How to Choose Your First Inserts

When you first discover a modular planner, the options can feel exciting… and overwhelming.

The goal is not to build the “perfect” planner.

The goal is to build a usable one.

Here’s how to choose your first inserts without overthinking it.

Step 1: Start With the Foundation

Most people begin with:

✔ A Monthly Insert
✔ A Weekly Insert
✔ A Notes Insert

Why?

Because this gives you:

• Big-picture awareness (monthly)
• Weekly structure (weekly)
• Flexible space (notes)

This combination alone supports most real-life planning.

This is where your planner becomes personal.

Choose 1–2 inserts that reflect your current season.

Not your dream life.
Your actual life.

Examples:

• Budgeting or bill tracking
• Meal planning
• Habit tracking
• Health & wellness
• Business tracking
• Reading or creative projects

Two is completely reasonable.
Just make sure they support your real priorities.

It’s tempting to add everything.

But too many inserts can:

• Make your planner feel heavy
• Slow you down
• Turn planning into flipping

Start lean.
You can always add more.

Monthly
Weekly
Notes

That’s a strong, balanced beginning.

Your first setup is not permanent.

The beauty of modular planning is that you can adjust anytime.

Start simple.
Use it for a few weeks.
Add only what you truly need.

That’s how you build a planner you actually stick with.