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This depends on your mortgage rate and risk tolerance. If your mortgage rate is below 4%, you'll likely earn more investing in a 529 (historically 7-8% returns). However, if your mortgage rate is 6...
Read moreParent-owned 529 plans have minimal financial aid impact - only 5.64% of the account value is counted toward the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is much better than custodial accounts (UGM...
Read moreAvalanche (highest interest first) saves the most money mathematically, but snowball (smallest balance first) provides psychological wins that keep you motivated. If rates are similar (within 2-3%)...
Read moreMake extra payments after building a $1,000-2,000 starter emergency fund but before saving for other goals. Target debts above 7% APR first. If you have employer 401(k) match, get that first (it's ...
Read moreBalance transfer (0% APR credit card) is better if you can pay off debt within 12-21 months and have good credit (670+). Debt consolidation loan is better for longer payoff timelines (2-5 years) or...
Read moreThe impact is dramatic. For example, on $10,000 at 18% APR: paying $200/month takes 79 months and costs $5,797 in interest. Adding just $100 extra ($300 total) cuts it to 42 months and $2,656 inter...
Read morePay off debt above 7-8% APR before investing (except 401(k) match). Below 4-5%, consider investing instead as stock market historically returns 7-10%. For 5-7% debt, it's personal—pay off high-rate...
Read moreUse a consistent monthly tracking system on the same day each month (like the 1st or last day). Record all assets at current market value and all liabilities at the exact balance owed. Create a sim...
Read moreA good rule of thumb is to aim for your age times your annual gross income divided by 10. For example, if you're 30 and earn $60K, target a net worth of $180K, but focus more on growing your net wo...
Read moreYes, include retirement accounts at full current value for total net worth. However, also calculate liquid net worth (excluding retirement accounts and home equity) to understand funds available be...
Read moreFocus on three levers: increase income (side hustles, career advancement, raises), decrease expenses (optimize big three: housing, transportation, food), and optimize investments (maximize employer...
Read moreYes, having a negative net worth in your 20s and 30s is common, often due to student loans. Focus on reducing debt and increasing assets by $10K-20K each year to improve your financial situation ov...
Read moreGross pay is your total salary before any deductions. Net pay (take-home) is what you actually receive after federal tax, state tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and pre-tax deductions like...
Read moreAt minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match—it's free money. Beyond that, max out if possible ($23,500 in 2025). Each dollar contributed saves you your marginal tax rate: in the 2...
Read moreThe U.S. uses progressive taxation—only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. If you're in the 22% bracket, your first $11,925 is taxed at 10%, the next chunk at 12%, and only income ab...
Read morePre-tax deductions reduce taxable income: 401(k), HSA, traditional IRA, FSA, and commuter benefits. Tax credits directly reduce tax owed: child tax credit ($2,000 per child), earned income credit (...
Read moreThis calculator provides estimates based on standard federal and state tax brackets, FICA rates, and common deductions. Actual withholding may vary based on your W-4 elections, additional income so...
Read moreSimple interest is calculated only on the principal amount. Compound interest is calculated on both the principal and accumulated interest, causing exponential growth. For example, $10,000 at 7% gr...
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