
Best Laid Plans
Welcome to Best Laid Plans -- a podcast all about planning and the planning tools we love. From planning techniques and organizing philosophies to planners and notebooks, we cover it all. Host Sarah Hart-Unger is a mother of 3, physician, podcasting pro, and a lover of lists and all things paper! Listen in weekly for conversations about planning and productivity as well as product reviews and interviews with planning experts!
Latest episodes

Jan 27, 2025 • 22min
January Q&A: Google-Centered Planner Peace, Commonplace Books, Storing Yearly Goals, Planner Display Options, and Can You Skip Planning and Goal-Setting for a Season? EP 235
Discover how a healthcare provider transformed her workflow with a blend of Google tools and a daily paper planner. Explore local stationery favorites in Chicago, including Atlas Stationers. Learn clever ways to store annual goals and organize planners, especially in messy kitchen spaces. Reflect on the role of commonplace books in goal tracking. Plus, consider the benefits of stepping away from planning when needed and the importance of flexibility in your personal goal-setting journey.

14 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 36min
Tidy Up Your Life: Organizing Inspiration for 2025 with Tyler Moore (aka Tidy Dad) EP 234
Tyler Moore, known as Tidy Dad, is a teacher and author passionate about creating organized spaces, especially as a dad navigating a small NYC apartment with three kids. In this conversation, Tyler shares his annual decluttering calendar concept to simplify organization throughout the year. He emphasizes the 'just enough philosophy' for busy families and the importance of sorting personal items first. His insights inspire actionable steps for cultivating a more mindful and intentional home life.

5 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 28min
January Energy + 3 Essential Systems EP 233
A January energy report encourages listeners to harness their motivation, while remaining aware that it may not last. Discover three essential life management systems: a comprehensive Master Calendar, airtight task management, and the Nested Goals framework for effective goal-setting. The episode highlights how flexible planning and organization tools can balance life commitments, making life a little easier. Plus, explore the intriguing concept of a 'second brain' to streamline your information management!

Jan 6, 2025 • 34min
Planning and Goal-Setting for Health with Carolyn Cohen EP 232
Carolyn Cohen, a dedicated health coach, shares her passion for wellness and goal-setting. She discusses the benefits of having a wellness planner and effective habit tracking. The conversation touches on the power of wearable tech for health insights and customized planning. Carolyn introduces the innovative idea of a health planning retreat, emphasizing flexibility and self-compassion in goal-setting. Listeners are encouraged to navigate setbacks as opportunities for growth, making health a seamless part of daily life.

Dec 30, 2024 • 21min
Sharing 2025 Goals! EP 231
In this insightful discussion, the host reveals ambitious goals for 2025 across personal, work, relationships, and household domains. Fitness and health aspirations take center stage, alongside efforts to boost reading habits and media awareness. There's a spotlight on balancing personal wellness with aesthetics, such as getting Invisalign. Intentionality in planning is emphasized, encouraging mindfulness in settings that matter. The episode wraps up with reflections on goal adjustment and gratitude for listener engagement!

16 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 27min
Setting Up My 2025 Planner Sidekick + December Q&A EP 230
Get ready for a planner transformation! The host unveils her setup for a Hobonichi Weeks Mega planner for 2025, perfect for tracking goals, health, and reading. Discover digital tools like Apple Notes for continuing education data and a creative Taylor Swift-inspired planner recommendation from a listener. Plus, learn about seasonal planning adjustments and a variety of suggested small daily planners. Exciting insights await for those seeking effective organization and inspiration!

Dec 16, 2024 • 34min
Mindful Social Media Use and More with Shunta Grant EP 229
Shunta Grant, the creator of the Best Today Guide, is passionate about helping people embrace each day fully. In this conversation, she shares her 'Best Today' philosophy, emphasizing present-focused living and the importance of daily planning. Shunta also opens up about her social media journey, discussing how she navigates its challenges and uses it intentionally for business while prioritizing mental health. She highlights her practice of taking breaks, promoting deeper connections and personal integrity.

12 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 28min
Revealed: 2025 Planner Stack! EP 228
Dive into a streamlined approach to planning for 2025 with insights on the latest planner stacks. Discover favorite tools like the Hobonichi Cousin A5 and the compact Hobonichi Weeks for tracking essential life metrics. Learn about the importance of blending physical and digital planning methods, including Apple Notes for project management. Plus, explore seasonal workbooks that enhance organizational strategies. Engage with the community as listeners share their own planning choices for the upcoming year!

4 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 36min
Planning Your Spending with Jen Smith EP 227
Jen Smith, co-host of the Frugal Friends podcast and author of 'Buy What You Love Without Going Broke,' shares her expertise on intentional spending and budgeting. She discusses the transformative shift from traditional budgeting to values-based spending plans that reduce guilt. Learn how couples can enhance financial communication using tools like Google Sheets. Jen emphasizes aligning financial goals with personal values and offers strategies to manage life events, combat impulse buying, and create a fulfilling financial future.

12 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 21min
Your Mini-Guide to 2025 Annual Planning EP 226
Discover an insightful framework for annual planning that encompasses reflection, visioning, and goal setting. The podcast highlights the importance of organizing goals into key areas to ensure success. Listeners are guided through the process of crafting a structured planning document that maps out vital dates for the upcoming year. Effective strategies for maintaining accountability and an organized approach to planning life events are also discussed, making it easier to achieve personal aspirations.
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