I’ve always been a planner. I’ve always LOVED to write. So when it came to organizing my life, I needed a good planner in my life.
Having a planner was always a number one priority for me. I’ve tried to not use a planner and strictly use Google apps to help manage my blog and personal schedules. It didn’t work out well. So I went back to using my planner. I noticed it was just becoming a hassle to lug all around the city, so I started leaving it at my office. Unfortunately, I was starting to become less organized. I needed to find something else to help me with my life.
Enter the iPad.
I had an iPad back in college, but really didn’t use it. I don’t have it anymore soooooo I’m pretty sure I sold it on eBay. When the idea popped in my head to get an iPad, I wanted to make sure I was going to find ways to use it. I knew Google apps weren’t going to cut it for me. I randomly began searching for “digital planners” and found some YouTube videos on it, but I’m not experienced at inDesign. So I kept searching. I quite randomly stumbled upon The Balance Planner.
After looking through how their digital version works, I decided an iPad was the way to go. Luckily, Matt was undecided on what to get me for Christmas…so I presented the idea, and a few days later I had a brand new iPad! (I know, I know, I’m lucky.)
Is it easy to download?
SUPER EASY.
First, you need to download GoodNotes on your iPad, and then download the file for the planner, upload to Dropbox, and then export into GoodNotes! I had everything up and running in like 5 minutes.
How much does it cost?
The GoodNotes app is $7.99 and the Digital Balance Planner is $19.95! So pretty much the cost of what I would have spent on an actual planner.
Does a digital planner REALLY compare to an actual planner?
YES! It really does. It takes a minute to get used to writing with the Apple Pencil. It’s so weird, but I really take pride in my handwriting, and I have crazy OCD when it comes to writing things down. On paper, if it didn’t look perfect, I would start an entire new page (I know, wasteful). With the iPad, it’s easy to just simply hit erase and re-write it. I’m definitely getting better as far as being neat when writing…but it definitely takes practice!
I love that it has the same layout as a planner — monthly and weekly views, plus pages for weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. Oh, and a habit tracker!
What iPad do you have? I’m not sure if mine is compatible with the Apple Pencil.
I have the iPad 9.7 inch. I was debating between this one and the iPad 10.5 inch, but it was cheaper to get the 9.7 inch. And there’s really all of the same features. The biggest feature was the Apple Pencil. I believe the Apple Pencil is only compatible with the 9.7 inch and newer generations.
Are you really only using your iPad for your digital planner?
NO! I know it’s actually all I talk about, but my iPad isn’t ONLY for a digital planner. I’ve also been reading on it. If you would have told me I would be reading on an iPad a few months ago, I would have laughed hard. I was so against e-readers/reading on iPads because I just LOVE holding a book. Bringing a book around everywhere was beginning to get annoying for me. I would often just try to read at home, but that didn’t work. So I was reading less and less. Getting an iPad has already changed that, I’m on my third book of year and we’re 3 weeks into 2019!
If you have any other questions or want more information about my iPad, I’d love to answer more! Just leave a comment below or shoot me an email!
What size storage would you recommend when purchasing an iPad for digital planner and reading?
I have the 128 GB and have no issues – I also have an older iPad!
Do you know if the Balance Planner is still a viable product? I tried the link and it doesn’t work. I also tried a search and don’t seem to be able to find any information on the planner.
Doesn’t look like it — check Etsy for “digital planners” and a few good options pop up!