Best Laid Plans

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.

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.

In a candid exploration of social media habits, the podcast delves into the necessity of taking breaks from the endless scroll. The host shares personal anecdotes highlighting the mental health benefits of stepping back, including reduced negative self-comparisons and fostering real-life connections. Listeners are encouraged to reassess their online experiences, reflecting on how a hiatus could lead to more meaningful interactions and even better sleep. It's an eye-opening take on living intentionally in a digital world.

Discover effective planning strategies for the upcoming year, featuring a review of the versatile Just Scribble Plans Vertical Weekly Planner. Hear insights on setting personal goals and streamlining family planning by breaking down larger objectives into actionable tasks. A listener's question sparks a creative discussion about organizing a neighborhood holiday party, showcasing the Nested Goals system. Plus, get a glimpse of luxurious gifts that could inspire your planning journey!

Explore the unique spirit of the last two months of the year as the hosts delve into reflection and celebration. They emphasize proactive planning to navigate holiday chaos smoothly. Discover strategies for goal setting and personal organization while enjoying the festive season. Hear tips on balancing holiday tasks with well-deserved enjoyment, and learn the importance of budgeting for gift purchases. The reflective period between years serves as a perfect time to recharge and prepare for the upcoming year.

Dive into a review of the Full Focus Wellness Planner, focusing on its design and usability for goal setting. Explore Ashley Shelly's compact daily planner, perfect for varied organizing needs. Discover the colorful rainbow planning products from Organize 365 and how they serve different tasks and meal planning. Plus, learn when to involve your partner in the planning process. Don't miss early pricing updates for 2025 planning courses—space is limited!

A listener shares her near-perfect paper planner system using six-ring binders for total organization. Tips abound for managing digital distractions, including useful apps like One Sec and Forest. The discussion takes a turn towards children’s education with personalized tools like IXL for standout math learning. The hosts explore the Twines and Paper Weekbook for innovative planning, while also addressing how AI, like ChatGPT, could revolutionize our organizational approaches. Plus, cozy fall fashion suggestions spice up the planning conversation!

Join Sarah Jedd, a full-time faculty member at UW-Madison and mother of five, as she shares her secrets to thriving in a chaotic life. She discusses her daily planning rituals and family management techniques, like using laminated calendars and involving older kids in organization. Sarah also highlights the importance of budgeting and goal-setting while navigating the intense schedules of middle schoolers. With a lively approach, she reminds us that joy and structure can coexist beautifully in a busy household.

Get ready to revolutionize your planning for 2025 with innovative tips and tricks! Discover a listener's creative use of Google Calendar displays that impact family life. Dive into screen time awareness with the gamified Aro app, designed to help you put down your phone. Plus, explore the best features of paper planners, including unique spreads and trackers that can elevate your organizing game. Don't miss the ideas that can help you balance life while looking stylish this fall!

Join Sarah, a passionate advocate for monthly goal setting, as she explores the magic of marking the start of a new month. She passionately discusses the 12 natural touchpoints of the year and how each serves as a fresh opportunity for personal growth. Sarah shares her effective monthly goal-setting strategies, highlights the joy of incorporating fun into planning, and reveals practical rituals that keep her organized and motivated. Dive into the art of embracing a fresh start and the importance of proactive monthly planning!