{ "success": true, "data": { "id": 1774246, "msgid": "learn-from-the-japanese-6-saving-methods-to-build-your-savings-faster-1780135941", "date": "2026-05-30 14:30:00", "title": "Learn from the Japanese: 6 Saving Methods to Build Your Savings Faster", "author": "", "source": "CNBC", "tags": "", "topic": "Finance", "summary": "The kakeibo method, a Japanese financial discipline technique, emphasises manual budgeting and mindful spending to improve savings. By prioritising savings before expenses, using cash, and reflecting on purchases, individuals can better manage finances even in high-cost environments. This approach provides a structured yet reflective way to build financial stability.", "content": "

JAKARTA \u2014 CNBC Indonesia \u2014 It is no secret that Japanese society is\nknown for its strong discipline, particularly in financial management.\nThe habit of living frugally, orderly, and with careful planning enables\nmany Japanese citizens to maintain financial stability despite the\ncountry\u2019s high cost of living.<\/p>\n

This practice, known as kakeibo, is a key philosophy of frugal living\nin Japan. It is a renowned financial management method widely used by\nJapanese housewives. Introduced in 1994 by journalist Makoto Hani,\nkakeibo was popularised again in 2017 through Fumiko Chiba\u2019s book\nKakeibo: The Japanese Art of Saving Money<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Like all budgeting systems, kakeibo\u2019s core idea is to help\nindividuals understand their relationship with money by tracking all\nincome and expenditures. However, unlike digital tools such as apps or\nExcel spreadsheets, kakeibo emphasises physical writing as a meditative\npractice to process and observe spending habits.<\/p>\n

According to kakeibo, individuals should ask themselves the following\nquestions before purchasing:<\/p>\n

    \n

  1. Can I live without this item?<\/p><\/li>\n

  2. Given my current financial situation, can I afford it?<\/p><\/li>\n

  3. Will I actually use it?<\/p><\/li>\n

  4. Do I have space for it?<\/p><\/li>\n

  5. How did I first discover this item? (Did I see it on Instagram?\nOr find it while wandering a mall out of boredom?)<\/p><\/li>\n

  6. How am I feeling today? (Calm? Stressed? Relieved? Feeling down\nabout myself?)<\/p><\/li>\n

  7. How do I feel about buying it? (Happy? Excited? Indifferent? And\nhow long will this feeling last?)<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Kakeibo also teaches effective saving methods for financial\nmanagement, as follows:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Record all income<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The first step is to document all monthly income, whether regular\nsalary or additional earnings. Kakeibo recommends writing this down with\npen and paper to fully internalise the information.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Save first, then allocate funds<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Kakeibo advises setting aside savings before distributing the\nremainder into expense categories. The method divides expenses into four\ncategories:<\/p>\n

          \n

        • Survival<\/em>: essential needs like food, bills, loans, and\nother obligations.<\/p><\/li>\n

        • Optional<\/em>: secondary needs such as entertainment and\ndining out.<\/p><\/li>\n

        • Culture<\/em>: expenses for knowledge enhancement, e.g.,\nbooks, films, magazines.<\/p><\/li>\n

        • Extra<\/em>: miscellaneous spending like gifts for friends\u2019\nbirthdays or condolences for neighbours.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \n
          1. Wait 24 hours before purchasing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Japanese individuals typically take time to consider purchases. Avoid\nbuying items immediately after seeing them; instead, wait a full day to\ndetermine if it\u2019s a genuine need or mere desire. If you still want it\nafter 24 hours and your finances allow, proceed with the purchase.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Regularly check bank balances<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Frequently reviewing account balances helps manage finances by\nkeeping track of available funds and controlling spending.<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Keep reminder notes in your wallet<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                A useful trick is to place a note in your wallet asking, \u201cDo you\nREALLY need this item?\u201d This ensures constant reflection before making\npurchases.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Use cash for transactions<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Debit or credit cards can obscure spending amounts. Using cash makes\nyou more aware of how much you\u2019re spending during purchases.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/learn-from-the-japanese-6-saving-methods-to-build-your-savings-faster-1780135941", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }