Free For All Friday - No. 925 by Steve

That is another month coming to a close!! July has been another hot rain free month here in France (with the exception of a brief thunderstorm early yesterday morning!). 

No doubt you will have seen the news about the wild forest fires here in France. Thank you to everyone that has asked if we are ok. We have had a few small local fires, but we are about 280 km (175 miles) north of the main affected area near Bordeaux. 

I've made a start this month preparing the Word file for my 2027 diary inserts. 

I'm sticking with Personal Size. It has been working very well so far this year, I had some reservations at the beginning of the year, but no regrets. 

I have made a couple of minor tweaks to how my fixed tasks are shown each week, but no other changes. I'm just populating the file with UK and French public holidays as well as key birthdays. 

Have you started thinking about next year for your inserts yet? As always it is Friday so please feel free to discuss anything Filofax related. 

Guest Post - Planner Gadgets - Hans

Thank you Hans for another Guest Post this time about accessories or gadgets to use with your organiser. 

Some time ago I discovered a new gadget, and I finally ordered it along with my last order.

Below is an image of the gadget in closed state. Can you guess what that could be?

This is a Raymay Pencut, a pair of Scissors in Pen shape and size.

The thickness in the middle is about 14mm, so it won't fit smaller fixed size pen loops, and there is no clip to attach it somewhere. But even if you have to drop it inside your pen case, it won't be in the way all the time, like regular Scissors would be.

Below is the Pencut in transformed state.

You simply remove the protective cap and pull the two sliders to the opposite position to pop out the finger loops.

The finger loops are similar to cable straps, but they are not scratchy at all. For me it works best when I use thumb and middle finger.

If you take a closer look, you can see that the steel blades extend to full length, this is definitely an excellent quality product.

Specifications:

• Full length: 145mm
• Diameter at cap end: 14mm
• Diameter at grip end: 15mm
• Widest point: 16.5mm (sliders)
• Weight: 36.5g

There's another gadget that I've been using for about 20 years now: A Swiss Card.

Some time ago I noticed that there are different versions available in the meantime.

Below is the Swiss Card Nailcare in assembled state.

The size is about the size of a regular bank card (ID-1), but the short edge is a bit wider, and it is a lot thicker than a card. This means that the card might not fit "alongside" card slots.

The long edge is a little less than the standard size, so it should fit "across" card slots, except for tight ones.

Dimensions: 82.3 x 54.5 x 4.6mm³, weight: 26.6g

Below is the Swiss Card Nailcare with the removable tools spread out.

There are three fixed and seven removable tools:

• Magnifying glass (simple single lens)
• Centimetre ruler with Millimetre marks, 7.7cm length
• Inch ruler of 3 inch length and 1/16th marks (at the opposite side)
• Ball point pen of 69mm length, a bit hard to use, but it works fine
• Glass nail file, 78 x 9.8 x 2.1mm³
• Scissors of 78mm length, max. 17mm cut length
• Pin
• Tweezers of 35mm length (less than that of a Swiss Knife)
• Four-in-one screwdriver
• Plastic toothpick

Do you know of other Planner related gadgets - except for calculators? Drop a note in the comments. If it is worth showing in detail, simply prepare a Guest Post and submit it to Steve.

