all the same restrictive, disempowering connotative baggage that budgets have but ignores the reality rhat people who truly understand budgets don't have that baggage to begin with. The problem isn't budgets but some people's approach to budgeting. She likewise rebrands savings accounts (which she says are bad and encourage hoarding and greed) to "Yes Funds" (which she says are freeing and ensure you have money for things you want and value). The only real difference between the two, once again, is the emotional baggage she ascribes to the former.
I also didn't like how change seems to be a bad word to Dana Miranda. It means that we're flawed and she rejects the idea that people can be flawed. For her systems are flawed. People in power are flawed. The rank and file, however, especially the oppressed, they're perfect just the way they are. That belief is ridiculous to me. Why can't we admit that systems and oppressors are both flawed and admirable. Why can't we see the oppressed are imperfect and noble? Her way of thinking in this regard is far too black and white.
I don't like that Miranda talks about labeling purchases as "good" and "bad," or "wants" and "needs" as a problematic practice. I'd say living a value driven life means we HAVE to make these kinds of judgements. Yes, those judgement calls should come from within and typically should not be so stringent as to apply universally to all situations of our lives, but they need to be made.
To Miranda, this distaste of labels doesn't apply to capitalism and budgets. While I have problems with aspects of capitalism, you can't pretend it's purely evil. Our capitalistic society has raised the standard of living for people all over the globe to heights unimaginable by folks even a hundred and fifty years ago. Many of the poorest people today love more comfortablely than kings a millennium ago. Capitalism rewards risk and risk fuels innovation. I think we have to acknowledge that when talking about capitalism and how to divest ourselves from it.
Through some LinkedIn research I learned she got her first professional job writing for PennyHoarder. I used to read their articles but very quickly I learned they had no substance. They'd have an article like "30 Ways to Make Money This Summer" but fifteen of the ways would be different companies that would "pay" you to do online surveys and the other fifteen would be how to save money on insurance products. The articles had no substance. And so I wasn't surprised Dana Miranda wrote for them. This book lacked substance as well.
I promise I tried to have an open mind about this book. I fought my tendency to disagree with Dana Miranda because of how she named concepts (using the term "budget culture," for instance, to define a view of money that is restrictive, shame-inducing, and greedy) and to find common ground. I probably didn't do a great job, but I was able to appreciate her suggestion on not waiting until your well off financially to be generous. I also was very intrigued by her discussion on the unethical nature of investing. It got me thinking about if getting something for nothing inherently cankers our souls. It's a topic that I want to explore more.
Consider just a sample of suggestions that might help a person feel empowered in the moment but would put them on unstable ground in the long term.
"When you pay off debt, what do you get back? Nothing." Excuse me, Dana! How about money saved from paying further interest? How about freeing up financial commitments? How about the general peace of mind from knowing you don't owe anyone anything? You can argue that paying down debt isn't always the best life or money move but to pretend it has no value won't help anyone.
Later in the same chapter, Miranda writes, "Instead of complying with the budget culture obligation to eliminate debt at all costs, look for ways to reduce the burden debt can place on your day-to-day life [such as] making just the minimum payments." What kind of advice is that? Yes, making the minimum payment is an option that is available and, yes, maybe in one out of every hundred cases this is the best path, but the vast majority of the time for the vast majority of people this is a bad idea. Furthermore, when this is the best choice, the situation is so dire that it's not like the individual in it needs someone to enlighten them. For most everyone else, ignoring debt might feel good in the moment but it won't help you "find ease" or "reduce the burden debt can place on your day-to-day life." Kicking the can down the road will just make the problem bigger and more overwhelming when it eventually demands it be confronted.
She also talks often about how budgets are restrictive and produce shame. She suggests they force us "to ignore ourselves when we want something, deferring to an external set of guidelines to make our decisions for us." But that doesn't sound like what I've heard from any expert about what a budget is. A budget is a tool where YOU decide your priorities and then allocate money to make sure YOUR priorities are met. Her "budget-free approach is about being able to say yes more often when you're wondering whether or not to spend money" but that completely ignores the fact that our wants and desires wax and wane moment to moment and that advertisers are scarily good at taking advantage of that. Having a budget doesn't mean I don't "trust myself to spend money without destroying my life," it means I want my calm, rational mind to create a plan that is aligned with my values more than hungry, bored, and lonely Joe who's overstimulated and exhausted after a long days work to make spending decisions. "Saying yes more often" when contemplating spending money isn't the answer to stress and anxiety around money or capitalism's shortcomings.
