Step-by-step scenario

I got my first job

First paychecks come with a stack of forms and weird math. Here's the order most people need.

1. 1

   What is a W-4?

   The form you fill out before your first paycheck.

   The form you fill out so payroll knows how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck.

2. 2

   Why is my paycheck smaller than my salary?

   Why your paycheck doesn't match your offer letter.

   Because what you agreed to is gross pay. What lands in your account is net pay after taxes and deductions.

3. 3

   How credit scores work

   How credit gets built — and why it matters when you rent or buy.

   A number lenders use as one quick way to estimate how risky it might be to lend you money.