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Recent Articles by Michael B. Rubin

Three Financial Reminders for New Dads

Friday Jun 5, 2009

Are you a new father? Congratulations. Since a little financial self-reflection can go along way to easing those sleepless nights, here are three important financial considerations for new Dads.

Tax Breaks for Higher Education - Education Expenses Can Lower Your Taxes

Sunday May 10, 2009

It's finally time to start paying all those college-related expenses you've been saving for all these years. Be sure to take maximum advantage of the various tax breaks available to you for education expenses - they're free money too!

More Than the 10% Penalty - The Dangers of Early Retirement Account Withdrawals

Friday May 8, 2009

You've heard that raiding your retirement account for short-term cash needs isn't a good idea. But do you know why? Learn the top five reasons why you shouldn't tap your retirement accounts early.

Recent Comments

Commented on: Three Financial Reminders for New Dads

FiLifer

hoon said

5 months ago

As a new dad (3 months today) this is some solid advice. I will say we have splurged to keep our daughter in BPA-free bottles, organic clothes, etc. as much as possible and within reason. Some stuff has definitely fallen by the wayside, and as a family, the beach is definitely one of our top spots for walks, etc. better and cheaper than DisneyWorld (and better surf).

Commented on: Three Financial Reminders for New Dads

Bronze

Frugal said

6 months ago

Good point about diapers. My wife and I have been happy with the Kirkland brand diapers at Costco. If you do decide to splurge on diapers, you might consider the Pampers Sensitive diapers since these have a yellow line on the front of the diaper that changes color when the diaper is wet. It's a nice feature, but it's not a necessity. I agree that the wipes warmer is completely unnecessary. Here's another tip: before purchasing baby-related products, read the reviews on Amazon.com and BabiesRUs.com. It's helped us to only spend money on products that are really worthwhile.

Commented on: Three Financial Reminders for New Dads

Staff

Doug said

7 months ago

Right on. I'm always surprised at how much people spend on their kids without any real benefit. Almost all toys are superfluous -- I think toddlers should have one or two stuffed animals, and a couple toys to teach them shapes and letters and music, and beyond that they'll have just as much fun with pine cones and pencils and cardboard boxes as with any other toys, however expensive. We also found that boiling and pureeing your own fruit and vegetables is much less expensive than pre-packaged baby food.

FiLife Contributor

FiLifer

FiQ Points ?

Michael is the author of the bestselling "Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck" - the number one customer-rated book on Amazon.com's Money Management for Young People's list!

In addition to numerous speaking engagements, Michael also writes the popular Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck blog and has appeared in various media, including Fox News Chicago, radio stations across the country, and national media such as CNN Money.com, latimes.com, The Wall Street Journal, SmartMoney.com, Chicago Tribune, Financial Advisor Magazine, and Investment News.

Michael also the President of Total Candor, a financial education company. He lives in New Hampshire (Life Free or Die) with my wife and two young daughters.