What it is: Kakeibo (pronounced “kah-keh-boh”) is a Japanese budgeting method that’s been around for over 100 years. It’s basically a journal where you physically write down every purchase and reflect on whether it was necessary.
How it works:
- At the beginning of the month, you write down your income and fixed expenses
- You set savings goals
- You track every purchase by hand (no apps)
- At the end of the month, you reflect: Did this bring me joy? Was it necessary? Could I have spent less?
The philosophy: It’s not just about numbers—it’s about mindfulness. By writing it down, you become more aware of your spending patterns and emotional triggers.
What we can learn: We’re so used to swiping cards and tapping phones that we don’t even register purchases anymore. The Japanese method forces you to be conscious about every dollar.
How I’m trying it: I started writing down everything I buy for a week. Even just that made me think twice before getting Boba Tea three days in a row. When you have to write “Green Tea $6,” “Cake $8,” “Matcha Tea $7.50,” it hits different.