In this sense, the book reminded me of the story of the lions who started a school for zebras. They hired a zebra teacher to tell all the other zebras that running around the hot safari was too hard and strenuous and that they'd be happier if they just laid down and slept all day long. The school was a big success. Zebras stopped running and lived far more comfortable, albeit shorter lives. I'm sure big businesses and capitalists intent on preying on the proletariat find this book immensely satisfactory.
Miranda seemed very intent on creating a safe space, which is certainly admirable but we can take that principle too far. If we're so afraid of ever making someone feel bad that we don't tell them hard truths, they will forever get knocked down by reality but, like bees bumping against windows, never know what they're doing wrong. Miranda preaches there is nothing wrong with you. You have no responsibility for your financial situation; that you're a victim of a broken financial system and that it needs to change not you. While I can get behind the argument that the financial system is broken and even that it's responsible for many if not most of our financial woes, I can't agree that individuals are entirely blameless for their financial predicaments nor that the solution is to do whatever feels good to you in the moment with your money. Ignoring responsible financial habits, chasing hedonic dreams, and spending more than you earn can't lead to happiness and a fulfilling life no matter what Miranda pretends.
The funny thing was even Miranda didn't seem to agree with herself though. While she talks about how budgets are bad, she recommends making and regularly reviewing a "money map." Spoiler, it's just a budget. She pretends it doesn't have all the same restrictive, disempowering connotative baggage that budgets have but ignores the reality rhat people who truly understand budgets don't have that baggage to begin with. The problem isn't budgets but some people's approach to budgeting. She likewise rebrands savings accounts (which she says are bad and encourage hoarding and greed) to "Yes Funds" (which she says are freeing and ensure you have money for things you want and value). The only real difference between the two, once again, is the emotional baggage she ascribes to the former.
I also didn't like how change seems to be a bad word to Dana Miranda. It means that we're flawed and she rejects the idea that people can be flawed. For her systems are flawed. People in power are flawed. The rank and file, however, especially the oppressed, they're perfect just the way they are. That belief is ridiculous to me. Why can't we admit that systems and oppressors are both flawed and admirable. Why can't we see the oppressed are imperfect and noble? Her way of thinking in this regard is far too black and white.
I don't like that Miranda talks about labeling purchases as "good" and "bad," or "wants" and "needs" as a problematic practice. I'd say living a value driven life means we HAVE to make these kinds of judgements. Yes, those judgement calls should come from within and typically should not be so stringent as to apply universally to all situations of our lives, but they need to be made.
To Miranda, this distaste of labels doesn't apply to capitalism and budgets. While I have problems with aspects of capitalism, you can't pretend it's purely evil. Our capitalistic society has raised the standard of living for people all over the globe to heights unimaginable by folks even a hundred and fifty years ago. Many of the poorest people today love more comfortablely than kings a millennium ago. Capitalism rewards risk and risk fuels innovation. I think we have to acknowledge that when talking about capitalism and how to divest ourselves from it.
Through some LinkedIn research I learned she got her first professional job writing for PennyHoarder. I used to read their articles but very quickly I learned they had no substance. They'd have an article like "30 Ways to Make Money This Summer" but fifteen of the ways would be different companies that would "pay" you to do online surveys and the other fifteen would be how to save money on insurance products. The articles had no substance. And so I wasn't surprised Dana Miranda wrote for them. This book lacked substance as well.
I promise I tried to have an open mind about this book. I fought my tendency to disagree with Dana Miranda because of how she named concepts (using the term "budget culture," for instance, to define a view of money that is restrictive, shame-inducing, and greedy) and to find common ground. I probably didn't do a great job, but I was able to appreciate her suggestion on not waiting until your well off financially to be generous. I also was very intrigued by her discussion on the unethical nature of investing. It got me thinking about if getting something for nothing inherently cankers our souls. It's a topic that I want to explore more.
