Is the Passionate Penny Pincher Home Planner Worth It? My Honest Review

We’ve all been there.

Another year, another attempt at organizing our chaotic mom lives. Between playdates for my rambunctious 2-year-old and preschool prep for my 5-year-old, I’ve searched high and low for the perfect planner. 

Most often, I ended up with a collection of half-filled pages, abandoned by February.

I used to get such anxiety with planners. I’d order the new hottest planner (or the one that filled my Instagram feed), and after a month of not having pretty layouts, I’d ditch it.

Rinse and repeat almost every year with a different planner.

This year, however, was different. Finally!

I started getting ads last year for the Home Planner by Passionate Penny Pincher (PPP) on Facebook, and initially, I was skeptical. However, the ads wore me down after a while, and I decided to jump in and get one.

I’m so happy I did – it actually lived up to the promises and hype, and not only did it help keep me organized, it improved my home and made the entire family more organized.

In this post, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about the Passionate Penny Pincher Home Planner and my experience with them.

Planners, a Journey

I’ve been trying to get into planners for years. It all goes back to middle school when we had agendas, and I got into that habit. I used to love how it made me feel so organized (something I struggle with) and on top of everything.

As iPhones and iPads came out, I tried to do everything digitally – but ultimately, I’d get overwhelmed and not stick to it. 

I tried to get back into planning a few years ago with a paper planner but found I quickly got overwhelmed with even that because the planner communities tended to make their planner layouts so beautiful with stickers and washi tape.

I tried to focus on my own, but ultimately, I would give it up and return to digital planning.

Rinse and repeat the cycle.

In Comes Passionate Penny Pincher Home Planner

When I first saw the ad for PPP’s Home Planner, I thought, “Oh, just another pretty planner.” I wanted it but assumed it was just like all the others I had in the past and, ultimately, something I wouldn’t stick with.

Around this time, I started getting ads for PPP’s other products, the meal plan cards. I decided to try those and was completely hooked (you can read my full review here). I ended up ordering every single collection and still use them today.

After getting into the meal planning community, I noticed many of them raving about the Home Planner.

After having success with the meal cards, I decided to take the plunge and order the Home Planner.

Ordering the Planner

Ordering the planner was very easy to do on their site. I ordered the physical planner, but they also have options for only the digital files. 

If you order the physical planner, you also get a digital version so you can start using it before your physical one arrives.

Right after ordering, I got an e-mail with details on how to join the private Home Planner Facebook community and a link to the digital files.

I went through the digital files but decided to wait until I got my physical planner before digging into it. 

Thankfully, it didn’t take too long, and about a week after ordering, my planner arrived! 

Inside the Planner

The planner is set up in calendar year format, starting with January and going through December. 

PPP also has other versions of planners for students in the format of an academic calendar, but the home planner is a traditional calendar.

The first page includes a few stickers to use in the planner. She also sells extra sticker books if that’s something that you like to use.

The first few pages are an introduction on how best to use the planner and tips. I love these pages because they also explain that it’s ok not to do everything.

This took a lot of pressure off of me in trying to make my planner pretty and perfect.

Home Lists

After the introduction, there are lists galore! These are really great reference pages that have all kinds of checklists, including:

Spring cleaning checklist (by room)

Yard and Home Maintenance (by season)

Company is Coming (by timeline, including 1 week before to the day of) 

Vacation Checklist (by timeline as well as packing lists)

Christmas Checklist (shopping lists, baking lists, Christmas card checklist, etc.)

Weekly Home Project Schedule

Then, after the checklists, there are sections for you to fill out, including:

Personal Goals by Month

Monthly Routine Checklist

Bill Payments

Dream Big Home Project List

Financial Goals

and sections for notes.

Setting up the Planner

Before the new year, the founder of PPP, Laurie, will host live planner parties in the Facebook group to help you set up the planner.

I attended one and was so happy I did! She went step by step through all these pages and showed how she set it up herself. She also reiterated that you don’t need to do these pages at all or could do as much as you wanted.

It’s not that I need permission, but I always strive for my things to be perfect, which was so reassuring. I used to get so anxious with planners that if I did something wrong or filled it out incorrectly, I’d ruin everything.

But aren’t planners meant to be written in and actually used?

Using the Planner

The planner is set up into sections for each month, with a notes page for the month first, then a month overview calendar, and then a weekly inside view.

Notes

This section can be used for anything. The top has a small checklist of suggested things to do (like declutter 25 items in your home, plan a fun family activity, etc.), but then it’s up to you how you use the rest of the notes.

If you’re into habit tracking, this would be a good place to make a tracker or write down goals you hope to accomplish over the month.

I’ve used this space to help me track blog posts I write and keep track of my workout program.

Monthly Calendar

On the next page is the monthly calendar. This is a big spread of the whole month and a section for notes on the side.

I like to use this one to see at a glance the big events coming up for the month.

Weekly View

The following pages are the weekly view. This is the bread and butter of the whole planner.

At the top is a section of checklists – one morning and one evening. It lists suggested things to do and a checkbox for each day you complete.

Some of the tasks are things like making your bed, showering, exercising, planning dinner, wiping down the kitchen sink, etc.

There’s also a space for you to write in your own if you’d like.

At the bottom of the checklist is a bigger weekly task to accomplish, like organizing a pantry. This ties back to the task list at the beginning of the planner.

Underneath the task list is little breakouts for each day. Each day has a little checklist with 3 -4 additional suggested tasks to do (clean bathrooms, re-stock toilet paper, change sheets, etc.).

There’s also a section to write in a planned meal, what you’re thankful for that day, and the daily budget.

Then the rest of the space is where you can write in what’s planned for the day or your own checklist.

