ynab-windfall-planner

name	ynab-windfall-planner
description	Helps decide what to do with a one-time lump sum — bonus, tax refund, inheritance, settlement, or side-hustle payout — before spending it reactively. Use when a user says "I just got a bonus, what should I do with it", "I'm getting a tax refund", "I inherited some money", or "I have extra cash, what's the smart move".
license	MIT
compatibility	Works standalone; optionally enriched with live budget data when the ynab-mcp MCP server is connected.
metadata	{"author":"auzroz","version":"1.0.0","mcp-server":"ynab-mcp"}

YNAB Windfall Planner

What this does

Provides a decision framework for a one-time lump sum so it gets actively allocated instead of dissolving into a checking balance and quietly getting spent. Walks through a prioritization order and flags "getting a month ahead" as a particularly high-leverage use for anyone currently paycheck-to-paycheck.

When to use this skill

• "I just got a bonus, what should I do with it?"
• "I'm getting a tax refund"
• "I inherited some money"
• "I have extra cash, what's the smart move?"

Should NOT trigger on: executing the chosen allocation once decided (use ynab-assign-money) — this skill is the decision framework, not the execution step. It also doesn't replace the depth of ynab-debt-payoff-planner or ynab-emergency-fund-builder — it decides the split across them.

Workflow

Step 1 (if MCP-connected): Check current state

Call MCP tool: ynab_quick_summary Call MCP tool: ynab_category_balances Call MCP tool: ynab_goal_progress

Step 2: Walk the prioritization order

Present this order, explaining that windfalls are a decision point, not something to let dissolve into a balance:

1. High-interest debt — if a credit card or similar is carrying a balance, this is usually the highest-return use of the money.
2. Emergency fund — if the buffer is thin or nonexistent, top it up next (see ynab-emergency-fund-builder for staged targets).
3. Behind true-expense categories — catch up anything that's fallen short (see ynab-true-expenses).
4. Existing savings goals — accelerate a goal already in motion (house, car — see ynab-big-goal-savings-planner).
5. Discretionary — it's fine, and recommended, to spend some of it on something enjoyable; the point is an active decision, not zero fun.

Step 3: Flag "getting a month ahead" as an accelerant

If the person describes living paycheck-to-paycheck, note that a windfall is a common and effective way to jump-start funding next month's expenses ahead of time — one of YNAB's highest-leverage milestones.

Step 4: Caution against snap decisions

Especially for emotionally-charged money (inheritance, settlement), recommend not deciding in the first sitting — park it in a holding category for a few days if the amount is large.

Output format

Windfall amount: $X
Current state: [debt balances / emergency fund level / behind categories /
  active goals, from live data if available]
Suggested split:
  $A → [debt payoff]
  $B → [emergency fund]
  $C → [true expenses catch-up]
  $D → [goal acceleration]
  $E → [discretionary — enjoy it]

Troubleshooting

MCP connection failed — proceed using whatever numbers the user describes; note live data isn't available this session.

Unauthorized / token expired — the YNAB connection needs re-authorization.

When the skill is NOT the right tool

• Actually executing the chosen split — use ynab-assign-money.
• The person wants deep debt-strategy detail specifically — use ynab-debt-payoff-planner, then return here for the overall split.