Cozy Up To Cozi

I love helping clients fine tools that help them be more organized and productive. So I was thrilled to work with a client to set up Cozi. A free online calendar for busy families, their tagline is Family Life. Simplified. Before you say that you don't need another calendar or aren't interested in an online calendar, here are a few details:

• Mobile access to Cozi is available for the iPhone, Blackberry, Android, or Windows smartphone. It was very easy to find and download the Cozi app for the iPhone. It costs $1.99 for the iPhone. I do not know about charges for other devices. Since Cozi is free online and has great functionality, paying $1.99 for the app wasn't a sticking point for my client.
• The online calendar can be shared and color-coded by family member. Reminders for upcoming appointments can be received via text or email.
• Multiple shopping lists can be created. They can be printed.
• Numerous To Do lists can be generated and can be assigned "shared lists" or assigned to a specific person.
• The Family Journal functionality makes it easy to share photos and notes with family and friends.
• There is a blog section which contains information on a variety of ways to simplify your life.
• The Cozi Collage screensaver(for Windows) is a way to view favorite pictures and reminders of upcoming appointments.
• The Outlook Calendar and the Cozi calendar can sync.

Now, lest you think that I am trying to sell you something, Cozi is free! I get nothing from posting this blog entry. The reason I wanted to write about Cozi is because I think it is a cool tool that could help out some busy parents.

All of the positives being said, I know that Cozi isn't for everyone. You might not be interested if you:

• got information overload just reading this information
• already have calendar, to do lists, & shopping lists that work for you.
• aren't interested in having any of these capabilities online
• want to have access to email and contacts

I am sure that there are other good and not-so-good features of Cozi. I also know that there are similar options available. But for my client, it is just what she needed, especially as she transitions from a paper calendar to an electronic calendar. After just a couple of days, she is thrilled with Cozi so far.

I would love to hear your experience with Cozi or similar web-based tools. Feel free to leave a comment below.