Oh my goodness I can’t believe this video came up today. I was going to start investigating budget planners for both of my adult children today for Christmas gifts. This was very informative, but now I’m more confused than ever. 🤪. I have one adult son who just bought his first house a year and a half ago. My other son still lives at home and is saving to purchase a home. I just don’t really know which planner is best for which child. thank you so very much for taking the time to do this video. I watched it once and then went back a second time and fast forwarded to certain things again.
To easily punch the Plum Paper cover, washi tape a punched sheet of paper to the cover and then use your WRMK disc punch to make the first hole. I screwed up a lot of things until this idea jumped to mind.
Great video! I use the Organized money planner. It’s a great option because I ordered the download version for ten dollars and then I printed it off and took it staples to bind it for me. This year I printed it again at no charge since I had the PdF and used a happy planner punch to bind it myself. I also just ordered your savings challenge book and I’m so excited to get it!!
I used the budget mom paycheck workbook this year and can see how it can be intense. I do like her paycheck breakdown she’s and all of the space for tracking. But the leftover meaning in the book is not about the previous week but the money from the other category. You did this in your January budget set up where you wrote your bills and notes how much you had left over to spend. Then after several variable expenses you broke down your extra savings, etc. I’m such a visual person that what trips me up about most of these, including the TBBP one is that the boxes go from top to bottom and then to the top right. It’s confusing especially if you read a lot and are used to left to right. I just want to see everything either on top vertically or side by side horizontally. ( I hope that made sense). For next year I purchased the Kell of a plan budget book so I am excited!
Thank you, Ilysse, for showing all these budget planners. I have tried so many different ones, and they just haven't worked for me and my budget. I developed my own on Canva using a mixture of the zero-based budget you used to show on your channel and the envelope system from Happy2planwithDesiree.
Just an idea for the Plum Paper one, you can still start it in January, and then re-date October-December, that way you still have a full year's worth. (same with any that isn't January-December specific).
Great reviews, I’m a Budget Mom girlie. I do like Kell of a Plans but wish she had paycheck worksheets. For next year I made my own binder using Happy Planner.
Thank you for sharing. My son and his girlfriend just asked me about budgeting and starting the cash envelope system. I researched budget planners and your video came up. I think I like the clever fix for them it looks simple and it has envelopes already.
Thank you for sharing this video. Absolutely loved it! I have the budget by paycheck Warburg system from the budget mom but I actually bought the oil spill version in 2023. It was a print on demand and since I kept the file I can go and reprint as many pages as I need. I find that her workbook is incredibly detailed and I only need one paycheck page and one expense sheet per month I don’t really even use. The other page is hardly ever so what I did was I use some colored paper and I print one paycheck page off and one expense sheet per month. I love the fact that it is updated but actually still has the months of the year and the top right hand side! The fact that it is not a dated system means you can do this at any given time and I love that as well! I also use the happy planner big and the happy planner classic with the happy planner big I actually want on Etsy and I purchased some additional print on demand worksheets because my happy planners are actual horizontal style I decided I wanted to mixture of other styles, including vertical and dashboard layouts so I purchasing them each for a couple of dollars on Etsy. It saved me a bundle! Because I can print and reprint over and over again and the fact that they are happy planner big versions, which is the 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 Actually backwards sorry 8 1/2 x 11 1/2, I don’t have to resize them I can use my happy planner punch and pop them right into my binders and make a mixture of different styles in one planner. I was really curious to see what the happy planner would cost me because I do have a make your own planner style Binder. It was $59! I did this from Etsy was just a couple of extra dollars by buying the sheets that are print on demand individually in the styles that I wanted. For my classic version, I decided not to buy print on demand because I did not want to have to cut down and resize the pages! Another one that I did get for the happy planner big Was a recipe page and also the happy planner big checklist so I have a variety of different styles, and one planner for literally dollars apiece! Let me clarify something really fast, on the happy planner site they have a build your own planner is what I meant to say that would’ve cost me $59 to add the extra styles into the planner where I decided to go on Etsy and purchase on demand pages with the same styles that I can print over and over again for just a few dollars apiece
Thank you for this! If you order a PPP again there is an option to have it disc punched (as well as not punched or coil bound). I didn't know PP updated/offered other financial layouts. I hadn't seen this one before!
