With persistence and small adjustments, this Japanese philosophy proves that setting aside a part of your salary is more viable than many imagine. Source: El Confidencial
What really matters is to consolidate the habit of saving and maintain it. It is recommended to automatically set aside a fixed percentage—usually 30%—of your salary as soon as you receive it and transfer it to a separate account. This distance creates a psychological barrier that reduces the temptation to spend it. If 30% is unfeasible, you can start with 10% or 15%, increasing the amount over time.
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Japanese culture has turned discipline, organization, and conscious money management into part of its identity, something that is also reflected in its saving methods. In addition, it organizes expenses into categories such as survival, leisure, culture, and extras, facilitating a more orderly view of the budget. Even so, this method stands out because it forces a sincere review of where the money is going. This way, saving becomes more possible even for those who feel they cannot.
The Kakebo method, devised by journalist Hani Motoko, proposes recording monthly income and expenses and answering four essential questions: how much money you have, how much you want to save, how much you actually spend, and what you can improve. By protecting your savings from the start, the rest of the month is managed only with the available money.
The question may arise as to whether it is possible to live in Spain on only 70% of your salary, and the truth is that it depends on each personal circumstance. In Japan, this gesture is considered a monthly priority obligation, as important as any bill.
These techniques, known for their effectiveness, do not depend on miraculous formulas, but on practical routines that anyone can adopt. Most entities allow you to program this transfer, which avoids depending on willpower. One of the most influential systems is the Kakebo method, which is based on analyzing each expense to understand how the monthly budget is used. Its objective is not to restrict abruptly, but to encourage more reflective financial decisions. With a weekly review, this system becomes a useful tool for putting finances in order.
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The next step, and the most decisive, is the automation of savings. Recording every transaction, whether on paper or on your mobile, allows you to quickly locate which items can be adjusted without giving up what is important.