And as usual: If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Hans 

Video Web Finds - Wednesday 29 July 2026

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. From 100 problems to zero - Franklin Planner
2. Friday Flipthrough | 2026 Mid Year Check In - ichikochan
3. Daily planning & sharing work goals - Tiffany’s Plans
4. Hobonichi Weeks Flip & Pocket Rings Update - Earthy Sam
5. How I actually stay productive (not just busy) - Franklin Planner
6. Moterm Personal Rings: Unboxing, Veg Tan Honey - themomsterplans
7. Weekly layout in the Amazon Basic Ring Planner (week 30) - Ring Binder Planner Channel
8. Saying Goodbye to Filofax, unboxing my new moterm and setting up my planner - ichikochan
9. How to Stop Forgetting Your Planners | The Remembrall System - In Edition Two
10. Plan With Me || Franklin Classic || July 27 - August 2, 2026 || Laura Binder - Sandra Dahl
11. Everyone Says I Use Too Many Planners. They're Wrong. - Hitchand Hitched
12. 8Lotus August 2026 Deluxe Box | Detailed Review | The Planner Aisle - The Planner Aisle
13. Filofax Pocket Ranger Unboxing, Setup planner, Yap & Chat | The Last Unboxing Video - ichikochan
14. Daily PWM | Planning for the Last Day of My Work Week | FC Compact Vintage Aurora - Buy Sell Plan Inc.
15. Personal Rings: Chatty updates in my planner, moterm veg tan honey - themomsterplans
16. My Moterm FCC Elite Planner in Dusty Rose with Lace Accents - The Planner's Desk
17. I Plan My Entire Week in 20 Minutes — Here's Exactly How - Hitchand Hitched
18. Filofax Malden in 2026 — Is It Worth It? (NEW Pen Loop Update) - unmarried genz
19. my filofax is saving me from planner perfectionism - Scripted Hours
20. MeePlus Paper Refills Review: Fountain Pen Friendly? - Git Cozy
21. Personal Rings: How I am going to use my son’s weekly school inserts - themomsterplans
22. Plan With Me | How I Recap & Reset for a New Week | FC Compact Vintage Aurora - Buy Sell Plan Inc.
23. Personal & Pocket Rings Flipthrough & Plan with me! - nadiaaplans
24. 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
• Don't forget to take a look at Travellers Notebook Times for other blog posts and videos for non-ring bound planners. 
• Follow Philofaxy on Reddit
• Follow Philofaxy on Threads
• Follow Philofaxy on BlueSky

Enjoy

       

Free For All Tuesday - No. 808

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. 

       

Filofax Beginners Guide - Part 2

This is part 2 of the beginners guide, although established users might also pick up one or two tips. 

Starting to use your Filofax

1. Start with a Clear Structure

• Divide your Filofax into sections that match your needs: Calendar, Tasks, Notes, Contacts, Projects, etc.
• Use tabbed dividers to separate sections for quick access.
• Keep frequently used sections (like your calendar or to-do list) at the front.

2. Use the Calendar Effectively

• Daily pages: Jot down appointments, deadlines, and time-blocked tasks.
• Weekly/Monthly spreads: Use these for big-picture planning—birthdays, bill due dates, or long-term goals.
• Colour-code events (e.g., work in blue, personal in green) for at-a-glance clarity.

3. Master Your Task List

• Prioritise: Use symbols (⭐, !, →) or highlighters to mark urgent or important tasks.
• Break it down: Split big tasks into smaller, actionable steps.
• Review daily: Cross off completed tasks and migrate unfinished ones to the next day.

4. Leverage the Notes Section

• Use it for brain dumps, ideas, or meeting notes.
• Keep a running list of recurring tasks (e.g., grocery items, packing lists).
• Add inspirational quotes or goals to keep you motivated.

5. Customise for Your Workflow

• Inserts: Add custom pages like habit trackers, budget sheets, or project timelines.
• Sticky notes: Use them for temporary reminders or to flag important pages.
• Pockets: Store receipts, business cards, or loose papers in the built-in pockets.

6. Weekly Review Ritual

Every Sunday (or Monday morning), spend 10–15 minutes:

• Review the past week: What worked? What didn’t?
• Plan the upcoming week: Schedule tasks, set priorities, and check deadlines.
• Clean up: Remove outdated notes, file loose papers, and archive completed projects.

7. Keep It Portable

• Carry your Filofax everywhere—it’s only useful if you use it!
• If it’s too bulky, consider a compact size (e.g., Personal or Pocket) for daily use.

8. Digital + Analogue Hybrid

• Sync important dates with your phone calendar for backup.
• Use your Filofax for deep work and reflection, and digital tools for quick reminders.

9. Personalise It

• Decorate with stickers, washi tape, or custom covers to make it enjoyable to use.
• Experiment with different layouts (vertical, horizontal, grid) to see what fits your style.

10. Be Consistent

• The key to success is daily use. Even 5 minutes a day keeps you on track.

