Using a blank calendar to map out my personal finances has helped change my relationship with money. Instead of wondering where my paycheck went, I now control where my money is spent.
Having an easy, clear, way to see what needs to be paid every month has been an absolute game changer .
What is The Blank Calendar Method?
The Blank Calendar Method is the simplest way to organize your personal finances by using a blank calendar, a pen and 3 highlighters.
The calendar keeps track of
- INCOME (paycheck, child support, retirement, disability, etc)
- BILLS (rent/mortgage, insurance, utilities, childcare, etc)
- SPECIAL OCCASIONS (birthdays, anniversaries, family events, girls nights, graduation, etc)
- TRAVEL DATES
- APPOINTMENTS (Dr, Car inspections, school functions, etc)
The Blank Calendar Method only requires 3 items because it’s meant for beginners and people who let not having the right tools distract them from making progress or doing the work.
Personalized sticker, fancy pens, and expensive highlighters are not necessary. Start with a blank calendar, a pen and 3 highlighters.
Tracking your finances on paper is hard work and will be time consuming when you start. However, I believe pen to paper is mandatory when starting/ restarting your personal finance journey.
The Benefits of using The Blank Calendar Method
By using The Blank Calendar method you will
- have a visual representation of EVERYTHING that needs to be paid per paycheck
- feel less stressed when you get paid
- pay bills on time
- avoid paying late fees
- prioritize needs vs. wants.
The calendar can also help you SEE ways to improve your budget.
By using The Blank Calendar Method you may notice that you pay for a streaming service that you no longer use. Or, that you should ask for a due date change on your car insurance because you pay it late every month.
The Blank Calendar Method will help you prioritize what really matters in your life. As you become more organized and begin to accomplish your money goals you will be encouraged to continue to have control over your money.
You will be so proud of yourself when you start telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it all went.
How to use the Blank Calendar Method
Before you use the Blank Calendar Method you have to know all your monthly expenses (bills), due dates, special dates, appointments and anything you consistently spend money on.
Here is a complete list of everything you will need
- Blank Calendar
- Pen
- 3 Highlighters
- Pay Dates
- Completed Bill Tracker
The complete Bill Tracker will help you organize all your bills (housing, utilities, childcare, insurance, subscriptions etc) in one place.
Step 1: Record your PAY DATES on the specific day you get paid
Step 2: Enter each EXPENSES (bills) from your BILL TRACKER on the due date.
Step 3: Write down special dates, travel dates, appointments and any other important date that requires money.
Step 4: Highlight each PAY DATE in a different color.
Step 5: Highlight every EXPENSE (bill) and SPECIAL DATES in the same color highlighter that matches with the PAYCHECK you will use to pay that expense.
The calendar is going to help you track your spending in advance.
After using the Blank Calendar Method for a few months you will feel less stressed and have a clearer picture of your personal finances.
Keeping Up with the Blank Calendar Method
When you begin, set aside at least two uninterrupted hours to use the Blank Calendar Method.
The process will be a bit time consuming in the beginning. After you get all your bills recorded on the BILL TRACKER and start to develop your own system you will be able to drastically cut down on this time.
The best part of the Blank Calendar Method is that you can start over from scratch every month. You can skip a month (or a few) and restart at the beginning of the next month.
Also, use the calendar during your pay day review to make sure all bills and expenses are paid on time.
The Blank Calendar Method is a great system for beginners. It allows you to have a visual representation of where your money is going. This will reduce stress and allow you to get prepared for unexpected events in the future.
