2011 Planning

It's a futile search...every year I'm on the hunt for the perfect planner, but I never seem to find one that works perfectly for me. So this year I decided that I would take elements from planners of years gone by and create my own customized planner that would work for me this year. 115 pages and a few hours later I was done! Here are a few of my favorite elements that I included...

1) A large monthly planner. I'm not good enough to keep up with a detailed weekly planner- I do much better if I can see the month all together. No kiddos to keep up with...just a husband and crazy school schedules so I don't need too much room. One month spread over two letter size pages works best for me- I'll print these out and have them spiral bound so each month is easily accessible. 

2) Monthly Financial Checklists! I've always kept a checklist of bills that need to be paid each month so I decided to incorporate that into my planner this year. I can simply check off each bill as it is paid and I also listed my bills that are auto-drafted so I don't forget that money is flying out of our bank account as fast as Devo's fame faded in the 80's. I also listed our savings goals for the year so I can record our balance and keep track of our progress.

3) Meal Plans! I've added a smaller calendar on the next page that is dedicated to menu planning for that month. I don't bother to plan out breakfast or lunch. (It's always cereal or poptarts and the standard soup or sandwich making ingredients since we pack our lunches.) This smaller calendar is just enough to jot down what's for dinner each night so I can remember what to buy at the store and what to take out of the freezer each morning.

4) Shopping List! I usually do one large shopping trip each month. I can buy all our meat in bulk and separate it into freezer bags and most other ingredients/ snacks/ fruits/ veggies we will need for the month. I also make a short trip every week or two to get milk and bread and to take advantage of any good coupon deals that are going on. It makes it really convenient to have my menu plan on the opposite page as I create my shopping list. And the coupon check list keeps me straight while I'm at the store because I can note how much each coupon is for and if there are any conditions such as buying 2 of the item or a particular size without having to stand in the middle of an aisle and search through my coupon bag.

5) Christmas Gift Giving List! Thanks are due to I Heart Organizing for this idea. I used Jen's downloadable Gift Giving Plan this year and absolutely loved it! So I've added a modified version to my planner to use around Christmas time so I don't forget what I've purchased for who!

6) Address list! I hate searching for addresses when I want to send a card. Inevitably, I can't find an address right away and I forget about what I wanted to send so my friends end up thinking they are unloved. Sad. I really do love you guys and think about you often! I'm just forgetful. *sniff* So maybe this address list will help. I've also added a portion that will allow me to keep up with those who send me Christmas cards and those I send Christmas cards to. It's on my 30 before 30 list. I only have one more Christmas to actually get cards out...the pressure is on!

7) Days to Celebrate List! A place to list birthdays and anniversaries to remember.

8) And last but not least...extra pages for notes are essential!

And because I love you and I hope someone else can use what I've created...here is a free printable version for you! You can print it back and front and have it spiral bound for probably less than $10-15...enjoy!

2011 Planner -

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