31 October 2025

Free For All Friday - No. 886 (20th anniversary edition)

Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash
 

Twenty years ago, I set down my frustrating electronic organizer and dug my Filofax out of a shoebox in the closet. In a world dominated by Palm Pilots, Moleskine notebooks, and index card solutions, I needed a community. And then I found a lonely blog started by a guy who called himself Philofaxer. I immediately offered my services. People started commenting on my meagre posts. I noticed that some of those comments were better than the aforementioned posts, so I asked their authors—Steve and Laurie—to help with the workload. 

Soon, these two talented individuals took the idea of a Filofax community and ran with it, quickly creating a global clan of like-minded individuals, many of whom have become dear friends well beyond having a favorite organizer in common. And with that bit of history, I'll let my co-bloggers take it from here.

— Nan 

 

I'm very grateful to Nan for putting her trust in me and inviting me along with Laurie to join her on Philofaxy back in 2009. It has been quite a ride since then. I never imagined back in 2009 what we would create together and all the different things we would do. Like Nan I've made lots of friends via the blog, meeting lots of people face to face in meet ups in USA, Canada, UK, France, The Netherlands and Belgium. 

Our social media presence has grown to thousands of people on Facebook and Instagram and other platforms too. 

I would also like to thank the various manufacturers that have supported Philofaxy over the years and sent us samples to review. A big thank you to Filofax UK, Van der Spek, Gillio, William Hannah, MeePlus and others. 

The blog wouldn't be the blog with all our favourite guest posters, and of course all the people that comment on the blog. 20 years and forty-eight thousand comments, that's quite a total against the 6900 posts! 

–– Steve

 

I first discovered Philofaxy way back when my second child had just been born and I was dealing with a lot of change, international moves, and generally feeling like I needed something to help me feel more in control of my life. 

I remember checking the blog every day, hoping a new post would be up and someone, anyone, would give me some Filofax advice! I did several lengthy (and cringeworthy) comments under the username worldwide, until Nan generously invited me to join Philofaxy as a regular contributor.

Now Philofaxy is a wealth of information about all things Filofax, thanks to all the contributors including Nan, Steve, Anita, Eve, and all the readers who have commented over the years!

Philofaxy has gone from being my lone resource of Filofax related information, to a beacon in the overwhelming storm of information available online. As always, this is the first place I come for Filofax inspiration. 

Many thanks to the wonderful Philofaxy community including those of us who have been here a long time as well as newer readers!

–– Laurie

 

I bought my first Filofax back in the mid-1980s, and at the time no one else I knew had one. Discovering Philofaxy years later was like finding my people! It’s amazing how this community has brought together so many planner enthusiasts from around the world. 

Over the years, I’ve learned countless tips, been inspired in more ways than I can count, and most importantly, made genuine friendships. 

I’m so grateful for this community; for Nan, Steve, Laurie, Anita and everyone who has kept Philofaxy going strong. 

Happy 20th anniversary, and here’s to many more wonderful years to come!

–– Eve

 

I purchased my first Filofax in 2009 after reading David Allen's Getting Things Done book, but only discovered Philofaxy a few years after that. I joined Philofaxy in 2012 and then rejoined again in 2019 after a break due to family commitments. It never occurred to me back in 2009 that there would be such a wonderful community, and like the other have mentioned, I've met many lovely people and been so inspired by the kind contributions from others. Thank you to all of you for your continued support and engagement. 

–– Anita 

 

And as always on Fridays, please feel free to discuss anything organiser related. I hope that you have a great weekend.   

30 October 2025

Philofaxy Favourite Posts and Series?



 

I'm sure you will remember some of the headers we have used in the past. No AI was used to create them, just a digital camera and some organisers! 

With our 20th Anniversary coming up tomorrow (31 October 2025) what have been your favourite posts or series from the last 20 years? 

Are there any you would like to see us run again? 

Please let us know in the comments. 




29 October 2025

Video Web Finds - Wednesday 29 October 2025

I hope you have had a good weekend.

Now it is time to enjoy a great collection of videos from around the internet.

