The Heavy Purse

My Favorite (and Most Popular) Posts from 2013

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! 2014 is almost here and it is the perfect time to take a moment and reflect on the past year. The Heavy Purse continues to gain new readers every month and your comments, tweets and likes mean the world to me. I’d like to recognize a few of my friends who have helped make the past year so successful.

Thanks for Your Support

When I started back in July 2012, I was excited to share my message but wasn’t sure if anyone else cared. šŸ™‚ This is something all new bloggers experience, and I was fortunate to find some great friends who helped me connect with others and showed me the ropes. I am forever grateful.

Thank you for your friendship and support. You made all the difference in the world.
Sicorra at Tackling Our Debt, John at Frugal Rules, Grayson at Debt Roundup, Tonya at Budget and The Beach, Greg and Holly at Club Thrifty, Pauline at Reach Financial Independence, Kim at Eyes on the Dollar, Laurie at The Frugal Farmer, Jefferson at See Debt Run, Average Joe at Stacking Benjamins, Wendy at Girl Meets Debt, Anna at Are Ya Gonna Eat That, Cat at Budget Blonde, Brian at Luke 1428, Anthony at Thrifty Dad, Matt at Mom and Dad Money, Jacob and Vanessa at Cash Cow Couple, Erin at Broke Millennial, Nick at A Young Pro, DC at Young Adult Money, Mr. CBB at Canadian Budget Binder, Mackenzie at The Random Path, Jeremy at Modest Money, Adam at Money Bulldog, Glen at Monster Piggy Bank Sean at One Smart Dollar, Michelle at Making Sense of Cents, Stefanie at The Broke and Beautiful Life, Lindsey at Cents and Sensibility, Hayley at A Disease Called Debt, Corina at Not Now Moms Busy Kerry at Breadwinning Mama, Leah at Raising Flowers with Skids, Charmin at The Momiverse, Eileen at Mom Central, Adrienne at Adrienne Smith.

I cannot thank everyone (so please forgive me if I missed you—it wasn’t intentional!), but please know that I appreciate every reader and your desire to help your kids become Money Smart (and/or yourself!) gives me great hope for the future.

The 5 Top Posts at The Heavy Purse

These posts are the ones that struck a chord with you and me.

1. Money Conversations: Shopping with Taylor

My youngest daughter, Taylor, joins me for an afternoon of running errands. Along the way, we have some heartfelt money conversations as I demonstrate how to make value-based decisions when shopping.

2. Phrases to Avoid with Kids

I share three popular phrases parents often use and should consider avoiding as they can instill false beliefs or create a negative perception about money.

3. Financial Literacy Carnvial: Why It Matters to Me

April is Financial Literacy Month and I was honored to host a group of financial bloggers as we recognized this important month and topic with stories on why financial literacy matters to us.

4. The Sweet Spot: Where Spending and Frugality Coexist

My father taught me money was gift and could bring joy to myself or others when used in alignment with my values. We will always “want” things and should not feel guilty for doing so. What we need to find is that sweet spot—where we spend our money on the things that truly make our heart happy without creating debt.

5. How to Talk to Your Kids about Debt

Debt is one of the hardest topics to discuss with our kids. We want to protect our kids but at the same time, most kids probably sense the tension and realize something is wrong. I shared some simple steps to help you talk about the family debt in a comfortable and save environment with the ultimate goal of getting your kids onboard with your debt repayment efforts.

Looking Forward to Another Great Year

Thank you again for your support this past year. I am excited for 2014 and can’t wait to see what it holds for The Heavy Purse and you. I wish everyone a joyous and prosperous 2014!

See you next year! šŸ˜‰

Shannon

Image courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net.

The Heavy Purse Store is now open! My new downloadable Money Club Workbooks are now on sale. Each workbook provides five targeted lessons to help you raise Financially Confident Kids. Please check them out in The Heavy Purse Store.

December 30, 2013  •  44 Comments  •  The Heavy Purse

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Comments

  1. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thanks for the shout out Shannon! I've really enjoyed reading your blog this year and have gotten a ton of great ideas for how to one day teach my kids about money. Can't wait to see what you've got in store for 2014!
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, Matt! Thank YOU for your support. I truly appreciate it! I'm glad I've been able to inspire you and have no doubt that you'll be raising Money Smart kids!
  2. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Great posts, Shannon. We don't have children yet but I love reading your posts because it inspires me and gives me ideas for the kind of parent that I want to be. Thanks so much for sharing!
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      Thanks, Dee! I love that you're already thinking about what kind of parent you want to be and getting all the information to be the best parent possible! I have no doubt you'll be a terrific parent. :)
  3. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thanks so much for the shout out Shannon and, like Matt, really enjoyed reading your blog this year. It's crazy to think that 2013 is almost over, but looking forward to a very fruitful 2014. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, John! I appreciate your kind words and enjoy reading your blog every day as well! I can't believe 2013 is almost over too. It truly flew by but I am looking forward to another great year and I can't wait to see what it brings for all of us!
  4. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    I love what you are doing in this space Shannon and will continue to support your message in the coming year. Happy New Year to you and your family!
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      Thank YOU so much for your support, Brian. It means so much to me! Happy New Year to you and your family as well!
  5. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Shannon, love what you are doing here and it's been an absolute pleasure getting to know you can write with you. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year!
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      Thanks, Jacob! I appreciate your and Vannessa's support and I love the Cash Cow Couples enthusiasm! I wish you and Vanessa a wonderful and blessed New Year as well!
  6. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thank you so much Shannon for the mention and thank you for sharing your blog and wonderful ideas with us! Your blog is always a must-read for me :)

