What actually comes out of your US paycheck — federal tax, state tax, and FICA — with a simple formula, worked example, and take-home figures for common salaries.

Federal tax, FICA, state tax and pre-tax benefits — what each line on your US pay stub means, and why your take-home lands 20–35% below your gross salary.

The 28/36 rule in plain English, how debt-to-income really works, and a worked example on a $90,000 income — plus what your rate and down payment do to the number.

How match formulas actually work, what vesting really means, and the contribution order that captures every dollar of free money.

Five states charge no sales tax, Louisiana and Tennessee top 9.5% combined, and grocery rules vary wildly. How US sales tax actually works.