Family & Kids

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Expenses

We have two plus years of baby care and the expenses that come with it now under our belt. At the same time, a lot of our friends and family are now having babies for the very first time, as are many of you, my dear readers. As a result, I’m constantly encountering questions about [...]

Is Your Money Better Off Single or Married?

Most people don’t consider the financial implications of marriage when they take the plunge. Inherently, this isn’t a good or a bad thing, it’s simply that we have too many other things on our mind when we’re in love and ready to pop (or answer) “the question.” But…as we all know, marriage can have a [...]

Thoughts on 2 Years of Fatherhood

Our son turned two last weekend. Developmentally, this marks a point in his life where we’re starting to see emotion, a sense of  preference and improved communication, otherwise jointly known as the Terrible Twos. People randomly ask me if I’m scared of what’s coming next, as if some impending doom is about to descend over [...]

Should I Buy New or Used for My Kids?

New parents face what is, on the surface, a simple decision when it comes to “stuff” for their kids–to buy new or buy used. Buying used is a frequently cited means of dampening the cost of kids, both because prices for used items are much lower and because the secondhand market for children’s gear is saturated [...]

Considering Money in Family Planning

Many couples are deciding precisely when to get pregnant and have their first or subsequent children. The decision-making process considers a lot of factors, but money definitely plays a big part.

Who Should Bear the Cost of Public Education?

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A reader recently remarked that it’s unfair for her, a single woman with no kids, to be paying for other people’s public education. What’s your take?

Toddler Expense Report: Month 14

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Reviewing our latest baby expenses numbers from the 14th month.

Top 10 Tips for Saving Money on a New Baby

Now that my son is nearly 14 months, I take a look back at everything we’ve learned in the first year and share my Top 10 frugality tips for raising a baby.

Toddler Expense Report: Month 13

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Updating you on the latest expenses with our baby, who just recently became a toddler. There’s not much new this month, but I have an important question for my readers!

Swap Used Kids Clothes Online with ThredUp

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ThredUp is an online clothing swap service that leverages the power of the Internet to bring parents together, eBay style, and provide a forum for exchanging unused clothing. Brilliant!

Baby Expense Report: Month 12

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Having a baby doesn’t have to be expensive! As we celebrate my son’s first birthday, here’s a look back at all of our expenses from the first year and how we compare to national averages.

Money-Saving Tips for Traveling to Family Emergencies

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Recently, I’ve been a bystander to several occasions when family members had to fly out of town on short notice for family emergencies. Here are a few tips for keeping the money part under control.