A tally stick is a historical tool used for record-keeping and accounting. It is typically a stick of wood with notches carved into it to represent numbers or transactions. The notches served as a visual way to track debts, payments, or other important information, making it easier for people to manage their finances without written records. Tally sticks were commonly used in medieval Europe, particularly in England, where they played a significant role in the financial system. They were often split into two pieces, with one piece kept by the lender and the other by the borrower, ensuring both parties had a record of the agreement.