Wow! That was a lot and to think it is kind of just the tip of the iceberg. I appreciate you taking the time to flip through all of these. I prefer discbound because it's easier to customize, so I have been purchasing undated HP budget extension packs to create my own planner. I also add Happy Notes pages for things like weekly check-ins and sinking funds tracking. This year I am trying my hand at digital planning, so I bought the digital Budget Mom workbook and plan to use it on my iPad with GoodNotes. The digital copy lets me delete pages I don't plan to use which makes it easier to navigate. I can also easily make corrections or duplicate pages if needed. Also it's totally undated this year and it doesn't have any prefilled categories (I loathe prefilled anything in planners). Thanks again for sharing.
I have used clever fox budget Planners for 3 years now, and I absolutely love them. They are functional, have great paper quality, and easily available in the UK at an affordable price too. However, I am switching in 2025 because I wanted a disc bound budget planner. I really hope clever fox makes disc bound planners.
I love the idea of cash envelopes, but I’m finding a lot more establishments are now “cashless,” especially entertainment venues. Also, I tend to use a couple of credit cards that have cash back (Costco, Sam’s Club), as I buy a lot of non-perishables at these stores as well as gas, because they tend to have the best prices. Most everything else I put on my Amex card for points. I pay off all of my credit cards in full every month - I have them on autopay. I also have my utilities, HELOC, HOA, and car payment on autopay. I have ADD, so the fewer bills I have to remember to pay the better. I do want to start using a budget planner/system as I feel like I need a better picture of where my money goes each month. What is the best way to use cash envelopes for someone like me who doesn’t use a lot of cash?
If you're looking to use cash envelopes but don't want to spend in cash, I'd use them for savings goals! Many people also use fake money in their cash envelopes to be a representation of what they have for each category, though that involves a bit more organization and review.
first time getting the TBM, looking forward to using it, I have had Passionate Penny regular planner ,I did like but never trie the money planner but thought of it
Great overview of planners. I've learned that I need a done for me planner (not build my own) on discs so I can add and remove pages. I also agree about the password/banking info in planners.
I’m using Papers by Jessica. It’s great because I can print the pages I need. Also, I do everything on Excel, because I love making up my own spreadsheets. I can’t wait to get your book! Good video.
Hello Ilysse! Discovered your channel about a month ago. Love your content and today’s budget planner review. I’ve been planning for many years but not much of a budget planner, or a “budgeter” at all. Deciding between one on Amazon and the kellafoplan (sp?); similarly priced. Heard you mention NJ; I’m a Jersey girl, well, um, actually not quite a girl! Grew up in Morris County. Thank you for this, Ilysse, all of your videos. Enjoy your vacay!
I tried The Budget Mom for a couple of years and it was too involved for me. I used the Happy Planner budget planner but of course they discontinued it. I purchased Heather's budget planner and I am so excited to use it. I'm starting the prep now by doing the dating. It's so cute! But thanks for this overview. It was interesting to see what is out there.
Tfs...I'm looking into the Penny Pincher since it comes with cash envelopes for home and the Plum Paper planner for my business since it comes with a dashboard to include planning, it will limit on using 2 planners plus it's giving very demure...Can't wait for your book to jump right into saving for 2025.
I currently use the Commit30 Money Journal. It's $29.99 on their site, and I've tweaked it to fit my needs. I'll be using the BBP workbook next year. It's a big jump in size, but we'll see how it works. Thank you for the review! It was nice to see all the different options out there.
