Writing a household account book is really tough. Last time, I gave up because I had a headache from talking. That's right, I've had those moments too. So today, I'm going to share the insights I've gained from nearly two years of keeping a household account book. This is also known as tips for writing a household account book. If you watch this video until the end, your mindset towards each app will change.

You might be curious, so let me tell you that I use each app together with my wife. As a couple, we primarily use the same app, and we comfortably wrap up the month using Excel. Now, let me share five tips for writing a household account book.

First, don't sweat the small stuff. The biggest difficulty in keeping a household account book often comes from trying to match every single detail perfectly. There's a perception that the numbers must be exact, but it’s okay if they’re not. For example, if the management fee is 106,530 won but you accidentally write it as 106,520 won, it’s not a big deal.

Record this, and later check for mistakes that irritate me like a tsunami. What kind of emotions will I feel afterward? Ah, keeping a household account book is really difficult. Do I really have to keep doing this? Is it necessary to obsess over even the smallest units? I opened a store, and whether it's 10 won or 100 won, does it significantly change the purpose of using each app? Last time, I mentioned three reasons why we should keep a household account book. First, to understand the value of consumption; second, to safely gain financial freedom; and third, to find various timings. When it comes to 10 won or 100 won, looking at the overall total of a fake household account book, the difference is only 10,000 won or 20,000 won, which is just 1% to 2%. When I take the train, I note 3,300 won when I spend 80 won at the mart on the third floor. Also, when I purchase in front of the local area, I get a 10% discount on the total amount. Without using a calculator app, I just roughly estimate it as 2.

So, you don't have to worry about adjusting to the nearest 100 won. It doesn't greatly conflict with the main purpose of using each app. Secondly, it's really important to record your expenses right after you make them. For those using Excel for budgeting, it's best to organize your entries before going to bed. If you're using a mobile app, you can input your expenses immediately after they occur. This way, keeping a budget won't feel like a chore. At first, it might not be a habit, so you might forget sometimes. However, by consistently being aware and doing it regularly, it will eventually become a habit. Remember, every time you spend, you should record it in the app that day. If you’re using paper or Excel, setting an alarm can help you maintain the system. Not recording your expenses right away and letting them pile up can lead to significant issues. I used to do it once a week, and sometimes it became overwhelming, making it difficult to track my expenses.

I have a headache. After more than two weeks, I completely forget why I am here and what I bought. I think it would be good to organize things neatly. When I spend money, I should record it by the time I go to bed at the latest. Thirdly, don't be too obsessed with categories. The most ambiguous part when using apps was categorizing expenses. For example, there are shared food expenses and personal expenses. Usually, I eat at home for dinner on weekdays. However, there are times when I have to eat out alone due to personal matters. Should this be categorized as shared food expenses or personal allowance? I mean, I'm not talking about a planned outing; it’s just that I have to eat out for work. Or should it be categorized as personal allowance? It’s not a meal with my wife, so should it be considered shared food expenses? If I were eating out alone, categorizing would be simpler.

However, when a couple creates a gap, it can be quite ambiguous, as there is really no correct answer. So, if we think a category might be unclear, we input a proper classification and set a standard. In the future, if the same situation arises, we will categorize it as category A. In other words, we have established a guideline that in such cases, we will consider it an employment-related expense. 

Fourth, never fight. This tip applies to couples. If one person manages the spouse's salary account as it is, there isn't a big problem. However, if each person manages their own finances, it can lead to conflicts. In our case, we use a shared household account, but since each of us has our own standards, there is a possibility of disputes. For example, we had a situation where we had categories for essentials and pocket money. I thought it made sense to separate personal spending from the pocket money category, while my wife had the opposite opinion. If you encounter such a situation, after a few instances...

Choose by conversation. If that doesn't work, it is wise to keep a ledger in your own style. The person who feels regret can utilize it according to their own standards. Usually, Woody is like that; he thinks he has the right answer, but over time, he realizes that it may not be true. So, instead of stubbornly insisting that you are right, I believe it would be clearer to write it in accordance with the tiles. Just to mention, over time, things will gradually align. Look at the bigger picture. Before writing a ledger, everyone usually sets up categories for improvement. The idea of categorization is indeed a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows for more systematic financial management, but on the other hand, it can lead to misjudgments. There is definitely a saying: if you allocate 400,000 won for dining but find that you only spent 100,000 won, it can spark a sudden realization.

I saved so well! Due to an injury to my foot, tonight I will indulge in some fried chicken and pig's trotters as a reward. The word compensation is really attractive, isn't it? However, this month I spent less on food expenses, but other events may arise that could lead to higher spending. Although I saved in the food budget category, I might exceed it for self-development. Instead of focusing on just one category for this month, we should think macroeconomically about our monthly and yearly budgets. Let me summarize five tips for keeping a household account book once again: First, don't sweat the small stuff, like 10 or 100 won. Second, record your expenses as soon as you make them. Third, don’t get too obsessed with categories. Fourth, never argue about it. Lastly, look at the bigger picture. How about that? Does the method of keeping a household account book help you a little? The message I want to convey is simple: don't think of keeping a household account book as difficult or complicated; just remember the purpose for which you need to write it.

Then, by establishing your own principles for keeping a household account book, you can write it more easily and enjoyably. Remember, the reason for maintaining a household account book is not just to kill time, but to gain value, achieve financial freedom, and understand that timing is essential. I will discuss how to manage your finances and money management. See you next time, thank you.

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