Jobs & Career

A living wage is the income a worker needs to cover basic necessities in their area. Learn how a living wage differs from the minimum wage and why it varies by location.

A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) raises pay or benefits to keep up with inflation. Learn how COLAs work, where they appear, and how they differ from a merit raise.

A payroll deduction is money taken out of your paycheck before you receive it. Learn the difference between mandatory and voluntary deductions and why your take-home pay is lower than your gross.

A commission is pay you earn based on the sales you make or results you produce. Learn how commission works, common structures, and how to budget on commission income.

Base salary is your fixed, guaranteed pay before bonuses, overtime, or benefits. Learn how base salary works and how it differs from total compensation.

A pay period is the recurring stretch of time your work is tracked for a single paycheck. Learn the common pay period schedules and how they affect your budget.

A stipend is a fixed payment to support a person or cover expenses — not a wage for hours worked. Learn how stipends differ from a salary, the common types, and the crucial question of whether they’re taxable.

Vesting is how you gain full ownership of employer-given benefits like a 401(k) match or stock grants. Learn vesting schedules, what you lose by leaving early, and how to check your status.

Pre-tax commuter benefits can save 25-40% on transit passes and parking through pre-tax paycheck deductions. The 2025 limits are $325/month for transit and $325/month for parking. Here is how to use them.

Your first day eligible for a 401(k) is a pivotal financial moment. The right answers are simple: enroll, get the full match, pick the right account type, and don’t overthink the funds. Here is how.