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Side Income Taxes for Software Engineers
Side income hits harder than W-2: you pay SE tax plus income tax. Here's the Schedule C breakdown, the SE tax math, SEP-IRA limits, and quarterly estimates.
10 min read -
Why Index Funds Beat Active Management
Most active funds underperform their benchmark over 15 years. The math on expense ratio drag alone should end the debate. Here's why index funds win every time.
9 min read -
Stock Options vs RSUs: Which Is Better?
ISOs, NSOs, RSUs — your offer letter has all three and explains none of them. Here's what each type means, how it's taxed, and which you actually want.
11 min read -
Your FIRE Number: How to Calculate It
Your FIRE number is annual expenses × 25. Here's where that formula comes from, what most people undercount, and how to actually make the target work.
10 min read -
The Home Office Deduction, Demystified
W-2 remote workers can't claim the home office deduction post-2017 TCJA. Here's who can, how the simplified vs regular method math works, and when each wins.
8 min read -
Mega Backdoor Roth Explained
The mega backdoor Roth lets you funnel up to $46,500 extra into a Roth account per year. Most plans don't support it. Yours might. Here's the full mechanics.
9 min read -
The 3-Fund Portfolio: All You Need
Three funds. That's all it takes to build a complete, diversified portfolio. Here's the exact tickers at Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab — plus how to allocate.
8 min read -
Quarterly Taxes: Don't Get Wrecked in April
Owe $1k+ in taxes after withholding? You're supposed to pay quarterly. Here's the safe harbor rule, 2026 due dates, and the math on $30k freelance income.
10 min read -
The HSA Triple Tax Advantage
Your HSA is the only account with three tax advantages. Here's how to turn it into a stealth IRA — and the math that makes it worth maxing every single year.
9 min read -
RSU 101: Sell or Hold? The Math
RSUs are taxed as income at vest, not when you sell. Here's the math on concentration risk, your tax hit at vest, and why selling immediately usually wins.
8 min read
