Are you looking for ways to use a Yearly Layout? Many planners (printed or digital) have a yearly layout option and sometimes it can be boring to use this layout for the same thing every year. So here are some alternative ideas for using the yearly layout in your planner in the coming year.

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15 Ways to Use a Yearly Layout

#1 – High-level money goals tracker

• Consider using this layout to track your financial goals at a high level. For example, if you have a savings goal for the year, document the amount you saved each month. If you are on a debt-free journey, document the amount of debt you paid off each month or write an update on debt balance.

#2 – High-level Goal tracker

• If you are someone who likes to set and track goals, consider using the yearly layout to track high-level milestones for the goals you have set for the year. For example, if you are tracking fitness goals you might document your weight loss each month. If you are working on a major project like a home renovation or creating a product, you might document when project specific milestones were reached.

#3 – Use this layout to set your priorities for each month

• Especially if you have a bit of space to write in your layout, you could use it as a mini-priority list for each month. Limited space forces one to get really clear and prioritize. Write the top 3 things that are key for that month and then reference them at-a-glance when needed. If you also check them off your list as you go, this is also a nice way to prove that you got some shit done as you move through the year.

#4 – Reference natural events

• If you are like me, you might like to use this layout as a reference for natural events such as the full moon dates and names. You can also use it as a reference for astrological events such as mercury retrograde or the solstices.

#5 – Important dates

• Use this layout to highlight important dates related to home, work or school. For example, school semester start and end dates, rental lease end dates, finals week, pay schedules, annual bills

#6 – High-level Reminders

• Use this layout as a way to remind yourself about annual or semi-annual doctor appointments that might need to be scheduled or rescheduled

#7 – Mini-Reflection Journal

• If there is space to write, you might consider using this layout as a high-level, monthly gratitude or reflection journal. Write just one or two things that you are grateful for that month or a reflection like a favorite memory.

#8 – Keeping track of “kid weekends”

• If you have a blended family and sometimes kids are home and sometimes they aren’t, it can be a little maddening to try and keep that schedule straight. In this layout you could write which weekends are “kid weekends” so you can reference them at-a-glance when you are trying to plan other activities / events.

#9 – Seasonal reference

• Use this layout as a high-level seasonal reference for gardening, menus, retail, and sports. For example, if peaches are your jam – you might document when they will be at their peak so you can plan to use them in recipes. 

#10 – Divination

• If you are into oracle, tarot or runes -consider using the yearly layout to pull a card that represents the “theme of the month” or “energy of the month”.

#11 – Annual Expenses

• Use this layout to track & plan for annual expenses such as auto registration, Amazon prime or insurance fees. I don’t know about you but I often forget when those sneaky annual fees are due and I don’t like to be taken by surprise.

#12 – Travel Tracker

• Consider using this layout as a high level travel tracker or planner. It can be used as a mini-travel journal to document where you went or it can be used to plot out travel you have planned throughout the year. This layout can also be used as a mini-bucket list for the year and don’t forget  “the little things” – write 1 experience you would like to have each month and make it happen.

#13 – Special events tracker

• This one is a no-brainer but I feel like it is important to mention. This layout is great for tracking and planning for birthdays, holidays and other special events, festivals or conferences.

#14 – Sales / Revenue Goals

• Whether you work for a company or you work for yourself – consider using this layout to track your monthly sales / revenue at a glance.

#15 – Paycheck reference

• Use this layout as a high-level reference for your paycheck dates. This will help make sure bills are paid on time and planning ahead. If you receive a bi-weekly paycheck, this is especially helpful when you are planning for “3 paycheck months”.