May 25, 2025
I really liked this book in a way that I can’t quite explain. The main message of this book is that we live in budget culture. I had never thought of my being frugal or doing YNAB for years as being part of budget culture. And she goes on to explain that budgeting is like dieting and all the ways we talk about food and our bodies is the result of diet culture, which is a concept I already knew and understood. It was so uncomfortable to hear that the way I think about spending and saving is the result of budget culture and not because I’m some evolved creature. I can understand why this book gets low reviews. We still live in a capitalist society so what are we supposed to do? The author can’t tell you what to do, but she does offer ways to reframe our thinking and leaves it up to the reader to decide how to proceed after you’ve taken your blinders off. This book is like books for mothers in that it shows you how the sausage is made (exploitation of labor) but then knowing you need to get sausage on the table. As a reader I have to ponder what I want to do differently, how I want to speak to myself, how I want to engage in the world. I don’t mind these types of books, in fact I love them. You don’t need a budget just like you don’t need to diet. But you might have a money map just like you might have a meal plan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
i read the reviews for this book after finishing it and omg ppl rly don’t like it lolol. i enjoyed it a lot tho? i like how it’s a personal finance book that isn’t just about manifesting your money (im looking at you, “You are a badass at making money”) as she actually goes into different ways to build wealth. as someone who is closer to financially illiterate than to financially literate, i feel like i got a lot out of this book
July 11, 2025
I had the opportunity to preview this book. It's truly life changing and not at all what you'd expect. This book turns everything you've ever been taught about managing your finances on its head. It embodies the saying, it's all about the view. Change your view; change your life.
June 15, 2025
this book was wack 😂
February 20, 2025
Dana Miranda’s "You Don’t Need a Budget" challenges the conventional wisdom of personal finance by questioning the effectiveness of traditional budgeting. The book presents an alternative approach that prioritizes financial well-being over strict rules, encouraging readers to rethink their relationship with money. Miranda argues that mainstream financial advice often ignores the reality of those living paycheck to paycheck, focusing instead on an idealized middle-class perspective that may not apply to everyone. The book promotes a shift in mindset that allows individuals to manage money in a way that aligns with their values and life circumstances, rather than adhering to restrictive financial systems that can induce unnecessary stress.
Miranda highlights a fundamental flaw in conventional personal finance advice: it assumes that financial success is solely a matter of discipline and personal responsibility. Budgeting culture teaches people to track every penny, eliminate non-essential spending, and follow rigid formulas to achieve financial stability. However, this approach ignores the broader economic and systemic challenges that shape financial realities for many individuals. Wealth gaps persist despite increased financial literacy, and factors such as parental income and access to resources often have a greater impact on financial stability than individual habits. Miranda critiques the idea that budgeting alone can lead to financial security, arguing that a more holistic understanding of money management is necessary.
One of the core ideas in the book is the importance of focusing on the bigger financial picture rather than obsessing over minor expenditures. Many budgeting systems emphasize cutting out small indulgences, like daily coffee purchases, as a way to accumulate wealth. However, Miranda suggests that this level of scrutiny can create anxiety and lead to a scarcity mindset, which may do more harm than good. Instead, she encourages people to direct their energy toward major financial decisions—what she calls “big rocks.” These include career choices, housing decisions, and long-term financial planning, which have a far greater impact on financial stability than monitoring small purchases. By prioritizing these larger decisions, individuals can create a financial framework that is both sustainable and fulfilling.
A key component of Miranda’s approach is automating financial commitments to reduce stress and simplify money management. She recommends setting up automatic payments for essential expenses, such as rent, utilities, and debt repayments, as well as automated savings contributions. Once these core financial needs are taken care of, individuals can use their remaining funds freely without the need for meticulous tracking. She introduces the concept of a “Yes Fund,” a pool of money designated for discretionary spending. This eliminates the guilt and constant calculations associated with traditional budgeting, allowing people to enjoy their money without feeling constrained. The Yes Fund model provides clarity on financial priorities while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.
