2027 goal planner in Google Sheets: how to set it up and a ready one
Quick answer
A 2027 goal planner in Google Sheets needs three parts: a look back at 2026 (what worked, what did not), a short list of goals for 2027 (three is plenty), and a place to check in each month so the goals do not disappear by March. A Dashboard that shows your progress at a glance keeps you opening it.
You can set this up in a blank sheet for free. If you want it ready, the Plainsort 2027 Goal Planner opens with an example year already filled in, so you see how it works before you type your own.
How to set it up (the parts that matter)
- Look back first. List what went well in 2026, what drained you, and one thing you want to stop. Goals make more sense after this.
- Pick three goals. One for work or money, one for health, one for you. More than that and none of them get done.
- Make each goal checkable. "Save ₱30,000" or "land 2 retainer clients", not "be better with money".
- Check in once a month. Five minutes: what moved, what got stuck, what is the next small step.
- Look at the balance. If every goal is about work, a Life Balance view will show it.
That is the whole planner. Everything else is a nice to have.
Free vs ready made: a short comparison
| Option | Price | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blank Google Sheet you build | Free | People who like setting up their own tabs | Charts and a dashboard take time to build |
| Goal planners on Etsy | About $1.09 to $13.29 (Etsy search, checked 27 Oct 2026) | Picking a look you like | Many are printables or Excel only; check the photos show the file you get |
| Plainsort Year Compass (older version) | Free on Gumroad | Trying a simple year review first | Fewer parts than the 2027 Goal Planner |
| Plainsort 2027 Goal Planner | $4.99 Gumroad, ₱229 Etsy | Freelancers, VAs and students who want one sheet for the whole year | Google Sheets only (works in the free phone app) |
How to start in 5 minutes
- Open the sheet and click File, Make a copy.
- Look at the example year, then follow the 3 steps on Start Here.
- Write your 2026 look back, then your three goals for 2027.
Planning money goals too? The freelancer budget spreadsheet for 2027 shows how to budget on irregular income.
Related guides: Google Sheets income tracker for freelancers · Freelancer budget spreadsheet for 2027
Questions people ask
Is there a free 2027 goal planner for Google Sheets?
Yes. You can build one in a blank sheet with the five parts in this guide, or start with the free Plainsort Year Compass on Gumroad, an older and simpler version.
Does it work on my phone?
The Plainsort 2027 Goal Planner has a Phone tab made for the free Google Sheets app on Android and iPhone. You need a free Google account.
Do I need Excel or any add ons?
No. It runs in Google Sheets in your browser or phone. No scripts and no add ons.
When should I start planning 2027?
Any time in November or December works. Do the 2026 look back first while the year is still fresh, then set your goals before January.
Ready made
Plainsort 2027 Goal Planner
Opens with an example year filled in. Year in Review, a Dashboard, a Life Balance chart and a Phone tab for the free Google Sheets app. $4.99 on Gumroad or ₱229 on Etsy.
Get it on Gumroad, $4.99 Get it on EtsyWant to try a simpler one first? The Year Compass is free.