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First Job & Paychecks

Just got hired? Here's everything about earning, taxes, and making the most of that first paycheck.

5 lessons · 350 XP · 40 min · Beginner

Lessons in this path

  1. How to Read Your First Paycheck — Why it's smaller than you expected — and where the rest went. (6 min, 60 XP)
  2. What Is a W-4 and Why Does It Matter? — That confusing form your employer gave you — decoded. (7 min, 70 XP)
  3. Taxes for Teens: The Basics — W-2s, filing, and why your refund isn't free money. (10 min, 100 XP)
  4. Budgeting When Your Income Changes — Part-time hours aren't consistent. Here's how to budget anyway. (8 min, 60 XP)
  5. What to Do With Your First $500 — A practical framework for your first real chunk of money. (6 min, 60 XP)
  6. W-2 vs 1099: Understanding How You Get Paid (and Taxed) — Employee, contractor, or both — the form changes everything. (12 min, 100 XP)