Beyond money management, Miranda also delves into the cultural influences that shape our perceptions of work and financial success. She critiques the deeply ingrained belief that financial security is tied to relentless productivity and self-sacrifice. Many people are conditioned to accept exhausting work conditions as the price of success, often at the expense of their mental and physical well-being. Miranda argues that this mindset is not only unsustainable but also harmful. Instead of viewing work as the central pillar of financial stability, she encourages readers to explore alternative models that allow for greater autonomy and work-life balance. These include entrepreneurship, freelancing, worker cooperatives, and collective bargaining through labor unions, all of which offer different pathways to financial independence.
The book also challenges the idea that financial commitments are set in stone. Many people view their recurring expenses, such as rent or car payments, as unavoidable obligations. Miranda reframes these commitments as choices, arguing that individuals have more flexibility than they often realize. For example, someone struggling with high living costs might consider relocating to a more affordable area or exploring unconventional housing options. By reassessing financial commitments with a fresh perspective, people can make changes that align better with their priorities and long-term goals. The key is understanding the trade-offs involved and making informed decisions based on what matters most.
Another significant aspect of Miranda’s philosophy is questioning the traditional methods of wealth-building. The financial industry often promotes stock market investments as the primary path to long-term financial security. However, Miranda points out that this system is not always accessible or beneficial for everyone. Investing comes with risks, and ethical concerns arise when profits depend on exploitative labor practices or environmental harm. She highlights alternative wealth-building strategies, such as community-based investment models, peer-to-peer lending, and local business funding. These options offer opportunities to generate financial returns while also supporting ethical and socially responsible economic practices.
Throughout the book, Miranda shares real-life examples of people who have successfully navigated their finances without relying on conventional budgeting. One story features a couple who chose to trade their expensive apartment for life in a small Airstream trailer, allowing them to reduce expenses and pursue their passions. Another example highlights a woman who built a thriving business in the RV travel industry, achieving financial security outside of traditional employment or stock market investments. These stories illustrate the power of creative financial decision-making and the importance of questioning conventional wisdom.
Ultimately, "You Don’t Need a Budget" advocates for a more flexible, mindful approach to money. Rather than promoting strict budgeting systems that induce stress and shame, Miranda encourages readers to focus on what truly matters to them. She urges people to prioritize financial decisions that enhance their well-being, automate essential expenses, and embrace alternative ways of building wealth. By shifting away from a restrictive budgeting mindset, individuals can take control of their finances in a way that feels both empowering and sustainable. The book serves as a refreshing alternative to traditional financial advice, offering a path toward financial security that is rooted in autonomy, adaptability, and personal values.
Miranda highlights a fundamental flaw in conventional personal finance advice: it assumes that financial success is solely a matter of discipline and personal responsibility. Budgeting culture teaches people to track every penny, eliminate non-essential spending, and follow rigid formulas to achieve financial stability. However, this approach ignores the broader economic and systemic challenges that shape financial realities for many individuals. Wealth gaps persist despite increased financial literacy, and factors such as parental income and access to resources often have a greater impact on financial stability than individual habits. Miranda critiques the idea that budgeting alone can lead to financial security, arguing that a more holistic understanding of money management is necessary.
One of the core ideas in the book is the importance of focusing on the bigger financial picture rather than obsessing over minor expenditures. Many budgeting systems emphasize cutting out small indulgences, like daily coffee purchases, as a way to accumulate wealth. However, Miranda suggests that this level of scrutiny can create anxiety and lead to a scarcity mindset, which may do more harm than good. Instead, she encourages people to direct their energy toward major financial decisions—what she calls “big rocks.” These include career choices, housing decisions, and long-term financial planning, which have a far greater impact on financial stability than monitoring small purchases. By prioritizing these larger decisions, individuals can create a financial framework that is both sustainable and fulfilling.
A key component of Miranda’s approach is automating financial commitments to reduce stress and simplify money management. She recommends setting up automatic payments for essential expenses, such as rent, utilities, and debt repayments, as well as automated savings contributions. Once these core financial needs are taken care of, individuals can use their remaining funds freely without the need for meticulous tracking. She introduces the concept of a “Yes Fund,” a pool of money designated for discretionary spending. This eliminates the guilt and constant calculations associated with traditional budgeting, allowing people to enjoy their money without feeling constrained. The Yes Fund model provides clarity on financial priorities while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.
