I have been using a planner for as long as I can remember. My little OCD self needs something to keep me grounded and on track. About 3 years ago I discovered Erin Condren as well as the planner community on social media (if you are a planner person check them out, it is such a positive and supportive group of people). If you're not familiar, the Erin Condren Life Planner is an A5 size planner (7" by 9") and is a thick planner. For me, this type of planner is not convenient for every day use so this planner stays at home on my desk and is used mostly for my creative side, not functionality. This brings me to my personal size planner, I use a Kate Spade Wellesley planner which can be bought at the Kate Spade Outlet stores (these outlets will ship to you so call around if you don't live close to one and are interested). Currently as pictured above I am using the red version which was re-released this Summer, and I also have a black version which is always in stock.
I use this planner as my wallet since it is with me everywhere I go. I know a lot of people do not like the idea of combining their planner with their wallet, but for me it's really the most convenient. Inside the front cover I have my cards as well as Target page flags for quick notes and pre-planning any dates. There is a slot behind the cards which I use for any cash and receipts I need to keep handy. On the right side is my dashboard, which I made using scrapbook paper and a laminator (this can be purchased here). I made this along with matching dividers.
The first section includes my year at a glance for 2017 and 2018 (these inserts came with the planner). On this calendar I mark any work holidays, vacation days, sick days, as well as the school schedule. This section also includes my monthly view (inserts can be purchased here) which I mark any birthdays as well as big events for the month.
The next section is my daily to do lists. I have gone back and forth with different ways to daily plan and recently I've decided this planner is for functionality and not necessarily just to be cute. I've been making my own daily to do lists which include a quick checklist as well as my meals and a shopping list of anything I might need to pick up that day.
The next section is bills. In our house I'm the one responsible for physically paying the bills which stresses out my little anxious mind. These inserts were a lifesaver (they can be purchased here)! These allow me write down every bill, with the amount, and check off once paid. They really are great for planning and assuring everything is handled and they're also pretty darn cute! Of course, I'm pretty obsessive and need to take this a step further. Every few months I take a post it note and write down all my bills as well as which ones will be paid by each paycheck of the month. This keeps me calm and assured that they'll all be paid on time and we won't be spread too thin in between each check.
The next section is labeled expenses. This includes my monthly debt breakdown. I have been following Dave Ramsey's Debt Snowball method (who isn't nowadays?) and this helps me see exactly where I stand and also any progress I've made. I personally feel accomplished when I'm able to check something off so this allows me to see the progress and feel good about any and all progress I've made.
My next section is purchases. These are inserts, also from Sweet Kawaii Design (can be purchased here). This allows you to track the date of purchase, place, price, shipped, and delivered. These are seriously the best in keeping track of any online purchases, but again it holds me accountable for how much I spend!
I have three remaining sections lists, notes, and extras. Lists includes literally anything and everything. As pictured, I have another breakdown of my vacation days as well as sick time, comp time, and holidays. Also in this section I have wish lists, TV shows to watch, grocery lists, sketches, and again literally anything I need to write down during the day. I wait for this section to get a few things in it and then I decide what I need daily and what can be put in my desk at home. Next is notes and is this holds my blank paper. The specific paper I use is from Sew Much Crafting (find it here) on Etsy and it feels so nice! I know that's strange, but it's true. Lastly is Extras, this section has a folder where I store coupons (found here) as well as credit card inserts (found here) which has all of my extra cards (i.e. credit cards, insurance cards, gift cards).
And that's all folks! I've let you all into my most priced procession. Please feel free to share how you have your planners set up! I'm always interested to see what works for everyone else and borrow any ideas that might work me!
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