Money Anxiety Is Ruining Your Health – Here’s How to Fix It | Jesse Mecham

 In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Mecham, the founder of YNAB (You Need a Budget) and one of the most thoughtful voices in the financial wellness space. We talk about how money stress silently impacts our physical health - from anxiety and insomnia to hormone dysregulation - and why budgeting isn’t about control, but empowerment. Jesse shares the YNAB method of giving every dollar a job and how that one shift can help break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good. We dive into the idea of “spendfulness,” the hidden psychology behind money habits, and why changing your relationship with spending could be the most powerful wellness tool you’re overlooking. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or trying to heal a long history with money, this episode will leave you feeling clear, calm, and empowered.

In 2004, Jesse Mecham was broke college student, newlywed, and soon-to-be-dad living on a tiny income. Even a small splurge, like an occasional donut, felt consequential. He needed a way to make his money work for him, so he created a spreadsheet with one powerful idea — give every dollar a job. It was more than a budget, it was a blueprint for spending, saving, and building the life he wanted.

Today, that spreadsheet is known as YNAB, an award-winning app that has changed the way people think about their money. The YNAB Method of giving every dollar a job has helped millions of people align their money with what matters most, from weddings to dream homes to grad school. That’s called spendfulness! Along the way YNAB has built a die-hard fanbase. Self-proclaimed YNABers have put YNAB on license plates, mentioned it in wedding vows, and even have YNAB tattoos.

What was once a one-man operation is now a global team recognized by Fortune as a #1 workplace. Jesse is the best-selling author of You Need A Budget and host of the top-rated podcast The Jesse Mecham Show. Jesse’s work has been featured in Wired, Forbes, and The New York Times, but his biggest pride remains his family. With his wife Julie and seven children by his side, Jesse lives what he teaches—embracing a spendful life ofwoodworking, travel, and yes, the occasional donut.

His new book Meant To Be Spent will release this fall, stay updated www.YNAB.com!

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

•  Jesse’s origin story: from broke college student to founder of YNAB
• The philosophy of “giving every dollar a job” and why it changes everything
• Why budgeting isn’t about restriction - it’s about intentionality
• How money stress shows up in the body: sleep, anxiety, physical symptoms
• Understanding “spendfulness” - aligning your money with your values
• Why earning more money isn’t the real solution to financial peace
• Breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle: how long it really takes
• The psychological burden of debt and how to reframe spending
• The role of credit culture, consumerism, and subconscious money habits
• Empowering your health journey by healing your relationship with money

Links to things we talked about in this episode: 

• Visit www.ynab.com/willcole to claim an exclusive three-month free trial, with no credit card required.

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

If you like what you hear, please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe and pass it along to a friend.

In Health,

Dr. Will Cole