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Back-to-School Budgeting: Get Your Finances in Check!

August 30, 2025

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How Much Money Should You Have Saved Before Having a Baby ?

By Daniel Da Silva · Engineering & Project Management professional and dad · Last reviewed: May 2026 · Disclosure Every article I found before my first child was born said some version of "have three to six months of expenses saved." Solid advice on paper. Completely useless in practice, because nobody told me what a baby actually does to your monthly expenses — or how many one-time costs would land all at once. I went into it living month to month. I wish I had hit $50,000. Here is the honest breakdown of why, and how I would build toward that number if I were starting over. Why the standard advice falls short "Three to six months of expenses" assumes you know what your expenses will be post-baby. You do not. Your monthly costs will jump; sometimes by $1,500 to $3,000; the moment a child enters the picture. Calculating three months of your current expenses and calling it done is calculating the wrong number entirely. The more useful framework is to split you...

Earn Money by Reading Emails: A Quick Guide

Did you know you can earn some extra cash simply by reading emails? While it won't make you rich, engaging with these emails can be a fun way to earn a little extra on the side. Here are some popular platforms and job roles that allow you to do just that. Why Do Companies Pay for Email Engagement? Companies use paid email engagement as a marketing strategy. By offering small incentives, they hope to capture your attention and potentially drive sales. This also helps them gather data on what types of emails are most effective. Top Websites to Get Paid for Reading Emails 1. Swagbucks Swagbucks is a well-known rewards site where you can earn by reading emails, taking surveys, and more. They offer various payout options such as PayPal cash and gift cards. Note that this is available in the USA and Canada only. 2. InboxDollars InboxDollars allows you to earn by reading promotional emails. They also offer surveys and video watching for additional earnings. Payouts are availab...

Are Stocks Rising or Is the Dollar Declining?

In recent months, the stock market has reached unprecedented highs, leading to a debate about whether stocks are truly becoming more valuable or if the dollar is simply losing its value. This concept, often referred to as the "debasement theory," has been articulated by investors like Lee Roach. In a recent post , Roach highlights the U.S. government's structural deficit and the Federal Reserve's role in purchasing government debt, suggesting that asset prices are rising because the currency is being debased. While Roach's perspective includes some factual inaccuracies, such as the notion that countries with high debt-to-GDP ratios inevitably face hyperinflation, he raises valid concerns about government spending and inflation. The U.S. government indeed struggles with spending issues, largely due to entitlement programs like Social Security, which are difficult to reform. Even significant tax adjustments would not fully resolve these funding shortfalls. Roach...

Embracing Financial Risks: A Path to Break Free from the Average

In the journey of managing finances, many of us find ourselves playing it safe, sticking to conventional investment strategies. However, the key to breaking free from financial mediocrity often lies in embracing calculated risks. Inspired by a discussion on Financial Samurai , let's explore how taking more risks can lead to financial growth and why it's crucial to step out of our comfort zones. Many individuals, like Brian, a reader who shared his thoughts on being the family CFO, often question the need for complex financial strategies. He argues for simplicity, suggesting investments in broad market indices like VTI or VXUS. While this approach offers stability, it might also limit potential growth. The real challenge is balancing safety with opportunities for higher returns. One effective way to embrace financial risk is by diversifying your investment portfolio. While index funds provide a foundation, incorporating a mix of assets, including stocks, real estate, and even al...

Paying for College

Today, I will be discussing some strategies I discovered for financing college education. It is a modest compilation of resources and ideas to help you prepare for your child's higher education expenses, even though there is no silver bullet. So, what are the best strategies to pay for college? Utilize High-Interest Savings Accounts Leverage 529 College Savings Plans Improve Financial Aid Opportunities Pursue Scholarships and Grants Opt for In-State Colleges Accelerate Degree Completion Strategic Planning for Graduate Education Utilize High-Interest Savings Accounts In today's high interest rate environment, consider saving in accounts offering around 5% interest. This ensures a risk-free growth of funds over time, providing a reliable way to accumulate savings for college. My favorites are Amex High Yield Savings , your credit union savings, Fidelity account , Charles Schwab and even Robinhood . Leverage 529 College Savings Plans 529 Plans : These are tax-advantaged plans sp...

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