Guides

Your paycheck, decoded.

Plain-language explanations of FICA taxes, deductions, and paycheck math — grounded in IRS and SSA sources, with the numbers shown.

What Is FICA? Social Security and Medicare Taxes on Your Paycheck, Explained
FICA withholds 7.65% from every paycheck — 6.2% for Social Security (up to an annual wage base cap) and 1.45% for Medicare. Here's exactly how each works, with a worked dollar example, what reduces your FICA-taxable wages, and why your employer pays a matching share you never see.
Read guide →
Why Your Biweekly Paycheck Feels Smaller Than Your Salary Suggests
Most people divide their salary by 12 to estimate a paycheck, but biweekly pay runs 26 cycles a year — not 24. Here's the real math and why it changes your monthly budget.
Read guide →