Beyond money management, Miranda also delves into the cultural influences that shape our perceptions of work and financial success. She critiques the deeply ingrained belief that financial security is tied to relentless productivity and self-sacrifice. Many people are conditioned to accept exhausting work conditions as the price of success, often at the expense of their mental and physical well-being. Miranda argues that this mindset is not only unsustainable but also harmful. Instead of viewing work as the central pillar of financial stability, she encourages readers to explore alternative models that allow for greater autonomy and work-life balance. These include entrepreneurship, freelancing, worker cooperatives, and collective bargaining through labor unions, all of which offer different pathways to financial independence.
The book also challenges the idea that financial commitments are set in stone. Many people view their recurring expenses, such as rent or car payments, as unavoidable obligations. Miranda reframes these commitments as choices, arguing that individuals have more flexibility than they often realize. For example, someone struggling with high living costs might consider relocating to a more affordable area or exploring unconventional housing options. By reassessing financial commitments with a fresh perspective, people can make changes that align better with their priorities and long-term goals. The key is understanding the trade-offs involved and making informed decisions based on what matters most.
Another significant aspect of Miranda’s philosophy is questioning the traditional methods of wealth-building. The financial industry often promotes stock market investments as the primary path to long-term financial security. However, Miranda points out that this system is not always accessible or beneficial for everyone. Investing comes with risks, and ethical concerns arise when profits depend on exploitative labor practices or environmental harm. She highlights alternative wealth-building strategies, such as community-based investment models, peer-to-peer lending, and local business funding. These options offer opportunities to generate financial returns while also supporting ethical and socially responsible economic practices.
Throughout the book, Miranda shares real-life examples of people who have successfully navigated their finances without relying on conventional budgeting. One story features a couple who chose to trade their expensive apartment for life in a small Airstream trailer, allowing them to reduce expenses and pursue their passions. Another example highlights a woman who built a thriving business in the RV travel industry, achieving financial security outside of traditional employment or stock market investments. These stories illustrate the power of creative financial decision-making and the importance of questioning conventional wisdom.
Ultimately, "You Don’t Need a Budget" advocates for a more flexible, mindful approach to money. Rather than promoting strict budgeting systems that induce stress and shame, Miranda encourages readers to focus on what truly matters to them. She urges people to prioritize financial decisions that enhance their well-being, automate essential expenses, and embrace alternative ways of building wealth. By shifting away from a restrictive budgeting mindset, individuals can take control of their finances in a way that feels both empowering and sustainable. The book serves as a refreshing alternative to traditional financial advice, offering a path toward financial security that is rooted in autonomy, adaptability, and personal values.
May 10, 2025
I struggled with this book for many reasons.
First, the positives. There are some solid financial ideas to use. Talking about budget culture and relating it to diet culture made a lot of sense. Renaming an emergency fund to a comfort fund takes out the visceral gut reaction when we think of emergencies. Making a money map and creating side hustles are immediate things you can do to improve your financial situation. Also the need for everyone who is eligible to vote is a good reminder that we all have a voice and we should exercise it.
Now the negatives. The author is constantly berating our capitalistic society even though she is a business owner and entrepreneur. The very things that thrive in capitalism. She disparages Dave Ramsey but still quotes him. She advocates using a food pantry when you have spent in excess for the week. Also, she relates a story of a woman who ran up credit cards without regard to repaying the debt and filed for bankruptcy to clear it away.
My take away is that there are infinitely better books on finance that you can read.
First, the positives. There are some solid financial ideas to use. Talking about budget culture and relating it to diet culture made a lot of sense. Renaming an emergency fund to a comfort fund takes out the visceral gut reaction when we think of emergencies. Making a money map and creating side hustles are immediate things you can do to improve your financial situation. Also the need for everyone who is eligible to vote is a good reminder that we all have a voice and we should exercise it.