The Penny Pincher should have blanks for the monthly budget sheet and categories like you said. I pay for 3 life insurance policies so that won’t work for me.
I get paid once a month. All of my bills are auto draft on the exact same day I get paid so by 11 AM on the day that I get paid all my bills are out. I don’t have to worry about something being missed and I don’t have to worry about coming up short when it’s time to pay a bill.
I LOVE love love your book! You have me excited too lol. Also going to purchase the Clever Fox Bookbound. There one on sale - Black Friday Deal. I love Kellofaplan as well, but I can’t get it where I am unfortunately. Here’s to financial freedom Illysse 😊
Do you have a video where you included some of your pages in the Kelloplan budget planner? I purchased the Kelloplan budget planner for next year but didn’t realize that it only consists of a monthly sheet and doesn’t have a setup for weekly or biweekly payments. How can I make this work for me?
I started to go with one that was skull covered. But ended up going for the Clever Fox biweekly budget planner because that's how my pay periods fall. Except I think my new job will pay weekly. I will still plan bi weekly, though. Just makes sense to.
I used to be that way, actually a monthly planer from dollar general or any dollar store for that matter would benefit you greatly. It took me years to actually grow accustomed and see the ROI using a full blown planner
Oh my goodness I can’t believe this video came up today. I was going to start investigating budget planners for both of my adult children today for Christmas gifts. This was very informative, but now I’m more confused than ever. 🤪. I have one adult son who just bought his first house a year and a half ago. My other son still lives at home and is saving to purchase a home. I just don’t really know which planner is best for which child. thank you so very much for taking the time to do this video. I watched it once and then went back a second time and fast forwarded to certain things again.
I use the organized money budget planner and daily pages. Love her things. Fit perfect for me. ❤ It was awesome to see the other planners out there
Can’t wait to get your book in hand 💛 Thanks for showing so many styles of budget planners. Look forward to seeing your next budget video!
To easily punch the Plum Paper cover, washi tape a punched sheet of paper to the cover and then use your WRMK disc punch to make the first hole. I screwed up a lot of things until this idea jumped to mind.
Great video! I use the Organized money planner. It’s a great option because I ordered the download version for ten dollars and then I printed it off and took it staples to bind it for me. This year I printed it again at no charge since I had the PdF and used a happy planner punch to bind it myself.
I also just ordered your savings challenge book and I’m so excited to get it!!
I used the budget mom paycheck workbook this year and can see how it can be intense. I do like her paycheck breakdown she’s and all of the space for tracking. But the leftover meaning in the book is not about the previous week but the money from the other category. You did this in your January budget set up where you wrote your bills and notes how much you had left over to spend. Then after several variable expenses you broke down your extra savings, etc. I’m such a visual person that what trips me up about most of these, including the TBBP one is that the boxes go from top to bottom and then to the top right. It’s confusing especially if you read a lot and are used to left to right. I just want to see everything either on top vertically or side by side horizontally. ( I hope that made sense). For next year I purchased the Kell of a plan budget book so I am excited!
Thank you, Ilysse, for showing all these budget planners. I have tried so many different ones, and they just haven't worked for me and my budget. I developed my own on Canva using a mixture of the zero-based budget you used to show on your channel and the envelope system from Happy2planwithDesiree.
Just an idea for the Plum Paper one, you can still start it in January, and then re-date October-December, that way you still have a full year's worth. (same with any that isn't January-December specific).
Great reviews, I’m a Budget Mom girlie. I do like Kell of a Plans but wish she had paycheck worksheets. For next year I made my own binder using Happy Planner.
Thank you for sharing. My son and his girlfriend just asked me about budgeting and starting the cash envelope system. I researched budget planners and your video came up. I think I like the clever fix for them it looks simple and it has envelopes already.