    Cheers to a wonderful 2014 for you and your family! XO
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, Mackenzie! I appreciate your kind words and you know how much I enjoy reading your blog as well. You are a beautiful writer and your words also resonant with me! I wish you and your family a wonderful 2014 as well, my friend!
  7. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thank you so much for the mention Shannon! I really enjoy your website and I look forward to seeing more posts from you in 2014 :)
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, Michelle! Appreciate your kind words and I can't wait to see what 2014 brings to you as well! :)
  8. Girl Meets Debt
    Monday, December 30th, 2013
    You already know your blog is one of my favourite reads Shannon. ;) I can't wait to see the big places The Heavy Purse will go in 2014! Happy New Year friend! xo
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You are so sweet, GMD! I appreciate your support and friendship very much. And I can't wait to see what the new year brings to GMD as well; I know it will be magnificent! Happy New Year to you and J as well!
  9. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thanks for much for mentioning Budget and the Beach! I'm glad I found your blog and hope 2014 is a great year for you, your family, and The Heavy Purse!
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, Tonya! I'm so glad that I found your blog as well! Thank you for the well-wishes and I wish 2014 is a fabulous for you and Budget and The Beach (which are two of my favorite things! LOL!)
  10. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Hey Shannon, Thanks for the mention :)
    I hope you and your family had a magic Christmas and I am sure you and your blog will continue to thrive throughout 2014.
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, Glen! We had a fabulous Christmas and I hope you and your family did as well! Thank you for your support; I truly appreciate it! Happy New Year!
  11. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Awww, thanks for the sweet words, Shannon! You've been an amazing help to me this year, and I am so very grateful for your encouragement and friendship. Your #1 post was definitely my favorite of yours this year as well - it was so cool to see in action with Taylor how training your kids up in this area can really work - thanks so much for all of the great advice you've shared this year.
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, Laurie! I appreciate your friendship too and I am so pleased that I have been helpful on your amazing (but hard at times) journey to be financially free. Love that we're on the same page for my favorite post. It made me so proud to see Taylor take what I've been teaching her to heart. I know what you are doing as well is having a huge impact on your kids - you are breaking the cycle and their lives will be different because of it! I wish you and your family a wonderful 2014!
  12. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thanks for your constant support of my site as well, Shannon! I don't say it enough, but I really do appreciate it. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and hopefully we can collaborate in the new year. Your financial literacy carnival was epic and I had so much fun participating in it.
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're welcome, DC! I enjoy your site so much and love supporting you and your site. :) We're having a great holiday season and I hope you and Victoria are as well. I loved the Financial Literacy Carnival and appreciate your participation. I'm already looking forward to another great (and bigger!) carnival next year! Happy New Year!
  13. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thanks so much for the love, Shannon! I'm grateful for your kindness and encouragement, and looking forward to your posts in 2014! Happy New Year, my friend, hope you're enjoying the sun as much as we are! :)
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      You're very welcome, Anna! I'm so glad we connected last year and I treasure our friendship as well! I can't wait to see what the New Year brings besides a wedding. Woot! Woot! And yes, we are loving the sunshine and warm temps. Sorry - cold weather friends! LOL!
  14. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Great post selection! So glad I found your blog Shannon, it's great! Have an amazing New year's!
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      Thanks, Catherine! I wish you and your family a wonderful New Year as well!
  15. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Great posts...I definitely will be re-reading these posts when my son gets older. Hope you and your family have a wonderful new year.
    • Shannon
      Monday, December 30th, 2013
      Thanks, Andrew! I wish you and your family a wonderful New Year as well!
  16. Monday, December 30th, 2013
    Thanks so much for the mention Shannon. I really appreciate your support as well. I'm glad we connected this year and looking forward to reading more of your posts in the new year. Have a great one! To you and your family, Happy 2014!
    • Shannon
      Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
      You're welcome, Anthony! I'm glad we connected last year as well! :) Happy New Year to you and your family too!
  17. Tuesday, December 31st, 2013
    Thanks for the mention! I hope you have a wonderful new year!
    • Shannon
      Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
      You're welcome, Holly! I wish you and Greg and the girls a wonderful new year too!
  18. Tuesday, December 31st, 2013
    You are a wonderful friend Shannon and I've learned so much from you. Thank you for everything!

    Wishing you and your family an outstanding 2014 !!
    • Shannon
      Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
      Thank you so much for your kind words, Sicorra! You have been a great friend to me as well and I appreciate all your support. I wish you and your husband a fabulous 2014 as well!
  19. Tuesday, December 31st, 2013
    Great posts. I hope you accomplish everything you want in the new year.
    • Shannon
      Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
      Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful 2014 as well!
  20. Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
    Happy New Year Shannon! So glad to be a part of this community with you!
    • Shannon
      Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
      Thanks, Stefanie! Happy New Years to you too. This is such a great community and I'm glad we got connected too!
  21. Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
    Thank you kindly for the shoutout Shannon! I really appreciate your support over the year and I hope you have a wonderful start to 2014. Keep up the awesome work.
    • Shannon
      Friday, January 3rd, 2014
      You're welcome, Grayson! I appreciate your support as well and wish you and your family a wonderful 2014 as well. :)
  22. Tuesday, January 7th, 2014
    Thanks so much for the mention, Shannon! Your blog is one of my personal go-to financial reads every week. It's been such a pleasure getting to know you and your work. And quite frankly, it would be a crime not to share YOU with The Momiverse. Happy New Year to you and your family!
    • Shannon
      Tuesday, January 7th, 2014
      Thank YOU for your kind words, Charmin. I'm so glad I found the Momiverse. It's a wonderful site and I'm always happy to promote your great content too. Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family as well!
Shannon Ryan SHANNON RYAN, CFPĀ®
  • 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.ā€ - Shannon Ryan