Reading

Guides

Clear, trustworthy explanations to go with the calculators — salary negotiation, paycheck math, equity, and freelance economics.

Comparison · 10 min

A $130k 1099 rate isn't 30% more than a $100k W-2 — once you factor in self-employment tax, health insurance, and benefits, the gap is often smaller.

Guide · 8 min

That "lost half my bonus to taxes" feeling is real — but mostly because of withholding, not actual tax owed. Here's what happens to a bonus and why.

Guide · 11 min

ISOs, NSOs, RSUs — three letters that can mean tens of thousands in tax. A plain-English breakdown of how each works for U.S. employees.

Guide · 9 min

Stop guessing at your freelance rate. A 5-step framework to set a rate that covers taxes, expenses, vacation, and the income you actually want.

Guide · 8 min

A $100k salary in San Francisco is closer to $50k in Cleveland in real terms. Why cost of living indices matter when comparing job offers.

Guide · 9 min

How federal and state taxes interact to shape your real paycheck, with real 2026 figures across high-tax, low-tax, and no-tax states.