diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 260a740..321dcc3 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -44,3 +44,51 @@ backups are small. Prune manually if you need to.
 A backup is a complete SQLite file. To restore, stop the app, replace
 `quartermaster.db` with the chosen backup (`cp backups/... quartermaster.db`),
 then restart.
+
+## Current Project State
+
+* **Phase**: shipped MVP + posting ledger. Working daily-use tool.
+* **Last worked on**: 2026-04-17
+* **Last commit on main**: `19cac8f` — Backing transaction ledger:
+  Postings replace the applied field (#20)
+* **Open PRs**: none
+* **Open issues**: none
+* **Test count**: 117 / 117 passing
+* **Migrations**: 5 applied; latest `cc60e7f73a1c`
+* **Blocking issues**: none
+
+After pulling new work, always:
+
+```sh
+uv run alembic upgrade head
+```
+
+The backup hook fires before any migration, so this is safe against
+the live DB.
+
+## Session Log
+
+Most recent 3 sessions (full history in the [wiki](https://forgejo.labbity.unbiasedgeek.com/archeious/quartermaster/wiki)).
+
+### Session 1 — 2026-04-17
+
+Greenfield to working ledger. 10 PRs merged in one sitting:
+scaffold (#2) → monthly view with snapshot + deviation (#4) →
+backups + CLAUDE.md safety rule (#6) → zero amount header (#8) →
+gitignore wiki (#10) → section groups + sinking funds (#12) →
+notes field (#14) → month lifecycle Planning / Active / Closed
+(#16) → UI redesign in Barlow Condensed with logo (#18) →
+posting transaction ledger (#20).
+
+Key architectural decisions: snapshot-over-mirror for months;
+Primary Debt Target is a pointer, not a pre-allocated amount;
+nothing auto-sweeps — close requires applied zero at $0; `applied`
+is derived from postings only, no column. UI went through three
+mockups before settling on Barlow Condensed + cream paper +
+burgundy accent sampled from the logo shield.
+
+One incident: I wiped the live DB several times during early dev
+churn before the backup script existed. The script + alembic hook
++ repo-level CLAUDE.md safety rule are the fix.
+
+Full retro: [Session1](https://forgejo.labbity.unbiasedgeek.com/archeious/quartermaster/wiki/Session1).