Buying a Planner For The First Time

For each person the needs for a planner varies. One planner may work for one person, but be completely incompatible with someone else. Just as the uses change, the decoration that goes into a planner varies from person to person. So what would be my advice for someone purchasing a planner for the first time?



My first bit of advice would be to research thoroughly. Look into multiple brands and styles of planners. There are several styles on the market from Erin Condren Life Planners to Filofax, which dominate the market. During your research you will take into account what you will be using your planner for. Some planners are made with fitness and health in mind, whereas some are not. Email companies and ask questions about their products. Do not limit yourself to big name planners. I have found several completely printable planners on the market too. Social media sites can also be a helpful tool in your research.

After you have researched the planners that you think would work best for you, set a budget and stick to it. It may be common to spend a great deal on a planner; whoever, there are some company that catch you with fees for changes you may want to make. It is common to have add on options, customization choices, and even a chance to design your own cover. With these changes come fees and they are regularly changing. Don't hesitate to contact customer service if you have a specific thing in mind to see if that will incur a design fee.

So you have picked a planner, it has arrived, and you are ready to get started. Staring at a blank planner in which you are going to write in can be a daunting task. You will question if you want to decorate with stickers or washi tape. You my have several sets of pens and choosing which ones seems like an overwhelming decision. Do these write smoothly? Do those bleed through? The questions are endless. My advice is to find what works for you. For example, many choose to color code their planners, having a color for each person or each task they record. Find a system that you like and that you can stick to.

Once you find a system you enjoy, DIVE IN! Do worry about messing anything up. Next week is a new week and you can start over. Change what you need to change, keep moving forward.