YNAB Classic (old free edition)
A free edition that never really vanished
YNAB — short for You Need A Budget — started small but grew into one of the most talked-about budgeting systems. Today, the name usually points to the subscription cloud service. But before that shift, there was a free desktop release, now remembered as YNAB Classic. It hasn’t been updated in years, yet a loyal group of users still keeps it alive.
How it worked day to day
The old edition was built around one principle: give every dollar a job. Income wasn’t left floating; it was assigned to categories right away — rent, food, savings, fun. Users could add accounts for banks or cash, plan recurring bills, and check reports to see whether the plan matched reality. Data stayed local, stored on the machine, no cloud sync needed.
Why some people still hold onto it
Mostly it comes down to comfort and control. YNAB Classic is fast, simple, and doesn’t cost a subscription. There’s no server dependency, no monthly bill, and privacy is automatic because everything stays offline. People who started budgeting with this version often feel it does the job without the distractions of newer editions.
Key details at a glance
| Category | Information |
| Purpose | Personal budgeting with the envelope method |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS (legacy) |
| Data model | Envelope-style, category-based ledger |
| Storage formats | Local database; CSV import/export |
| Core features | Categories, scheduled transactions, reports |
| Extras | Goal tracking, recurring bills, envelope allocation |
| License | Freeware (discontinued) |
| Audience | Families, students, individuals preferring offline tools |
Installation notes
Since the edition was discontinued, it’s no longer offered by the developer. Old installers still circulate in the community, and they run fine on older versions of Windows and macOS. The setup is standard desktop software: install, open, start budgeting — with no need for online accounts.
Everyday use cases
– A student splitting part-time income into envelopes: rent, food, savings.
– A household mapping monthly bills and checking if the plan matches reality.
– An individual who wants the YNAB method but without the subscription model.
Trade-offs
There’s no support, no new features, and no official mobile apps. Syncing has to be done manually, and online banking connections simply don’t exist here. For anyone who needs those modern conveniences, the paid version of YNAB is the only option.
Bottom line
YNAB Classic is a product of its time, but it still works. It offers a free, offline way to follow the YNAB philosophy without paying ongoing fees. For people who value control, privacy, and simplicity over automation, this old edition remains surprisingly practical.
