If you want to plan and track your spending but have struggled to use budget apps or software, kakeibo budget journaling might be a good fit for you. Kakeibo (kah-kay-bow ) is a form of budget journaling created by Japan’s first female journalist, Hani Motoko, in 1904. The word literally means household account book, though it has become more-commonly known as mindful spending.
An important distinction of this budgeting system is that it must be done on paper (not with an app or digital spreadsheet). This makes it a great resource for those who are highly-tactile learners. Consider using a kakeibo if you enjoy using a bullet journal.
Mindful Journaling = Mindful Spending
Budgeting in a kakeibo is intentional and reflective. The point is to sit down and think about your four categories of spending: needs, wants, culture and unexpected. By focusing on the larger picture, it helps to simplify budgeting. Kakeibo is about creating a routine of review and reflection daily, and celebrating small wins that add up into big savings. Would you like to give it a try? Credit.com wrote an in-depth article on how to budget with kakeibo. It includes a free PDF template you can print or use as inspiration to create your own journal in a favorite notebook.
– written by Tobi McCann
