With every school from elementary to college starting at this time of year, it makes sense that September is Self-Improvement Month. Enrolling in a college class is a great way to improve areas of our lives, but it isn’t the only way. Your planner is poised to make your life better right now. Take a …
Your planner is great for everyday use, but it could be even better. With a few tweaks it could become your ultimate survival tool. Here are some examples: Use additional forms and tabs to stay on top of your different activities, such as: maintaining your budget, watching your health, and tracking your mileage. Add additional …
Labor Day is often the last barbecue of the summer. As you celebrate this extended weekend, use caution around the grill. Be sure to turn everything off when you’re finished and clean out your grill before you cover it for the winter. That will make it even easier to fire it up next grilling season.
We all know that it’s important to eat healthy, but it isn’t always easy to do. The best way to eat healthy is to keep healthy food on hand. Nutritious food tends to be more filling than unhealthy food; so healthy snacks help us consume fewer calories. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips, …
Distractions can turn a 30-minute project into something that takes hours. Make study time easier for the kids by creating an area in the house for homework. Make sure it has very few distractions, and that it’s loaded with extra pencils, paper, sharpeners, highlighters, and room for books. If possible, keep it away from televisions, …
As the new school year begins, take the time to coordinate everyone’s schedules so you don’t miss any events. Write each item in your planner so you don’t double schedule your time. You’ll also want to track all of these items on a centralized Family Calendar.Having a centralized calendar will ensure that schedules stay organized …
Do your back a favor and get the right bag for your schoolwork load. Cramming a lot of books in a messenger-style bag will pull on one shoulder, and can lead to back pain over time. Use a backpack with padded straps if you carry a lot of books. Of course, if you tend to …
Once school starts up again, it’s back to the daily runaround. Between work schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities, there’s a lot of potential for schedule conflicts. Whether you’re keeping track of a once-a-week appointment or reminding yourself of the doctor’s visit you scheduled back in April, your planner is there to help you. And to …
Summer tends to be a slower time for most businesses. Take advantage of the break to reorganize your office with some smart furnishings. Start by recycling old documents that you no longer need, then tackle your tangle of cords. Giving yourself some elbow room will make going back to busy an easy transition.
When it comes to school supplies, you can never have enough….and now is the time to start stocking up! Start with one set of notebook, pencils, tabs, and folders for each subject, and have replacements on hand. Create a station or area to keep all of your extras so you know where they are when …
If you want to get the best selection on back-to-school clothes, then it’s time to take the kids shopping. Before you head out, take stock of which articles of clothing you need to replace and list them on your writing pad (e.g. t-shirts, jeans, socks, underwear, etc.) Print out any promotions and check for coupons …
Time races by. It seems like the year just started yesterday, but it’s already half over. How are your goals coming along? Look back through your planner and find that list of aspirations you jotted down back in January and see how you’re dong. Often you’ll find that you’ve done better than you thought. Some …
Heading into a situation where you can’t take your paper planner? We have a solution for you: The new FC Tasks App for your iPhone or Android phone can help you connect with your task list, wherever you go. The app allows you to easily sync your tasks from your paper planner. It is a …
Are you planning a summer vacation? When it comes to vacations, planning ahead opens up so many more options than taking an impromptu trip. Taking the time now to book your lodging and travel arrangements can save you money, and makes sure that there’s a place for you. You can also research activities near your …
Father’s Day is coming up and now is the time to plan for it. No matter what you give for Father’s Day, it’s important to give it with the right presentation. Pick up your cards in advance, shop for any necessary gifts or items, and spend time planning out any special meals or family get-togethers …
Early June is a great time to assess your summer plans. The kids will soon be out of school with extra time on their hands. Before you know it you’ll be buying new school clothes and sending them back. If you haven’t already, take a few minutes this week to set your goals for the …
What has your dad done for you? It’s likely a lengthy list. Show your father exactly what he means to you this year with something more than the traditional necktie. Write down some of your dad’s attributes and interests, and some of your favorite memories of times you spent together. This will give you a …
Take this down. Getting into the habit of taking notes can help you remember important details and tasks, especially during long meetings. Having a notepad near you also lets you quickly write down flashes of inspiration as they come, before other thoughts and tasks push the finer details from the front of your mind. As …
Memorial Day is the first great getaway weekend of your summer. Take the time to plan it out, and you’ll have a great vacation from start to finish. If you’re taking a trip over the extended break, then start jotting down your packing list in your planner. If you’re just having a barbecue with your …
If your busy life hasn’t left you with a full day for spring cleaning, then it’s time to finish up. Instead of cleaning your home from top to bottom, identify lots of individual tasks that still need to be done. You can then schedule these tasks in your planner and fit them into your busy …