Thank you for sharing this video. Absolutely loved it! I have the budget by paycheck Warburg system from the budget mom but I actually bought the oil spill version in 2023. It was a print on demand and since I kept the file I can go and reprint as many pages as I need. I find that her workbook is incredibly detailed and I only need one paycheck page and one expense sheet per month I don’t really even use. The other page is hardly ever so what I did was I use some colored paper and I print one paycheck page off and one expense sheet per month. I love the fact that it is updated but actually still has the months of the year and the top right hand side! The fact that it is not a dated system means you can do this at any given time and I love that as well! I also use the happy planner big and the happy planner classic with the happy planner big I actually want on Etsy and I purchased some additional print on demand worksheets because my happy planners are actual horizontal style I decided I wanted to mixture of other styles, including vertical and dashboard layouts so I purchasing them each for a couple of dollars on Etsy. It saved me a bundle! Because I can print and reprint over and over again and the fact that they are happy planner big versions, which is the 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 Actually backwards sorry 8 1/2 x 11 1/2, I don’t have to resize them I can use my happy planner punch and pop them right into my binders and make a mixture of different styles in one planner. I was really curious to see what the happy planner would cost me because I do have a make your own planner style Binder. It was $59! I did this from Etsy was just a couple of extra dollars by buying the sheets that are print on demand individually in the styles that I wanted. For my classic version, I decided not to buy print on demand because I did not want to have to cut down and resize the pages! Another one that I did get for the happy planner big Was a recipe page and also the happy planner big checklist so I have a variety of different styles, and one planner for literally dollars apiece! Let me clarify something really fast, on the happy planner site they have a build your own planner is what I meant to say that would’ve cost me $59 to add the extra styles into the planner where I decided to go on Etsy and purchase on demand pages with the same styles that I can print over and over again for just a few dollars apiece
Thank you for this! If you order a PPP again there is an option to have it disc punched (as well as not punched or coil bound). I didn't know PP updated/offered other financial layouts. I hadn't seen this one before!
Wow! That was a lot and to think it is kind of just the tip of the iceberg. I appreciate you taking the time to flip through all of these. I prefer discbound because it's easier to customize, so I have been purchasing undated HP budget extension packs to create my own planner. I also add Happy Notes pages for things like weekly check-ins and sinking funds tracking. This year I am trying my hand at digital planning, so I bought the digital Budget Mom workbook and plan to use it on my iPad with GoodNotes. The digital copy lets me delete pages I don't plan to use which makes it easier to navigate. I can also easily make corrections or duplicate pages if needed. Also it's totally undated this year and it doesn't have any prefilled categories (I loathe prefilled anything in planners). Thanks again for sharing.
I have used clever fox budget Planners for 3 years now, and I absolutely love them.
They are functional, have great paper quality, and easily available in the UK at an affordable price too.
However, I am switching in 2025 because I wanted a disc bound budget planner. I really hope clever fox makes disc bound planners.
I love my Clever Fox budget planner as well. It's the only budget planner that I've ever been consistent with!
I love the idea of cash envelopes, but I’m finding a lot more establishments are now “cashless,” especially entertainment venues. Also, I tend to use a couple of credit cards that have cash back (Costco, Sam’s Club), as I buy a lot of non-perishables at these stores as well as gas, because they tend to have the best prices. Most everything else I put on my Amex card for points. I pay off all of my credit cards in full every month - I have them on autopay. I also have my utilities, HELOC, HOA, and car payment on autopay. I have ADD, so the fewer bills I have to remember to pay the better. I do want to start using a budget planner/system as I feel like I need a better picture of where my money goes each month. What is the best way to use cash envelopes for someone like me who doesn’t use a lot of cash?
If you're looking to use cash envelopes but don't want to spend in cash, I'd use them for savings goals! Many people also use fake money in their cash envelopes to be a representation of what they have for each category, though that involves a bit more organization and review.
first time getting the TBM, looking forward to using it, I have had Passionate Penny regular planner ,I did like but never trie the money planner but thought of it
That was great! I use the HP Budget Planner tweaked my way. I want your book for savings challenges. Hugs❤
Great overview of planners. I've learned that I need a done for me planner (not build my own) on discs so I can add and remove pages. I also agree about the password/banking info in planners.
