Tag: tech-worker

The 3.8% NIIT: Who Pays and How to Dodge

The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax hits high earners with dividends, gains, and rent. See the thresholds, worked examples, and legitimate ways to cut the bill.

Contractor vs W-2: The Real Comp Math

A $180K W-2 offer needs a 1099 rate of about $214K a year, or $116 an hour, to break even. Here is the full payroll tax, benefits, and bench-time math.

State Tax Residency When You Move

Moving from California or New York to Texas? Your old state may still tax you. Domicile, the 184-day test, the convenience rule and audits, with 2025 numbers.

ISO vs NSO: Options and the AMT Trap

ISOs and NSOs are taxed completely differently. Get it wrong and you owe a six-figure AMT bill on stock that's now worthless. Here's the full breakdown.

Rolling Over Your Old 401k: A Checklist

Left a job with an old 401k sitting there? Here's exactly what to do, all four options, the direct vs indirect rollover trap, and a step-by-step checklist.

Backdoor Roth IRA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Earn too much for a Roth IRA? The backdoor conversion still gets you in. Step-by-step 2026 guide with pro-rata rule explained and full Fidelity walkthrough.

Reading Your RSU Grant Without a Lawyer

RSU grant agreements look like legal gibberish. Most of it doesn't matter. Here's what to actually read, and the questions to ask HR before you sign.

ESPP: Don't Leave Free Money on the Table

Your ESPP is a 15-32% guaranteed return hiding in your benefits portal. Here's the math, the tax rules, and why you should nearly always sell immediately.

401k Math: What You're Actually Saving

Maxing your 401k doesn't cost $23,500. At a 35% tax rate it costs $15,275. Here's the math, the 2026 limits, and how to stop leaving money on the table.

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.

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.

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.