Now the negatives. The author is constantly berating our capitalistic society even though she is a business owner and entrepreneur. The very things that thrive in capitalism. She disparages Dave Ramsey but still quotes him. She advocates using a food pantry when you have spent in excess for the week. Also, she relates a story of a woman who ran up credit cards without regard to repaying the debt and filed for bankruptcy to clear it away.
My take away is that there are infinitely better books on finance that you can read.
May 8, 2025
no shade to me, but it's about damn time i digest an anticapitalist perspective on personal finance
January 21, 2025
🎧 Warning: This book will challenge everything you think you know about money — in the best possible way!
I had the pleasure of previewing “You Don’t Need a Budget.” I met the author, Dana, in 2016 when we wrote for a personal finance website. It was my first job — and my first real intro to managing money and “adulting,” as we used to say. Since then, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to hit arbitrary savings goals, checking account balances, spending limits, etc. The guilt!
“You Don’t Need a Budget” challenges all these notions, and it really changed the way I think about money. The book starts by unpacking the history of personal finance, and it’s incredibly fascinating. Who said we have to live like this? (Spoiler: mostly white men). Dana also weaves in these amazing personal stories that really add texture and shed light on this broken system.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone — whether you’re fresh out of college or well into retirement. It makes you really think, and that’s the best kind of book!
I had the pleasure of previewing “You Don’t Need a Budget.” I met the author, Dana, in 2016 when we wrote for a personal finance website. It was my first job — and my first real intro to managing money and “adulting,” as we used to say. Since then, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to hit arbitrary savings goals, checking account balances, spending limits, etc. The guilt!
“You Don’t Need a Budget” challenges all these notions, and it really changed the way I think about money. The book starts by unpacking the history of personal finance, and it’s incredibly fascinating. Who said we have to live like this? (Spoiler: mostly white men). Dana also weaves in these amazing personal stories that really add texture and shed light on this broken system.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone — whether you’re fresh out of college or well into retirement. It makes you really think, and that’s the best kind of book!
January 16, 2025
I will be thinking about this book for a long time. If you are looking for a how to on savings or building wealth, this isn’t it. This is a critique of budget culture that is pervasive in the United States and predicated on a system that benefits only a few. At the same time, it is a breath of fresh air for an individual and an important reminder that money in and of itself does not have moral value (nor does debt, for that matter). This book was easy to read, but leaves a lot to consider and work towards in dismantling long held beliefs about money and worth that have nothing to do with human dignity.
January 8, 2025
Extremely basic information that doesn’t really go into what the preview of the book promised. Goes a little off the rails later in the book with some of her political views thrown in. Kind of all over the place and just nothing special.
November 30, 2025
This is a terrible book. The advice given in this book is misguided or wishy-washy at best. I would argue that given the author's credentials, the content of the book is deceptive and malicious. It's idealistic and simply does not function in the real world.
I have three specific criticisms:
1. The premise of the book is untrue: the money map, which is outlined at the end of the book and is referred to throughout the book, IS a budget. In addition, one of the actions suggested in the book is automating saving. This requires people to figure out how much they want to save by looking at their income and expenses. (read: This requires a budget.)
2. The advice given in this book is only applicable by those in the upper middle class+, the demographic the author notes is the target audience of most personal finance content and is already best served by existing personal finance resources. The author makes bold claims in the beginning of the book that the author's approach is for everyone, but that simply is not true. This book comes to the same conclusion as every personal finance book: make a budget, set goals, and if your goals are untenable given your current income or expenses, you can either increase your income, reduce your expenses, or set more realistic goals.
