Buying a planner really was one of the best decisions I made to keep myself organized and help me be more productive. Especially once I started this blog and began working from home. But let me tell you…I had the hardest time finding the right planner for me. It can be a stressful experience! I know I spent hours in stores flipping through various planners before actually purchasing one. I went through several different kinds and even made my own before finding the right planner for me. While others would recommend their favorite planner to me, it wasn’t until I actually began using it that I’d find out it wasn’t a good fit for me.

So, how do you pick the perfect planner that’s best for you? The trick is to find out what makes your life easier, not harder. If you’re in the market for a new planner, here are some tips to help you make the wisest pick.

BE WILLING TO EXPERIMENT.
Sometimes the only way to find out if you like a planner is to start using one. Once you use a planner for awhile you’ll discover what you like and don’t like. This will make your next planner purchase much easier. These days you can find some very affordable planners at retail stores, but if you’re interested in more expensive planners the cost could add up. Some companies offer printable pages on their website so you can give it a try before committing to a purchase, so be sure to check them out first. Day Designer is one company with a page you can try for free.

REMEMBER A PLANNER IS A TOOL THAT MUST BE USED.
A planner isn’t going to solve all your problems, especially if you don’t use it like you should. What good is writing everything down only to never look at it again? Recognize that you are going to have to put forth some effort to use a planner to organize your life and commit to it so you’ll see results. You can read my tips on using a planner effectively here.

CHOOSE YOUR LAYOUT AND PLANNER SIZE.
Do you need to plan your days down to the hour or do you simply need a space to keep track of appointments?

Decide on whether you need a monthly, weekly or daily planner first. Also make note on the size planner you need. Will you need something portable to take with you on the go, or do you need a big planner with lots of rooms for notes? Keep in mind that daily planners usually are bigger and heavier to carry around with you while weekly planners tend to be more portable. Making these decisions ahead of time will make the hunt for a planner go by a lot quicker! I like that some planner companies like Emily Ley’s Simplified Planner come in both weekly and daily editions so you choose your preference…………

I hope these tips help you pick out the perfect planner to keep you organized this year. Since I’m sort of a
planner loving freak and I’ve tried a lot of them, I’ve decided to list some of my favorites for you to check out. I hope one works for you!
 Erin Condren LifePlanner
 Day Designer
 Create 365 The Happy Planner
 Simply Yours Day Planner
 Simplified Planner
 The Living Well Planner

OH, HI THERE!

Hi! I’m Christie…Jesus follower, wife, pet lover, avid crafter and DIY addict. I believe in spending time doing whatever brings sunshine into your life. Welcome to my blog where you will find inspirational tips for DIY projects, crafts, recipes, organizing, household tips and much more. Let’s create some sunshine for your life!

 

 

Like any big project, a successful homebuying experience is all about getting the details right from start to finish. These tips for first-time home buyers will help you navigate the process, save money and close the deal.

Decide how much home you can afford

Figure out how much you can safely spend on a house before starting to shop. Rocket Mortgage® home affordability calculator can help with setting a price range based on your income, debt, down payment, credit score and where you plan to live.

How do you calculate the home price I can afford?

We use the information you enter and today’s rates to determine the maximum home price you can afford.

Keep in mind that this calculator just provides an estimate. You can see what you’re actually approved for by using Rocket Mortgage® or talking to a Home Loan Expert.

Choose a real estate agent carefully

A good real estate agent will scour the market for homes that meet your needs and guide you through the negotiation and closing process. Get agent referrals from other recent home buyers. Interview at least a few agents, and request references. When speaking with potential agents, ask about their experience helping first-time home buyers in your market and how they plan to help you find a home.