Side Income
Side Income and the Tax You Owe on It
Side income can face income tax and 15.3% self-employment tax. A $14,000 example shows why setting aside 25% is only a starting point.
4 min read
The library
26 plain-English reads on budgeting, saving, investing, debt, credit and taxes. Newest first unless you say otherwise.
EverythingBudgetingSavingInvestingDebt PayoffBankingCreditTaxesRetirementCollege SavingsPassive IncomeMoney FoundationsEveryday SpendingInsuranceSocial Security & MedicareHousing & RentingStudent LoansMoney MindsetSide IncomeCareer & SalaryFinancial IndependenceEstate PlanningFamily FinancesLife EventsSmall BusinessFraud & Consumer ProtectionHealthcare CostsTravel & RewardsCars & TransportInflation & the EconomyMoney ToolsGiving
TaxesGuide
The HSA Triple Tax Advantage
Deductible going in, untaxed while invested and untaxed for qualified medical costs, with a 2026 limit and an eligibility test people skip.
5 min read
Taxes
The Saver's Credit Almost Nobody Claims
A 2026 credit worth up to $1,000 for retirement saving you were already doing, with income cliffs that can make $300 of earnings cost $600.
4 min read
TaxesGuide
How to Adjust Your W-4
A $3,600 refund is $300 a month that stayed out of your paycheck. Use the IRS estimator, then translate its result onto Form W-4.
5 min read
Taxes
Tax Credits vs Deductions
A $1,000 credit can cut tax by $1,000. A $1,000 deduction saves only your marginal rate, and sometimes nothing at all.
4 min read
Editor's pick
TaxesGuide
Your Tax Season Checklist
Gather the forms your return actually needs, including the four records most likely to arrive after you think you are ready to file.
7 min read
Passive Income
Dividend Income: The Arithmetic
A 6% yield can compound to less than a 1.5% yield at the same total return. Work through cash income, annual tax and the final sale.
5 min read
Passive Income
REITs Explained
A REIT must distribute at least 90% of taxable income, not 90% of rent. Compare listed funds, locked-up products and taxable-account drag.
5 min read
College Savings
529 to Roth IRA Rollovers
The 2026 IRA limit is $7,500 for under-50s, but a 529 rollover also faces a $35,000 lifetime cap, ageing rules and available contribution room.
5 min read
Editor's pick
College SavingsGuide
The 529 Plan, Explained
A 529 plan can shelter education investment gains. Compare state tax savings, fees and the cost of withdrawing money for something else.
9 min read
Banking
Treasury Bills vs a Savings Account
Treasury bill interest is exempt from state income tax, which is worth nothing in Texas and a good deal in California. The comparison, done properly, at three state rates.
5 min read
Investing
Rebalancing: How Often Is Enough?
Once a year, or when a holding drifts five points from target. More often costs tax and attention, and buys almost nothing over thirty years.
6 min read
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