Money Guides
Plain-English guides with worked examples and links to the calculators, so you can try your own numbers. Each guide uses 2026 US rules and shows its assumptions.
$80,000 a Year After Taxes: Take-Home Pay (2026)
How much is an $80,000 salary after taxes in 2026? See federal tax, Social Security and Medicare, plus yearly,...
Home & LoansHow Much House Can I Afford on a $70,000 Salary?
On a $70,000 salary you can often afford a home around $225,000 to $275,000. See the 28/36 rule, how rates and down...
Savings & InvestingPay Off Debt or Invest? A Simple Way to Decide
Should you pay off debt or invest first? Compare your interest rate with expected returns, grab the 401(k) match, and...
Everyday MoneyThe 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained With Examples
The 50/30/20 rule splits take-home pay into needs, wants and savings. See a worked example, how to adjust it for high...
Savings & InvestingHow Compound Interest Works (With Real Examples)
Compound interest means earning interest on your interest. See the formula, the Rule of 72 and examples showing why...
Retirement401(k) vs Roth IRA: Which Should You Choose?
Compare a 401(k) and a Roth IRA: tax treatment, contribution limits, employer match and a simple order for where to...
Paycheck & TaxesWhat Comes Out of Your Paycheck? Gross vs Net Pay
Why is your paycheck smaller than your salary? Learn gross vs net pay, federal withholding, Social Security, Medicare...
Home & Loans15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage: Which Is Better?
Compare a 15-year and 30-year mortgage on a $400,000 home: monthly payment, total interest, income needed and when...
Home & LoansHow to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast: Snowball vs Avalanche
Compare the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods with a real example of four cards, months to payoff and interest...
Everyday Money$20 an Hour Is How Much a Year? Pay Chart (2026)
$20 an hour is about $41,600 a year before tax. See monthly and biweekly pay, take-home after taxes, overtime pay and...