Color-Coding 101: The Easiest Way to Organize Your Digital Planner

Ever feel like your planner is more chaos than clarity? If you’re staring at a full schedule and to-do list and don’t know where to start—color-coding is your new secret weapon. Whether you’re a busy mom, entrepreneur, or student, using colors to categorize tasks can help you instantly visualize priorities and create a sense of calm in your day.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple color-coding system you can use right away in your Holley Design Co planner.

Why Color-Coding Works

Color-coding takes the guesswork out of planning. You’re training your brain to associate colors with specific roles or responsibilities, which helps reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue. Plus, it’s fun and visually satisfying!

Simple Starter Color Code System

Here’s a system you can adapt for your own needs:

💡 Pro Tip: Match your planner tabs, stickers, or digital pen colors to these categories to make everything feel seamless.

How to Color-Code in Your Digital Planner

With your Holley Design Co planner, you can:

• Use digital highlighters or colored text to mark different types of tasks

• Add colored sticky notes to label events (like the “MEETING” example above)

• Create a weekly color key in your notes section so it’s easy to remember

If you’re using apps like GoodNotes or Notability, you can even set custom pen presets for each color.

Final Thoughts

Color-coding isn’t about making your planner look pretty (though it helps!). It’s about making your life easier. Once you try it, you’ll never go back.

 Want Our Free Color-Coding Key Template?

We’ve created a printable + digital Color-Coding Key Template you can drop right into your planner. It’s editable, minimalist, and matches our planner layouts perfectly.

[Click here to download your FREE Color-Coding Key Template]

 Lead Magnet: Color-Coding Key Template (Freebie)

What it includes:

• 1 PDF printable version (A4 + US Letter)

• 1 PNG transparent version for digital planners

• Editable GoodNotes sticker version

• Bonus: Starter Color Suggestions

Headline:

🎁 Want to color-code like a pro?

Get our free Color-Coding Key Template to organize your week at a glance!

June 25,2025

Pretty Budgets, Real Results: Take Control of Your Money Without the Stress

Let’s be honest—budgeting has a reputation for being stressful, boring, or just plain confusing. And I get it. Most of us weren’t taught how to build a budget we can actually stick with—let alone enjoy.

But here’s the good news: budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. And it definitely doesn’t have to be ugly.

In fact, when you give your finances structure (and a little beauty), you gain something powerful: clarity, confidence, and control. That’s exactly why I created a system of planners and trackers that make money management feel intuitive—and even fun.

 Why Budgeting Matters (Even if You Think It’s Not for You)

Think of a budget like your GPS—it tells your money where to go so you don’t feel lost halfway through the month.

A good budget helps you:
    •    See exactly where your money is going
    •    Avoid overspending
    •    Prioritize your goals (like saving, paying off debt, or funding your business)
    •    Make decisions without guilt or guesswork

It’s not about restriction—it’s about intention. And when you use tools that are well-designed, easy to use, and even pretty to look at? You’re more likely to stick with them. (Trust me, that part really matters.)

 What You Need to Start (And How to Use It)

Here’s what I recommend as the core of your budgeting setup—each included in my free Budget Starter Kit:

Monthly Budget Sheet

Break your month down into income and expenses. This one-page overview shows you what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what’s left over.
Start here. It’s your budget’s foundation.

Debt Payoff Tracker

If you’re paying down debt, this tracker helps you stay motivated by visually marking your progress.
Tip: Start with your smallest balance and celebrate every payoff milestone!

Savings Tracker

Want to build an emergency fund, save for a vacation, or invest in your biz? Seeing your savings grow (even little by little) is a powerful motivator.
Tip: Automate what you can—even $10/week adds up.

 How to Make It a Habit

A budget works best when it’s part of your regular routine—not something you only check when things feel chaotic.

Here’s a simple ritual that works for me (and might work for you too):
    1.    Pick a weekly check-in day (Sunday is my fave)
    2.    Review your spending and update your budget sheets
    3.    Adjust goals or plans if needed
    4.    Celebrate your progress (Yes, even the small stuff!)

Set the scene with a coffee, playlist, or candle—make it feel like self-care, not punishment.

Grab Your Free Mini Budget Starter 

If you’ve been craving more clarity around your finances—or you just want a pretty reason to finally open that budgeting app—this is your sign. My Budget Starter Kit gives you instant access to:

 monthly inside the Freebie Vault

Everything’s designed to help you organize beautifully and grow intentionally—with your money, your mindset, and your life.

👉 [Click here to unlock the Freebie Vault]

June 26, 2025

Budgeting 101: What Makes a Good Budget (& How to Start One You’ll Stick With)

If you’ve ever opened your bank app and thought, “Where did all my money go?”—you’re not alone. Budgeting might feel overwhelming, but it’s actually one of the most empowering things you can do for your peace of mind and financial future.

And here’s the best part: it doesn’t have to be complicated, restrictive, or boring.

Let’s break it down together—what actually goes into a good budget and how to get started with one that feels aligned, intentional, and (dare we say) kinda pretty.

What Makes a Good Budget?

A great budget isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s a plan that works with your life. It should feel flexible, realistic, and help you move toward your goals.

Here are the 4 key ingredients every solid budget needs:

1. Your Real Income

Start with what’s actually coming in each month—not just your salary, but side income, freelance projects, or recurring payments.

2.Your Core Expenses

Think housing, utilities, groceries, transportation—basics that keep your life running.

3.Your Lifestyle Spending

This is where the Target runs, iced coffee rituals, and weekend plans live. (Yes, you can still have fun while budgeting!)

4.Your Financial Goals

Whether it’s paying down debt, building savings, or investing in your business—your budget should include room for progress, not just survival.

 How to Start a Budget (Without the Overwhelm)

You don’t need a finance degree to build a budget—you just need the right tools and a little guidance.

Here’s a simple way to get started:

1. Download a Budget Template

I’ve got you covered! My Free Budget Starter Kit includes a printable monthly budget sheet, savings tracker, and debt payoff planner. It’s clean, elegant, and designed to make money feel manageable.

2. Track Your Spending for 30 Days

Use your bank statement or a spending app to see where your money’s been going. It’s eye-opening—and helpful for planning ahead.

3. Set Weekly or Monthly Check-Ins

Pick a day (I like Sundays!) to sit down with your planner and review what’s working and where you can adjust.

4. Keep It Visual

That’s why my templates are pretty on purpose. A well-designed system encourages consistency—and consistency builds results.

The Goal Isn’t Perfection—It’s Awareness

Your budget isn’t about shaming your spending or cutting out all joy. It’s about creating a clear picture so you can make intentional choices.

Want to buy a fancy planner or treat yourself? Great! Your budget just helps make sure it fits into the bigger picture.

Get Your Free Mini Budget Starter Kit

Feel like your money could use a little more structure (and style)? You’re in the right place. The Mini Budget Starter Kit is your gentle push to finally sit down and make a plan you’ll actually enjoy using.

Inside the Freebie Vault, you’ll get beautifully designed tools to help you:

✅ Gain clarity with your monthly spending

✅ Track savings and pay down debt with confidence

✅ Build habits that support your goals

Everything is thoughtfully created to help you organize beautifully and grow intentionally—in your finances, your focus, and your everyday life.

👉 [Click here to unlock the Vault]