Budget Worksheet

At the end of the month is a budget worksheet where you can tally up your monthly expenses by line item.

There’s also a spot to put in your projected budget and then the actual so you can see what you had planned and where you came in. 

Home Planner Review

I’ve been using the Home Planner for almost 10 months and have ordered another one for next year, so it’s easy to say I love it.

I love how organized it is and how it keeps me on track. The daily tasks to do have been extremely helpful in our house because, with two little kids, it’s easy to get off the rhythm of doing small things around the house. 

My husband and kids also jump in on some of the tasks. It’s been great starting to get my kids into the habit of tidying up before bedtime, and I love waking up to a clean house each morning. 

The planner has also gotten me back into the meal planning and prepping routine.

Each Sunday, I’ll sit down with the planner, look ahead to our events, and then create a meal plan around it. Being mindful like this has helped us avoid last-minute takeout.

I’m not perfect with the planner every week, but I feel like the community has helped me recognize that that’s ok.

There’s been a few times this year when things got especially hectic, and I didn’t make the time for my planner.

Instead of looking at it like a failure, I’ve been able to pick the planner back up and get back to it. 

Stickers and Beautifying the Planner 

While I initially felt overwhelmed by planners encouraging embellishments like stickers and washi tape, the Home Planner offers a comfortable balance. 

With the provided stickers and the option to buy more, you can beautify your planner as much or as little as you want.

I’ve found joy in occasionally decorating a special week or marking significant milestones.

The Facebook Community

 One of the biggest assets of the Home Planner is the private Facebook community. Here, I found a group of like-minded moms who provide support, share their planner tips and even their struggles

It’s so refreshing to see others who sometimes have empty days or smudged pages – showing that it’s all a part of the journey. 

This community has been invaluable for both motivation and feeling understood.

My Pick

PPP Home Planner

• Holistic Organization: A unique planner integrating pre-made checklists, and seasonal guides to enrich daily routines, ensuring no task is forgotten.
• Adaptable Design: Along with standard features, it boasts customizable monthly checklists, ensuring tailored organization. Tabs are detachable and can serve as decorative art pieces.
• Aesthetic & Functional: Vibrant designs, practical checklists, and inspiring scriptures make it both a delightful addition to homes and a productive tool for organization.
• High-Quality Specs: Covering January-December 2024, it features durable design elements, including a laminated cover, gold coil binding, thick paper, and a dimension of 8.5 x 10 inches.

Buy Now

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A Note on Faith in the Planner

Something that stood out to me and might be of interest to others considering the Home Planner is its subtle integration of Christian elements. 

Each monthly tab showcases a scripture, offering a quick, reflective pause in the midst of planning and organizing. Additionally, throughout the planner, there are gentle suggestions of scriptures to delve into.

For those who share this faith, these small inclusions serve as comforting reminders and moments of spiritual grounding amid the chaos of daily life. For others, it might be a surprise, but in my experience, it isn’t overwhelming.

It feels more like a gentle nod to the creator’s personal faith rather than an overt push.

Whether you choose to read the recommended scriptures or simply appreciate them as a testament to the Passionate Penny Pincher’s foundational values, it’s a unique touch that distinguishes this planner from many others on the market.

Pros and Cons of the Passionate Penny Pincher’s Home Planner

Every product has its strengths and areas that might not resonate with everyone.

Having used the Home Planner almost year-round, I’ve been able to identify its highs and lows. 

Here’s my take:

Pros

Structured Yet Flexible

The planner offers a structured format, but there’s enough flexibility to make it work for individual needs. It’s also easy to hop back into using if you miss a week (or month)

Community Support

Access to the private Facebook community is a huge plus. The camaraderie, advice, and shared experiences in this group add immense value to the planner experience. Once you buy one planner, you get lifetime access to the group. 

Diverse Checklists

The variety of checklists – from seasonal home maintenance to holiday preparations – ensure you’re prepared for every occasion. 

Emphasis on Real-life Planning

Unlike some planners that seem built for aesthetic appeal over practicality, this one is rooted in the realities of daily life, especially for busy moms.

Cons

Christian Elements Might Not Suit Everyone

For those who follow different religions or are non-religious, the Christian references, though subtle, might feel a little out of place.

Physical Size

The planner is comprehensive, which might make it a bit bulky for those who prefer carrying their planner everywhere.

Sticker Limitations

While the included stickers are a nice touch, some might find them limited and feel the need to purchase additional ones.

While there are a few cons, for me, the pros of the Passionate Penny Pincher’s Home Planner far outweigh any drawbacks. It’s a tool built for real life, and its comprehensive approach means I often find myself reaching for it, whether planning a week of meals or preparing for the holiday season.

Where to Buy

The Passionate Penny Pincher Home Planner can be purchased directly through her website here. 

My Pick

PPP Home Planner

• Holistic Organization: A unique planner integrating pre-made checklists, and seasonal guides to enrich daily routines, ensuring no task is forgotten.
• Adaptable Design: Along with standard features, it boasts customizable monthly checklists, ensuring tailored organization. Tabs are detachable and can serve as decorative art pieces.
• Aesthetic & Functional: Vibrant designs, practical checklists, and inspiring scriptures make it both a delightful addition to homes and a productive tool for organization.
• High-Quality Specs: Covering January-December 2024, it features durable design elements, including a laminated cover, gold coil binding, thick paper, and a dimension of 8.5 x 10 inches.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts 

The Passionate Penny Pincher’s Home Planner is more than just a planner for me – it’s a lifestyle change. It has given me a structure to organize my life without the pressure of perfection.

For once, I feel like I’m using a planner that understands real life – from the chaos of managing a home with two little ones to the unexpected changes that life throws at us.