Personal financial management has become a major issue in our consumer society, even more so in these times of crisis. Faced with current economic challenges, a century-old method from Japan is experiencing renewed interest. Its name: Kakebo. This traditional approach, proven for over a century, offers a refreshing alternative to modern applications.
The Kakebo, which means “household account book” in Japanese, finds its roots in Japan in 1904. Her story is closely linked to that of Hani Motoko, one of the pioneers of Japanese women’s journalism. In a society where women had little autonomy, she designed this tool as an instrument of emancipation, allowing housewives to take the reins of household finances. Over the decades, this method has become deeply rooted in Japanese culture, becoming a pillar of family financial management.
A simple but powerful methodology
Kakebo stands out for its simplicity of application and its reflective approach. Unlike current digital tools, this method favors manual writingwhich allows us to better understand the financial situation. The process is structured around four fundamental monthly questions: the evaluation of available resources, the definition of savings objectives, the monitoring of actual expenses, and the search for areas for improvement.
The strength of Kakebo lies in its organizational structure. Expenses are meticulously categorized into four main areas: essential expenses (food, housing, hygiene), optional expenses that are sources of pleasure (outings, clothing), cultural expenses (books, shows, cinema), and unforeseen but predictable expenses. (repairs, medical expenses).
This methodical classification not only allows a clear visualization of financial flows, but also encourages an in-depth reflection on our consumption habits. It pushes us to question the relevance of each expense and to identify areas where savings are possible. This technique is very popular with fans of minimalism or even frugalism. Their philosophy of life leads them to consider material expenses differently. And to ask yourself the following way: “Do I need it? Do I really need it? Do I really need it now?”
In the current economic context, and particularly with the budgetary outlook announced for 2025, Kakebo stands out as a valuable tool for anticipating and controlling your personal finances. Its relevance is not limited to simple accounting: it is a real philosophy of life that encourages a more conscious and thoughtful relationship with money. So, are you ready to try Kakebo?
- Kakebo is a Japanese method of budget management created in 1904 by a pioneering journalist.
- This approach is based on handwriting and four essential monthly questions
- The system organizes expenses into four distinct categories for better visibility and financial control
