A fuller guide to this term is on the way. In the meantime, the related terms below explain the ideas around it.
Related MoneyPedia terms
- Gross IncomeYour total earnings before any taxes, retirement contributions, or other deductions are taken out of your paycheck.
- Net IncomeWhat is left of your earnings after taxes and deductions, which is the money you actually have available to spend or save.
- Take-Home PayThe amount of your paycheck that actually lands in your account after taxes, benefits, and other deductions are removed.
- Tax WithholdingThe portion of each paycheck your employer holds back and sends to the government toward your income taxes.
- 401(k)A retirement account through your job, often with an employer match — free money for saving.
- Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)Your total income minus certain adjustments, used as the starting point for figuring out how much tax you owe.
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Plain-English education — not personalized legal, tax, or investment advice.