3. This book minimizes the consequences of certain financial decisions and unwisely suggests prioritizing short-term joy and ease, even when it comes at the cost of long-term goals or necessities. For example, the "safe-to-spend" fund fails to take into account medium- or long-term expenses like saving up for a vacation or unexpected car repairs. The author makes suggestions like not paying your bills or responsibly using credit card debt. In fact, there's an anecdote about someone using credit card debt "responsibly" in the book. The author fails to mention there are other types of personal loans that might have a lower interest rate, but using a credit card is easier and more joyful in the short term than opening a line of credit, so according to the author, you should prioritize joy and ease in your financial decisions, even if you'll end up paying way more money long-term. Also, I'm willing to bet that for every 1 person using credit card debt "responsibly," there's thousands of others who try to use it responsibly but quickly end up falling victim to the predatory nature of credit cards and unreasonably high interest rates. I'm not being Dave Ramsey here--this isn't necessarily their fault. Credit card issuers often make it difficult to find information on interest rates, how credit cards work, and how long it's going to take to pay off credit card debt. The industry is predatory, and it's shameful that the author doesn't even try to draw attention to the thousands of horror stories from those who find themselves deep in credit card debt. The author is quick to criticize investing by calling it unethical, but won't eschew the credit card industry, because she is just telling people what she thinks they want to hear. Getting your power/water shut off, your house foreclosed on, or your car repossessed aren't experiences of "joy" or "ease," but are real consequences of following the author's advice in this book to prioritize short-team "joy" and "ease" in financial matters.
I have three specific criticisms:
1. The premise of the book is untrue: the money map, which is outlined at the end of the book and is referred to throughout the book, IS a budget. In addition, one of the actions suggested in the book is automating saving. This requires people to figure out how much they want to save by looking at their income and expenses. (read: This requires a budget.)
2. The advice given in this book is only applicable by those in the upper middle class+, the demographic the author notes is the target audience of most personal finance content and is already best served by existing personal finance resources. The author makes bold claims in the beginning of the book that the author's approach is for everyone, but that simply is not true. This book comes to the same conclusion as every personal finance book: make a budget, set goals, and if your goals are untenable given your current income or expenses, you can either increase your income, reduce your expenses, or set more realistic goals.
3. This book minimizes the consequences of certain financial decisions and unwisely suggests prioritizing short-term joy and ease, even when it comes at the cost of long-term goals or necessities. For example, the "safe-to-spend" fund fails to take into account medium- or long-term expenses like saving up for a vacation or unexpected car repairs. The author makes suggestions like not paying your bills or responsibly using credit card debt. In fact, there's an anecdote about someone using credit card debt "responsibly" in the book. The author fails to mention there are other types of personal loans that might have a lower interest rate, but using a credit card is easier and more joyful in the short term than opening a line of credit, so according to the author, you should prioritize joy and ease in your financial decisions, even if you'll end up paying way more money long-term. Also, I'm willing to bet that for every 1 person using credit card debt "responsibly," there's thousands of others who try to use it responsibly but quickly end up falling victim to the predatory nature of credit cards and unreasonably high interest rates. I'm not being Dave Ramsey here--this isn't necessarily their fault. Credit card issuers often make it difficult to find information on interest rates, how credit cards work, and how long it's going to take to pay off credit card debt. The industry is predatory, and it's shameful that the author doesn't even try to draw attention to the thousands of horror stories from those who find themselves deep in credit card debt. The author is quick to criticize investing by calling it unethical, but won't eschew the credit card industry, because she is just telling people what she thinks they want to hear. Getting your power/water shut off, your house foreclosed on, or your car repossessed aren't experiences of "joy" or "ease," but are real consequences of following the author's advice in this book to prioritize short-team "joy" and "ease" in financial matters.
September 9, 2025
She had some good things to say and I appreciate the alternative viewpoint. However the idea that your financial situation is someone else’s fault and therefore you don’t need to save, budget, decipher between “wants and needs”, or pay off your debt is insane. If anyone truly followed this advice, they would have a miserable life.
