Career & Income
Maximize your earning potential, understand your paycheck, and make the most of employee benefits.
12 Lessons
4 Tools
8 Key Concepts
Key Concepts
salary
A fixed annual amount paid for your work, usually divided into regular payments. Often quoted as yearly gross pay.
gross incomeYour total earnings BEFORE taxes and deductions are taken out. This is the bigger number on your job offer.
net incomeYour take-home pay AFTER taxes and deductions. This is what actually hits your bank account.
paycheckYour regular payment from work. Shows gross pay, deductions for taxes and benefits, and net pay (what you actually receive).
benefitsNon-wage compensation from employers: health insurance, retirement contributions, PTO, etc. Can be worth 20-40% of salary.
RSURestricted Stock Unit - company shares granted as compensation that vest over time. Taxed as ordinary income when they vest.
stock optionsThe right to buy company stock at a set price. Can be valuable if the stock price rises above your strike price.
side hustleIncome earned outside your main job. Can be freelancing, selling items, rideshare driving, or any additional work.
Lessons
View allUnderstanding Your Paycheck: Every Line Explained
Foundations5 min
Gross vs. Net Income: What You Earn vs. What You Keep
Foundations4 min
Salary Negotiation: Scripts and Strategies That Work
Building7 min
Equity Compensation: Stock Options, RSUs, and ESPP
Wealth8 min
First Job? Make These Money Moves
Foundations5 min
Building Side Income: Realistic Options That Actually Work
Building6 min
Decoding Your Employee Benefits Package
Building7 min
Career Growth as a Wealth Strategy
Building7 min
Understanding Stock Options: ISOs, NSOs, and RSUs
Wealth9 min
Negotiating Your Salary: How to Ask for More Money
Foundations5 min
Understanding Your Benefits Package: Beyond the Paycheck
Building9 min
Building Multiple Income Streams: Diversifying Your Earning Potential
Wealth10 min