Weekly Roundup

Blog Round-Up: Week of February 3, 2014

blog roundup

Last year I shared how we celebrate Valentine’s Day in our home and wanted to give new and old readers a refresher course. Throughout the week, we drop notes of love and gratitude into each other’s Valentine’s box. Those love notes have become treasured gifts and pick-me-ups on tough days. This is a fun, low-cost Valentine’s Day project for the entire family.

On Monday, I posted 5 Important Money Lessons for Kids (and Adults). Money is something we handle every day, and the best way to prepare kids to make smart money decisions as adults is to teach them how to do it as children. This list isn’t exhaustive, of course, but it’s a great place to start and build from there.

A Few Good Reads

Here are my top picks for the week! Enjoy!

Matt over at Mom and Dad Money had a great post on How to Budget Without Actually Sticking to a Budget. I am a big fan of budgets but know the word strikes fear into many. Matt shows you how to simplify budgeting and still make it incredibly effective.

Brian from Luke 1428 shared The South Ain’t Gettin’ Personal Finance. He makes his case for teaching personal finance in school. He knows how eager kids are to learn about money. He is, after all, a personal finance High School teacher.

Hayley from Disease Called Debt continues her series on The Emotional Stages of Debt. This week she focused on regret. It’s a powerful emotional and one that can prevent you from moving forward if you allow yourself to get stuck in this mode. She shares some great tips to help you move past this stage and take forward action.

Andrew at Living Richly Cheaply asked Are You Financially Better Off Than Your Parents? Most parents want their kids to do better, but we are facing a new reality where it may not happen automatically. A thought-provoking read and one that may help you think outside of the box when it comes to providing the tools your kids need to succeed.

A HUGE congratulations to Travis from Enemy of Debt because It’s Over. We’re Free! Last Friday, Travis made his final payment to bring his debt from its once mighty $109,000 to 0. WOW! Travis and his family are great proof that with determination, hard work and a new money mindset, you can do eliminate debt, even BIG debt.

And on that happy note, I’ll wrap-up for the week! Have a great weekend everyone!

Shannon

Image courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net.

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February 7, 2014  •  18 Comments  •  Weekly Roundup

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  1. Friday, February 7th, 2014
    That definitely is a thoughtful way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Hmmm I'll make my own variation of it and randomly leave notes for my wife next week. Now, let's hope she doesn't read this post and the comments! Hope you have a great weekend!
    • Shannon
      Friday, February 7th, 2014
      She'll love it, DC! You will make her week. :) You have a great weekend too!
  2. Friday, February 7th, 2014
    I'm just still so darn excited for Travis and Vonnie. :-) How cool is that? Shannon, I just love the way you guys celebrate Valentine's Day. What a great way to boost a mood and make fun reminders of how much you love someone.
    • Shannon
      Friday, February 7th, 2014
      It is incredibly cool, Laurie! I was so happy for them too. It was a huge commitment on their part and they did it! We really love it too. It's so simple but it's a lot of fun and I love rereading their notes to me. Have a great weekend!
  3. Friday, February 7th, 2014
    I love that you do that for Valentine's day. What a cute idea. Unless Pepe learns to write I doubt that will be happening in my household. :) Besides, he will probably only write about how I oppress him. ha ha. Have a great weekend!
    • Shannon
      Friday, February 7th, 2014
      You never know - Pepe could surprise you! Of course, he still may complain about a lack of food in his dish or some feline grievance. :) You have a great weekend too!
  4. Friday, February 7th, 2014
    Aw, what a cute idea Shannon! Can't believe Valentine's Day is next week already :)

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    • Shannon
      Friday, February 7th, 2014
      Thanks, Mackenzie! Me neither. February is just zooming by. You have a great weekend too!
  5. Friday, February 7th, 2014
    Thanks for the mention! I love what you guys do for Valentine's Day...I'd definitely feel special with those little gifts! I should do that with my wife...the baby can't write yet, but if he could he'd probably write Daddy changes my dirty diapers, Daddy feeds me...haha.
    • Shannon
      Friday, February 7th, 2014
      You're welcome, Andrew! Trust me, Mommy is very happy that Daddy changes dirty diapers and feeds baby! :) Have a great weekend!
  6. Friday, February 7th, 2014
    What an awesome approach to Valentine's Day! I'll have to remember that one for when the kids are old enough. Thanks for the share and hope you guys have a great weekend!
    • Shannon
      Friday, February 7th, 2014
      Thanks, Matt! We really have fun with it and I treasure those notes. They are a good pick-me-up on a rough day! It will definitely be something fun for you to do with the kids when they get a bit older! You have a great weekend too!
  7. Saturday, February 8th, 2014
    Thanks for the mention Shannon! I really appreciate your support. Wow - how awesome about Travis, I'm going to head on over there now to read his post! I love your Valentine's idea too. :)
    • Shannon
      Sunday, February 9th, 2014
      You're welcome, Hayley! Yes, Travis' story is very inspirational and I imagine he and his family feel great now. :)
  8. Sunday, February 9th, 2014
    I really love this idea Shannon. So simple and so meaningful. What a wonderful way to show your children the importance of sharing their loving thoughts.
    • Shannon
      Sunday, February 9th, 2014
      Thanks, Maggie! It's such a simple but impactful way to celebrate the holidays. I really treasure those notes and I know everyone else does too. It's fun to reread them too. :)
  9. Monday, February 10th, 2014
    This year, I plan to leave notes around the house in Valentine's day that remembers some of our favorite memories and experiences together. Maybe I'll take your cue and do it a few days ahead of time too! Thanks for mentioning my article, Shannon!
    • Shannon
      Monday, February 10th, 2014
      Love it, Travis! Such a sweet idea and your wife and children will be tickled pink by the notes. You're welcome, Travis and congratulations again! :)
Shannon Ryan SHANNON RYAN, CFP®
  • Meet Shannon

    "As a Certified Financial Planner, it is my passion to help individuals and families build a healthy relationship with money. I look forward to helping you raise financially confident kids.” - Shannon Ryan