She also ultimately suggested budgeting but used a different phrase (money map). She even blasted Ramit Sethi then later mentioned people should create a “conscious spending plan” without giving him credit for the term. (A fancy phrase for budget)
I think we can critique capitalism as well as traditional personal finance advice without throwing the baby out with the bath water so to speak
She also ultimately suggested budgeting but used a different phrase (money map). She even blasted Ramit Sethi then later mentioned people should create a “conscious spending plan” without giving him credit for the term. (A fancy phrase for budget)
I think we can critique capitalism as well as traditional personal finance advice without throwing the baby out with the bath water so to speak
March 21, 2025
Quick read and very interesting concept. I feel like a mindset such as this is the reason America is in so much debt. This whole idea that the rich are obligated to pay for the higher education of the poor and you can rack up as much credit card debt as possible, and unsecured debt as possible, and just declare bankruptcy as a means to Avoid having a budget blows my mind. It was a very quick read thankfully I do like her concept that she should question every single purchase to make sure it brings you joy. So this concept of not spending any money at all whatsoever and depriving yourself only to go on a bender. I agree is not healthy. And purchases such as where you live in your transportation, are not necessarily mandatory expenses if you could possibly move somewhere with better public transportation and more affordable housing. However, racking up unsecured debt and refusing to pay it, serves no one. I think for me I’ll go back to the Dave Ramsey program, but add in the caveat of making sure every single purchase is with joy!
March 4, 2025
“As you’ll learn, budget-free is more than a way to manage household finances. It’s a new perspective to yea from your personal relationship with money and shift your expectations for how we treat money as a society.”
3 ⭐️
I’m not sold on all of the author’s arguments, but this is a good addition to the personal finance space. A decent read for becoming more compassionate when it comes to money management.
3 ⭐️
I’m not sold on all of the author’s arguments, but this is a good addition to the personal finance space. A decent read for becoming more compassionate when it comes to money management.
March 27, 2025
This book was ok; my takeaway is money isn’t everything, just a tool to achieve your goals which may not be monetary; she lost me by using the pronoun “their” when his or her could have been used
August 6, 2025
I didn't find it to be as revolutionary as it thought it was, and much of the discussion about being "anti-budget" is kind of just advice to make a budget but call it something else. I did enjoy the affirmative views on spending though and about using money to achieve what's important to you (and not just having money). That was a helpful and positive framing. Would 100% recommend reading these ideas in a shorter format.
September 15, 2025
highly recommend this anti-capitalist finance book. it was a complete breath of fresh air, with many lessons to return to and advice applicable to all income brackets.
defo still learning how to spend money in alignment with head, heart, and hands!
defo still learning how to spend money in alignment with head, heart, and hands!
February 19, 2025
“by promoting shame, restriction, and an oversimplified view of wealth-building, traditional budgeting culture does more harm than good.
Instead of obsessing over daily spending and rigid budgets, focus on the big-picture decisions that most impact your financial health. Set up automation for essentials, then use a Yes Fund for guilt-free spending. Question the work-centric value system that drives many of our financial choices, and remember that financial commitments are choices we can change, not moral obligations. There are many paths to building wealth beyond traditional market investing, from entrepreneurship to community-based alternatives. The key is understanding your options and making informed choices that align with both your goals and your values.”
Instead of obsessing over daily spending and rigid budgets, focus on the big-picture decisions that most impact your financial health. Set up automation for essentials, then use a Yes Fund for guilt-free spending. Question the work-centric value system that drives many of our financial choices, and remember that financial commitments are choices we can change, not moral obligations. There are many paths to building wealth beyond traditional market investing, from entrepreneurship to community-based alternatives. The key is understanding your options and making informed choices that align with both your goals and your values.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
This book is AWESOME! Her concept of yes fund and anti budget has been something I shifted too after the pandemic but I never had a name for it. Hearing the rationale around why it’s so hard to quit budget culture is so affirming for someone who has tried every system from Ramsey to Ramit Sethi. Why we have so much guilt around money as someone who grew up just above the poverty line is based on cultural norms. Thank you, Dana for this wonderful book.
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April 7, 2025I'm not leaving a star rating but I got a lot out of this book. I think the title is provocative but gives the wrong idea. It's still a budget plan (and money philosophy/mindset) with some key renames and thought shifts. It's very anti-capitalist and I am here for the anti-capitalism. I don't agree with all the ideas presented in this book, but it did give me a lot to think about, even (especially?) the stuff I didn't agree with.
May 4, 2025
Miranda's comparison between diet culture and budget culture was all I needed to become a fan of her message. When restriction and tracking is the main strategy that's taught to achieve a goal, all you get is unhappiness. This is true of going on a diet to lose weight and following a budget to get rich. Thank you for helping me get my obsession with money under control.
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