shift in neutral

I own a '01 automatic transmission sentra and was wondering if it's alright for me to continuously shift into neutral. I know it's not a stick and i'm not pretending it is one. I just figured it's better to brake with it in neutral since the engine's not working against me. My question is, does this harm my engine/transmission or anything else?

I'm not a tranny/engine expert, but I believe in letting the motor downshift. The engine is NOT working against you. It is helping (imperfectly, be it) to slow you, downshifting as you brake. Shifting to neutral shouldn't hurt the tranny when coming to a full stop, but you will notice longer stopping distance, thus your brakes having to take up the burden. I believe it to be hard on the tranny to slow to say, 30mph in neutral, and then get slammed into drive. My personal opinion: don't do it.

I'm with maximagirl. But another thing is that you put extra stress the U-joints when you shift into neutral and then back into drive. It may never cause a problem but you are putting an extra load on them.

I always thought the engine works against you while braking, thanks for the replies.

I did forget to add though, if you are going to idle for a long period (drive thru, long light), then you should put it in neutral to help cool the transmission.