By JOHNNY CARCIOPPOLO / Community Columnist

Creating an organized life, and maintaining it, isn’t as hard as you might think. Of course, it will require planning and some time to set it up, but once you’ve got the following six key tools in place you will feel more focused and in control of your life and time.

•Paper Planner

Yes, even in the age of digital organization a paper planner does still have a place in your organizational tool chest. It doesn’t have to be big and bulky or expensive. In fact, you might find that the latest trend for a bespoke bullet journal might suit you best. Your paper planner can include tasks and items that you want to keep a close eye on, as well as for making notes and lists.

•Online Calendar

In addition to the paper planner, an online calendar or app for your smartphone is another essential. This handy tool will be with you everywhere that your phone goes and has the added benefit of being able to give you alerts for meetings and scheduled tasks.

•Evernote

This handy tool is free but does have a paid option that provides more functionality. However, for most people the free version will be sufficient. You can clip whole webpages, URLs, create notebooks, share information, create draft documents and add pdf files. It is an online tool but has apps for smart devices that will allow you to sync your notebooks across all of your devices so you’ll always be able to access your information.

•Financial Planner

If you’re using a bullet journal, then you may decide to create a financial planner within it. If not then you really need to create a dedicated financial planner in which to record your income, expenses and savings. You can keep a track of bills due with a monthly bill payment calendar to ensure that you never miss making a payment again. If you don’t want to have a paper planner for your finances, then there are lots of financial planning and management apps available online.

•To-Do List

Your to do list is going to be an essential tool to keep your life on track, running smoothly and perfectly organized. Paper lists are great as you can carry them with you or display them where you can’t miss them. There are also plenty of to-do list apps that can help you create, monitor and organize your lists.

These five tools can really help you stay on top of organization. There are obviously other tools that you may find useful and necessary in organizing your life.