Free Kakeibo Budget Planner App
A free kakeibo app that walks you through the Japanese budgeting method one question at a time. Plan a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly budget, style the spread with your own theme, font and colors, then print it or save it as a PDF. No sign-up, and your numbers never leave this browser.
First time here? Read the Free Kakeibo Budget Planner App guide for a walkthrough and privacy tips.
What the planner does
Guided, one question at a time
Seven short steps follow the four kakeibo questions, with a tip on each. Not ready for real numbers? Practice with an example budget first.
Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly
Plan on the same rhythm you are paid. Weekly and bi-weekly spreads show a row per day; monthly spreads show a row per week.
The four pillars built in
Split what is left after savings across Needs, Wants, Culture and Unexpected, then see what remains in each as you log spending.
Themes, fonts and colors
Seven color themes, three fonts including two handwriting styles, any accent color, and plain, lined, grid or dotted paper.
Print, PDF or full screen
Your spread fits on one landscape A4 or Letter sheet, with blank lines left for writing by hand. Or open it full screen to review.
Export and import as JSON
Move your budgets to another computer, browser or profile with a JSON file or copy and paste. It doubles as a backup.
Your budget stays on your device
Everything you type is saved in this browser's local storage and nowhere else. We don't have an account for you and we can't see your income, spending or notes. That also means we can't recover them, so export a copy now and then. On a shared computer, use a private window and erase your data when you're done.
How to use the free kakeibo budget planner app
- 1
Set up your period
Choose weekly, bi-weekly or monthly budgeting, the dates it covers and your currency.
- 2
List your income
Write down the money you will receive this period, after tax.
- 3
Take off fixed costs
Subtract rent, bills and other costs that do not change.
- 4
Set a savings goal
Put savings aside first, then split what is left across Needs, Wants, Culture and Unexpected.
- 5
Log your spending
Record each purchase under one of the four pillars as it happens.
- 6
Reflect and improve
At the end of the period, note what went well and one thing to change.
- 7
Customize and print
Pick a theme, font, color and paper style, then print or save your spread as a PDF.
New to the method? Read what kakeibo is and why it works or the kakeibo guide for beginners. Prefer paper from the start? Grab a printable kakeibo template.
Free kakeibo budget planner app FAQ
Is there a free kakeibo app?
Yes. The Free Kakeibo Budget Planner App on this page is a free kakeibo app that runs in any modern web browser on a phone, tablet or computer. There is nothing to install, no account to create and no paid tier.
Where is my budget saved?
In your browser's local storage on the device you are using. Your income, spending and notes are never uploaded to our servers. The flip side is that the data doesn't sync between devices, so use Export / Import to move it.
How do I move my budget to another computer or browser profile?
Select Export / Import, then Download .json file. Open the planner on the other computer, browser or profile, select Import your budgets (or Export / Import, then Import) and choose the file. Between two profiles on one computer you can use Copy JSON and paste it instead.
Is it safe to use the planner on a shared or public computer?
Anyone who uses the same browser profile after you can open the page and see your budget. On a shared computer, use a private or incognito window, print or export before you close it, and use Delete, then Erase all, when you finish.
Can I lose my data?
Yes, if you clear your browser's site data, use a private window, or switch browsers or devices. Safari can also delete a site's stored data if you haven't visited it for seven days of browser use. Export your budgets to a JSON file regularly to be safe.
Should I budget weekly, bi-weekly or monthly?
Match it to how often you are paid. Weekly works well for irregular income or if you are just starting out, bi-weekly suits fortnightly paydays, and monthly is the traditional kakeibo rhythm.
How do I turn my budget into a PDF?
Open the Design & print step and choose Print or save as PDF. In the print window, pick "Save as PDF" as the printer and turn on background graphics to keep your theme colors and paper lines.
Can I use the planner on my phone?
Yes. The steps and the spread stack into a single column on small screens, and Full screen shows the spread on its own. Your data is saved only in the phone browser you use.
What are the four kakeibo pillars?
Needs (essentials like groceries and transport), Wants (things you enjoy but could skip), Culture (books, classes and experiences) and Unexpected (repairs, gifts and surprises). Every purchase goes into one of the four.
Looking for other layouts? Browse the free template library, try the bi-weekly budget template, or learn the four kakeibo categories in depth.