Pro Tip: Start simple—don’t overcomplicate it. Your Filofax should serve you, not the other way around.

Remember Philofaxy has inserts and files you can download, modify and print for most needs. 

Thank you for your feedback on part 1 of this guide. I'm starting to put together thoughts and ideas for Part 3. 

Silent Sunday

Acquired Flatability - The book "File of Facts" re-bound with Plastic Spiral Coil, 5mm pitch, 8mm coil diameter. Thank you Hans

 

Web Finds - Saturday 25 July 2026

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 July 2026
2. Silent Sunday
3. Guest post series - 'Filohax' No. 30 - Paul
4. Free For All Tuesday - No. 807
5. Video Web Finds - Wednesday 22 July 2026
6. Filofax Beginners Guide - Part 1
7. Free for All Friday No. 924 by Nan

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. Lifelong Journey of Relationship Building with Matt Townsend - FranklinPlanner Talk
2. Planner ecosystem help; opinions on what for what , set up - Filofax
3. Episode #372: Apps and Lists - Getting Things Done
4. What is the best ready to use planner? - Planner Lovers
5. Productivity Tips That Actually Stick: Are You a Time Blocker or a Task Lister? - MAY PAPER CO. - The Journal
6. Miscellaneous restock of your favourite - Blog | Gillio
7. I did it! De-ringing Norfolk. - Filofax
8. Summer Bucket List Ideas for an Intentional Season Well-Being - Blog – Day Designer
9. Link Love: More 10 Pens Challenges - The Well-Appointed Desk
10. Web Finds – 22 July 2026 - Travellers Notebook Times
11. 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

       

Free for All Friday No. 924 by Nan

Do you ever have a moment when you can't carry your organizer--or just don't want to use it? What is your fallback?

With me, it's the calendar on my phone, and a spreadsheet on my tablet for creating lists, tasks, and project timelines. 

I'd like to hear your fallbacks! Is it a bound notebook? Index cards? A weekly planner from the corner store? 

As always, all discussion relating to ring organizers is welcome on Friday! 

Filofax Beginners Guide - Part 1

What would your response be if someone contacted you, a friend or relative and asked you for advice/recommendations  about getting started with using a Filofax organiser? 

Where do you start? 

They at least know about using an organiser rather than their mobile phone, that is a great start. 

Send them to https://philofaxy.com yes good advice of course, but the huge amount of information might scare them off.  Buy them  a copy, or lend them your copy of 'File of Facts' a sound bit of advice!

We therefore need a 'Beginners Guide' or 'Getting Started with a Filofax' 

What Size of Filofax?

Choosing the right Filofax size is all about balancing portability and functionality—here’s how to decide:

1. Consider Your Daily Carry

Do you carry a bag every day?

• Yes: You can go for a larger size (A5, A4).
• No (or only a small bag/pocket): Stick to compact sizes (Mini, Pocket, Personal, Slimline).

2. Think About Your Writing Space

Do you need lots of room to write?

• Yes: A5 or A4 offers more space for notes, lists, and detailed planning.
• No: Personal or Pocket is plenty for most people.

3. Assess Your Planning Style

Minimalist (just dates, to-dos, contacts):

• Mini (fits even the smallest of pockets) 
• Pocket (fits in a pocket, very portable)
• Slimline (thinner, lighter, but still functional)

Detailed (lots of notes, projects, inserts):

• Personal (most popular, balances size and space)
• A5 (ideal for heavy users, more writing room)

Maximalist (everything in one place, big projects):

• A4 (desk-sized, not portable but great for reference)

 4. Test the Size

• Visit a store (if possible) to see the sizes in person.
• Compare to familiar items:

• Mini: Similar to the size of a pack of playing cards, just slightly taller. 
• Pocket: Similar to a large smartphone.
• Personal: Slightly larger than a paperback book.
• A5: About the size of a standard notebook.
• A4: Like a sheet of printer paper.

 5. Think About Inserts 

Do you want to use custom inserts or dashboards?

• Some sizes (like Personal and A5) have more insert options available.
• Pocket and Slimline have fewer choices but are great for simplicity.