Here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.
  1. Episode 8: Settling the Mind - Franklin Planner
  2. Plan with me in my new Franklin Covey Compact - RoRoAndLu
  3. Index Card System + How I Use It in My Planner - Tori on paper
  4. My Annual Planning Secret (Stealing This for 2026?) - Carl Pullein
  5. Planner Love 2026 - Franklin Planner
  6. MeePlus Leather Ring Binder Comparison: 11 or 16 mm — Which One Should You Choose? - MeePlus
  7. Plan With Me || Franklin Classic Black Anna Binder || Oct 27 - Nov 2, 2025 || Halloween Week! - Sandra Dahl
  8. This week's releases & restocks (week of October 27, 2025) - Gillio Firenze
  9. The True Cost of a Filofax: Why Some Binders Last a Lifetime (and Others Don’t). - Flatability
  10. FCC vs Personal rings … the pros and cons of both - Beverly Plans Life
  11. MeePlus Slimpad Reporter Series|Perfect for Ring Binder Beginners - MeePlus
  12. Inside My Weekly Reset | Recap, Reflect & Plan for the Next Week - Buy Sell Plan Inc.
  13. MeePlus SlimPad Unboxing and Paper Test! (Bridle Leather) @MeePlus.planner - Stationery Dumpling
  14. 2026 Calendar | MeePlus Planner | Plotter Alternative | Product Presentation, First Impressions, - planenaufpapier
  15. November, 2025 Semi-Plan-With-Me • Franklin Covey Compact • Black Girl Magic • RongRong Coffee Queen - Jeanae Jones Home, Beauty & Planning
  16. Diaries I Used This Year | Lost? You Can Find It at X | Filofax · Moleskine · Traveler’s Notebook - 데다소
  17. Unboxing Vintage Filofax Planner | Setup - applebite's diary
  18. My 2025 Planner & Journal Ecosystem | Traveler's Notebook, Hobonichi Cousin, Filofax & More - The Elixir Archive
  19. [ASMR] Roma  | Filofax | Travel Journal - Heemione's Journal
  20. decotogether Autumn 2025 | #autumncolors purple | Weekly decoration in the Filofax Original Burnt... - planenaufpapier
  21. Guide to choosing your planner or agenda for the following year (without dying in the attempt) - Pulga Haza Journals
  22. Digital Declutter with Me | How I’m Using My Devices With Intention + Mindful Planning in My Filofax - mariam's leaf
  23. Filofax Malden Personal Black jako pracovní diář - ENG sub - Petunie
  24. Inside My Filofax Saffiano Setup | Pretty, Practical & Personal (Highlight) - Mariane Cresp
  25. Planner Perfect 6 Ring, let’s put bigger rings in! Some crocheted goodies! - Lucy’s Crafts n Coffee
  26. Assembling a Birthday Ring Planner Gift | DIY Inserts & Setup Reveal - Create with Shay! 
  27. Your YouTube video could appear here. If you have a YT channel that features Filofax organisers or similar, please let us know. (steve at philofaxy dot com) Alternatively ensure your video contains 'Filofax' or 'Rings' in the title or description. 
  • Please leave a comment on any of the videos you enjoyed and mention you saw a link on Philofaxy. 
  • For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post.  Also this video too Webfinds 
  • Your Filofax/Organiser Videos could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • Consider joining our Facebook group - Filofax for Philofaxy fans
  • Follow Philofaxy on Reddit
  • Follow Philofaxy on Threads
  • Follow Philofaxy on BlueSky
Enjoy

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MeePlus

28 October 2025

Free For All Tuesday - No. 769

What questions or discussion points have you got for us today?

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced user of organisers, we want to hear your thoughts, questions, opinions etc.

We are here to answer your questions.

Make today the one day you post a comment or post a question. If you are commenting as 'Anonymous', please include your name in the text of your comment. 

It is Tuesday after all, so fire away with any questions and comments.

If you are commenting below, please include your first name at the end of the comment. Thank you. 


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MeePlus

27 October 2025

Guest post series - 'Filohax' No. 23 - Paul

Thanks very much again to Paul for this twenty-third instalment of his wonderful guest post series.
You can find all of the 'Filohax' posts here.  
   

Simple Perfection


26 October 2025

25 October 2025

Web Finds - Saturday 25 October 2025

It is time to enjoy a few blog posts from around the internet, grab a drink and make yourself comfortable for our weekly round-up.

Here are some Philofaxy posts you might have missed this week:
  1. Web Finds - Saturday 18 October 2025
  2. Silent Sunday
  3. Filofax in social media
  4. Free For All Tuesday - No. 768
  5. Video Web Finds - Wednesday 22 October 2025
  6. Lessons from fellow Filofax users
  7. Free For All Friday - No. 885 
Here are the latest Filofax and other brand blog posts from around the Internet. Don't forget to leave a comment on the posts you enjoyed reading, all bloggers enjoy getting comments.
  1. Episode #333: Super Lists for You - Getting Things Done
  2. Pocket zip Norfolk - Filofax
  3. How to Stay Organized Through the Upcoming Holiday Season - FranklinPlanner Talk
  4. Stores in Prague where I can buy a Filofax - Filofax
  5. 10 Simple Ways to Keep Memories in Your Planner | Plus Freebie - Planner Fun
  6. The Franklin Five: November 2025 - FranklinPlanner Talk
  7. Which to keep as my first Filofax? - Filofax
  8. Link Love: In The Zone - The Well-Appointed Desk
  9. Web Finds – 22 October 2025 - Travellers Notebook Times
  10. Your blog post could appear here. Please let us know if you have a blog that features ring bound organisers.
  • Please leave a comment on any of the blogs you enjoyed reading and mention that you saw their post mentioned on Philofaxy. Thank you
  • We monitor over 400 blogs and sites, your Filofax/Organiser blog posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. 
  • Your Filofax/Organiser posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • Consider joining our Facebook group - Filofax for Philofaxy fans
  • Follow Philofaxy on Reddit
  • Follow Philofaxy on Threads
  • Follow Philofaxy on BlueSky

Enjoy

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MeePlus

24 October 2025

Free For All Friday - No. 885

Looking back at my old diary inserts from 1987/1988 recently. They might be old, but they are as readable as the day I wrote them. 

