Default page size

Is there a way I can save my preferred default page size? I've been able to save most of my preferred settings but when I pull up a new page, change the pager size to what I prefer then save it as an opening template it always reverts back to the latter size. I rarely use that size and would prefer a size that corresponds to my printer which has a 24" carriage. I've tried opening a new document, changing the page size to my preferred size and layout, saving as a template, overriding the existing opening document but it always reverts back to letter size, which I very rarely use.

I have the same problem saving my preferred font. I've tried several times opening a new doc, changing the font to my preferred, saving as a template, overwriting the existing default template, but the font isn't saved. Same problem.