6. Portability vs. Functionality

• If you’ll leave it at home/desk: A5 or A4.
• If you want it with you always: Personal, Pocket, or Slimline.

7. Start Small 

• If you’re unsure, Personal is the most versatile and widely recommended for beginners.
• You can always upgrade or down size later as your needs change.

Quick Guide:

Size	Best For	Portability	Writing Space	Insert Variety
Mini	Minimalists, on-the-go	★★★★★	★	★
Pocket	Minimalists, on-the-go	★★★★★	★★	★★
Slimline	Light users, small bags	★★★★★	★★★	★★★★
Personal	Most people, balanced use	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★★
A5	Heavy planners, detailed notes	★★	★★★★★	★★★★
A4	Desk reference, big projects	★	★★★★★	★★★★

Final Tip: Ask yourself: "Where will I use this most?" 

• If it’s in your bag or pocket, go smaller. 
• If it’s on your desk, go bigger.

What inserts to buy for your Filofax? 

Sometimes the inserts will dictate what size of Filofax to buy, so this needs to be taken in to account as well as all of the points above. A bit of a 'chicken and egg' situation. 

• Firstly get some ordinary copier paper and cut it to the sizes of the pages in a Filofax such as A5, Personal, Pocket. 
• Create several pages in each size. 
• Write in your own handwriting a typical day/week of appointments and tasks on to the sheets in each size mimicking a daily, weekly diary format. 
• Do this for each size. 
• Assess how 'busy' each page/size looks, too much white space, not enough space. 

• Which diary format suits your needs best in terms of seeing all of your future and immediate past days?  
• Remember a Filofax doesn't have to only be used for diary/planning activities, they can be used for a host of other uses. 
• The versatility of a Filofax in that you can change the pages and change their order, means that it can adapt an infinite number of ways to meet your needs. 

We will continue this beginners guide in Part 2 coming up shortly. 

Video Web Finds - Wednesday 22 July 2026

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. Hobonichi Weeks & Pocket Plus Rings - Earthy Sam
2. Plan with me & Stark Week 29 - Ring Binder Planner Channel
3. How I get my Filofax Holborn to lay flat - Lisa
4. Filofax Saffiano personal•pocket - kti. plans
5. Back to school starts with the right planner! - Franklin Planner
6. July 2026 Gillio Compagna Flip - Kerri Pouliot
7. aldan media tech | Mac | Print with ease | Pocket - aldan media
8. Amazon Basic Ring Planner Week 29 Set up - Ring Binder Planner Channel
9. Friday Flipthrough | Filofax Dark Cherry Saffiano | Pocket Rings | Favorite Pens 2026 - ichikochan
10. Cheap Actually Costs More. This 102 Year Old Notebook Proves It - Chic Sparrow
11. Plotter vs Mee-Plus A5 Ring Binder: Leather, Craftsmanship & Price Compared - seemownay
12. Filofax Norfolk Currant Ring Replacement | Swapping to Smaller Rings - Petunie
13. Jet Pens Haul | A massive stash | Unbox with me | Filofax Personal | Filofax Pocket - ichikochan
14. Plan With Me | Resetting for a New Week | FC Compact Vintage Aurora - Buy Sell Plan Inc.
15. Pocket Filofax / planner chat - Paperloveplan
16. Plan With Me || Franklin Classic || July 20 - 26, 2026 || Blue Laura Binder - Sandra Dahl
17. How do you stay so organized? - Franklin Planner
18. mid-year check-in in my stationery spending budget - Kati plans
19. MeePlus Paper Refills Review: Fountain Pen Friendly? - Git Cozy
20. My Personal Size Planner Setup 2026| Functional Planning for Everyday Life - Planher Nicole
21. 3 months with Filofax Pocket - review + refreshing the pages for coming months - minimalish journal
22. Planner Tour: Filofax Personal + A5 Agenda + Stalogy + Kinbor Journal - Chromatic Tales
23. 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
• Don't forget to take a look at Travellers Notebook Times for other blog posts and videos for non-ring bound planners. 
• Follow Philofaxy on Reddit
• Follow Philofaxy on Threads
• Follow Philofaxy on BlueSky

Enjoy