We will skip over the fact that I was using my Filofax diary as a journal rather than as a planner. 

However, could any computer file that you created in the 1980's still be readable nearly 40 years later? 

I have some old WordPerfect files from the 1990's that I have to use Libre Office to be able to open them these days, then save them in a more modern file format. 

For the record, this post was jotted down on paper, in a notebook using a pen, not on a failing electronic device. 

Of course it is Friday so please feel free to discuss anything Filofax related.

23 October 2025

Lessons from fellow Filofax users

While we are counting down to our 20th anniversary of Philofaxy, I've been reminiscing over all the years I've used Filofax organisers and all the things I've learned along the way.

We have a wonderful online community where people generously share tips and tricks to using a Filofax for different purposes. And sometimes, some of us have been lucky enough to meet fellow Filofax users "in the wild" and learn something new!

The very first time I encountered someone who used a Filofax-style ring binder, I was very lucky that she enthusiastically showed me everything about how she used hers, including how to adjust copy sizes on a photocopier to add maps (I just print them now of course), and how to use tabbed dividers for different sections like calendar/ address/ notes. Of all the many tips I have learned since then about how to use a Filofax, this encounter taught me the most and gave me a great start.

What are the most useful tips and advice for using a Filofax organiser that you have learned from another user?

22 October 2025

Video Web Finds - Wednesday 22 October 2025

I hope you have had a good weekend.

Now it is time to enjoy a great collection of videos from around the internet.

Here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.
  1. October Start-Date Planners - Franklin Planner
  2. Filofax Malden Flip. See more in linked video - christa david
  3. Escribamos diario juntos - Planes y Diarios
  4. EDC Update | Plan With Me - Life With MJB
  5. Episode 8: Mission Builds Resilience - Franklin Planner
  6. my new personal rings ✦ unboxing meeplus slimpad - nookends
  7. set up my pocket edc planner with me ✿ (ft. meeplus) - Tiny Tiger Co
  8. How I Stay Organized in My Filofax | Personal Rings Setup & Flip-Through - Dory Journals
  9. Flatability Podcast 47 - Filofax, Pens, Ink, Philosophy, and More - Flatability
  10. Último Video - Planes y Diarios
  11. Plan With Me || Oct 20 - 26, 2025 || Franklin Classic Chestnut Vintage Aurora - Sandra Dahl
  12. Honest Mid Month Check In | October Goals + Weekly Planning - Buy Sell Plan Inc.
  13. This week's releases & restocks (week of October 20, 2025) - Gillio Firenze
  14. Plan with me | rings planner - Beverly Plans Life
  15. Filofax Malden Organizer, A5 Size, Burgundy - Tactile, Full-Grain Buffalo Leather, Six Rings - Tina's Two Cents
  16. Распаковка канцелярии для творчества, мой Filofax original, Gillio Toscana - 6rings_prettythings
  17. decotogether Autumn 2025 | #autumncolors Brown | Weekly Decoration Filofax Original Burnt Orange - planenaufpapier
  18. Spooktober 2025 | Halloween decorations 2024 in your Filofax | dekoriat - dekoRIAt
  19. Configuration de l'agenda personnel Filofax Finsbury | Planificateur à anneaux à feuilleter - Randi Sullivan
  20. Filofax Malden Personal Compact Zip ファイロファックス マルデン セットアップ - Next Survival
  21. Planner Collection | Moterm, Filofax, & FCC planner covers - Mary's Little Corner
  22. Filofax Malden pocket Flipthrough - Arica Strange
  23. Planners, Consumerism, and Rethinking my 2024 Planner Options (with all the presale hype going on) - Jen’s Creative Notebooks and Journals
  24. A5 Ring Planner Set Up for Fall 2025 | Dividers, Pockets & Top Game, Oh my! - Lights Planner Action (Bess Wightman)
  25. DAILY PLAN WITH ME - Plum Paper Planner | Plum Paper | A5 Planner | 10/17/25 - Stephany Happily Plans
  26. Your YouTube video could appear here. If you have a YT channel that features Filofax organisers or similar, please let us know. (steve at philofaxy dot com) Alternatively ensure your video contains 'Filofax' or 'Rings' in the title or description. 
  • Please leave a comment on any of the videos you enjoyed and mention you saw a link on Philofaxy. 
  • For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post.  Also this video too Webfinds 
  • Your Filofax/Organiser Videos could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • Consider joining our Facebook group - Filofax for Philofaxy fans
  • Follow Philofaxy on Reddit
  • Follow Philofaxy on Threads
  • Follow Philofaxy on BlueSky
Enjoy

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MeePlus