Hi Terri,
I use Windows LiveMail, which sits alongside my Win 7 e-mail program, and has a calendar function that can be used for appointments, etc. It e-mails you a day before any appointment, as a reminder. It also shows appts on a month-by-month basis on your main e-mail screen. LiveMail is a free download from Microsoft.
Edit: I just noticed you mentioned Win 8 specifically. Not sure if LiveMail is compatible for that, but may well be. Am sure others will advise!