The Benefits of a Ring-Bound or Disc-Bound Planning System

Let’s talk more about planners, because, I mean, who doesn’t like to talk about planners? I am a firm believer that everyone should have a planner. Of course, you have the freedom to do what you like, but if you want me to try and convince you, read this blog: https://sandradahl.ca/planning/https/sandradahlca/blog-page-url/https/sandradahlca/blog-page-1.

I have tried many, many different planners throughout my lifetime. I LOVE any type of planner, some a bit more than others. I currently am using a Franklin Ring-Bound system (7 rings in the classic sized binder) for my every day, home, catch-all planner. My business/social media/work planner is currently a Classic Sized Disc-bound Happy Planner. I love both of these systems.

There are of course benefits to Wire-O bindings as well as Book-Bound bindings, (i.e. Makse Life Planner, or regular bullet journals) but they will not be discussed here. For the most part, the two types we discuss today will be benefits over and above other types of planning systems.

1. You can add any type of insert that you want.

If you have your own punch, or at least access to one, you are free to add any pages that you want to your planner. You can buy from the company that your planner is from, or you can also purchase products off of Etsy. There is a huge variety of products to choose from. Even better, you can completely customize by making your own. All you need is some time, a pair of scissors or a page cutter and printer & ink. Depending on your size of planner, you may have to cut down custom inserts to fit. I am potentially looking at a Happy Planner Big for next year for my business planner, and the page size is 8.5 by 11. You don’t even have to cut the pages down; simply print, punch and insert right into your planner.

2. You can remove pages any time you want.

If you make a mistake you can take out the page. If you get bored and want to switch your planner around, it’s no problem. If you make a list in your planner and need to give it to someone, go ahead and take it out. You get my point.

3. You can add accessories.

The only way you can decorate your bullet journal (other than drawings on the actual pages), is by gluing or taping things into it. In a ring or disc-bound system, you can add any number of accessories. This is one of the best parts! These are not limited to pockets, folders, card holders or even planner charms. You are only limited by the width of the coils or rings. Speaking of which…

4. You can interchange discs and rings.

Franklin Covey Classic Anna Binder

In my opinion, this is probably the second best part. In the Franklin Covey Classic Sized world, the 1.5 inch rings are favoured to be able to hold more inserts. If you have an Allen key, you can remove the rings on your binders (note that this does void the warranty) and replace them with different colors and/or sizes as long as Franklin Covey has them available. In order to order the rings, you need to call in and place the order by phone. They are relatively inexpensive and you can get them in Gold, Silver and Black. You do need to be mindful of the size of your binder. Some of the thinner binders can only handle 1 inch rings or smaller.

For discs, the most well-known system is Happy Planner. (The discs will have heart cutouts on them). However, a lot of small businesses and new companies are re-creating discs to use in disc-bound systems. For one, FancyPlansCo produces a size between the classic and jumbo Happy Planner Rings which seem to be a perfect size for those who like to customize their planners. You can find the rings on various Etsy shops, the Happy Planner website and in stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Joanns. Happy Planner has different colors as well, including plastic or metal discs. My current favourite discs are the gold or dark purple metal discs, which I use interchangeably in my work planner.

I hope this gave you some worthwhile information. Perhaps it will help you to choose between a planner system.


Thanks for reading,

Sandra

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