Although the old-fashioned calendar-on-the-wall works perfectly for some people, others would like to be able to access their family calendar at work, link their work calendar with the family calendar or share calendars with friends or co-workers.  Online calendars are a good tool, and there are many to choose from.  I asked my network of smart, up-to-date and tech-savvy Paper Tiger Consultants to weigh in on some of their favorites.  Their responses, along with client suggestions and a little of my own research make up the following list.

1. Google Calendar (www.google.com/calendar):  Free. Good basic calendar system to share as little or as much information with others about your calendar as you'd like.  Can allow others to edit your calendar or to just view it.  Color coded. Requires you to click on an event to see the details.
2. Cozi.com: Free. User friendly. Great system for families to share calendars, shopping lists, and create reminders. Color coded for each member of the family. Synchs with outlook for easy updating at home and at work.
3. Plaxo.com:  Free.  The calendar is one of several sections of this "dashboard".  You can also share pictures and videos, stories, etc. Synchs with Yahoo!, Gmail and Outlook.  I was told that Plaxo may sell your contact lists, so be sure to check privacy language.
4. Timebridge.com:  Free. Good site for scheduling meetings or appointments with others.  Integrates with Google and Outlook.
5. Calendars.net:  Free. Good if you want to incorporate your calendar into a website.
6. OurFamilyWizard.com: $99 per year for each user.  Good for parents who are separated, divorced or living apart and the family law professionals who work with them to manage communication, parenting time schedules, children’s activities, expenses and other important information.  Color coded with fun pictures.
7. OfficeCalendar.com: $99.95 + $15 for support. This is an outlook based system that allows you to integrate different outlook calendars, contacts and tasks together without a network. It synchronizes to PDA's just as outlook does. Good for business use.

Choosing the best online calendar depends on the needs and desires of its users.  Most of those above are free and #7 offers a free trial, so why not try one or two and see how you like them.  As with anything online, make sure you are comfortable with the site's privacy and security statements.  Then, enjoy a more coordinated calendar and organized life!