The Japanese method to save money that helps you reach the end of the month without having a hard time

The Japanese Method kakeibo (pronounced ‘kah-keh-boh’) is a how to organize finances and save. It was created in 1904 by hani and this method of saving has been used in the country for many years. It is a very simple way to save, giving priority to thinking backwards and subjectively analyzing each purchase. No need for special applications, very complicated Excel sheets or apply complicated mathematical formulas.

To perform the kakeibo you only need to have pencil and paper. To the old school. It is very important that it is written by hand since the method depends on the effects of writing oneself. This helps to analyze and internalize the process in order to reach important conclusions.

In this role, it will be necessary to write and answer a series of very important questions.

• Can I live without this thing I want to buy?
• Considering my financial situation, can I afford it?
• Am I really going to use it?
• Do I have space?
• What is my emotional state right now?
• How do I feel buying it? And how long will this feeling last?

These questions allow us to think about the implication of each purchaseIn itself, it is really something that we can buy without any negative repercussions. In the case of responding positively to everything, then we will know that the purchase is safe to make and that we can afford it.

One of the most important questions is that of our emotional state. It is very common for people when they feel sad, bored or stressed, they take their wallets and buy anyone without thinking twice. A 2014 study published in the ‘Journal of Consumer Psychology’ found that buying causes immediate happiness and that it can even have effects on residual (persistent) sadness.

That is why asking ourselves these six questions will allow us to disassociate that instant happiness and think cold if the purchase suits us or not. Our spending habits become part of our daily routine, so it is understandable that it is difficult to change. But here’s an easy way to start saving through mindful shopping. After starting to buy in an analytical and analyzed way, you can move on to other saving methods with which to manage money and categorize it according to our needs.