I’m using Papers by Jessica. It’s great because I can print the pages I need. Also, I do everything on Excel, because I love making up my own spreadsheets. I can’t wait to get your book! Good video.
Hello Ilysse! Discovered your channel about a month ago. Love your content and today’s budget planner review. I’ve been planning for many years but not much of a budget planner, or a “budgeter” at all. Deciding between one on Amazon and the kellafoplan (sp?); similarly priced. Heard you mention NJ; I’m a Jersey girl, well, um, actually not quite a girl! Grew up in Morris County. Thank you for this, Ilysse, all of your videos. Enjoy your vacay!
Thanks so much for including my Budget Notebook, Illyse! This was awesome to watch 💖🎉
A great breakdown on planners.
thank you so much to show us all this, I really appreciated
I tried The Budget Mom for a couple of years and it was too involved for me. I used the Happy Planner budget planner but of course they discontinued it. I purchased Heather's budget planner and I am so excited to use it. I'm starting the prep now by doing the dating. It's so cute! But thanks for this overview. It was interesting to see what is out there.
I’m so excited for your book, I already ordered it on Amazon 🎉
Tfs...I'm looking into the Penny Pincher since it comes with cash envelopes for home and the Plum Paper planner for my business since it comes with a dashboard to include planning, it will limit on using 2 planners plus it's giving very demure...Can't wait for your book to jump right into saving for 2025.
I currently use the Commit30 Money Journal. It's $29.99 on their site, and I've tweaked it to fit my needs. I'll be using the BBP workbook next year. It's a big jump in size, but we'll see how it works. Thank you for the review! It was nice to see all the different options out there.
Got the Kell of a plan budget book to try for 2025. Love some of the ideas from others listed here, Thank You!!
The Penny Pincher should have blanks for the monthly budget sheet and categories like you said. I pay for 3 life insurance policies so that won’t work for me.
I use The Budget Mom and tweak it.
I'm glad it works for you!
@planwithilysse I just rename some of the headings that so it applies to my situation.
I get paid once a month. All of my bills are auto draft on the exact same day I get paid so by 11 AM on the day that I get paid all my bills are out. I don’t have to worry about something being missed and I don’t have to worry about coming up short when it’s time to pay a bill.
I LOVE love love your book! You have me excited too lol. Also going to purchase the Clever Fox Bookbound. There one on sale - Black Friday Deal.
I love Kellofaplan as well, but I can’t get it where I am unfortunately.
Here’s to financial freedom Illysse 😊
I wish the fox planner (3ring binder) was larger, I bought the one you showed and the size didn’t seem to work for me
Do you have a video where you included some of your pages in the Kelloplan budget planner? I purchased the Kelloplan budget planner for next year but didn’t realize that it only consists of a monthly sheet and doesn’t have a setup for weekly or biweekly payments. How can I make this work for me?
These videos may help:
ua-cam.com/video/pqc1y5U2l-s/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/w1UbZJxbwj8/v-deo.html
I'm going with a cool looking one I found on Amazon for $8. Probably going to get some good pens.
Good idea!
Which one did you get?
I started to go with one that was skull covered. But ended up going for the Clever Fox biweekly budget planner because that's how my pay periods fall. Except I think my new job will pay weekly. I will still plan bi weekly, though. Just makes sense to.
love it
I enjoyed this video but I'm trying not to keep buying planners because i lose interest quickly while budgeting
I used to be that way, actually a monthly planer from dollar general or any dollar store for that matter would benefit you greatly. It took me years to actually grow accustomed and see the ROI using a full blown planner
Hiiiiii
Considering how simplified and basic the Budget Binder is, all the different and competing vibrant colors make it look so cluttered.