Financial Guides
Plain-English explanations of the regulatory changes and financial concepts behind our calculators.
OBBBA Tax Deductions for Workers in 2026: Overtime, Tips, and the Senior Bonus
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created three above-the-line deductions for working Americans. Here's who qualifies, how much they save, and the W-4 update you need to make right now.
May 26, 2026
No Tax on Tips 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Claim It Under the OBBBA
The OBBBA created a federal income tax deduction for cash tips in customarily tipped occupations starting 2026. Here is exactly who qualifies, what counts as a tip, and what to do on your tax return and W-4.
May 26, 2026
SSTB QBI Deduction 2026: Why Doctors, Lawyers, and Consultants May Qualify for the First Time
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently extended the QBI deduction and dramatically expanded the SSTB phase-out range. High-earning professionals who previously got zero deduction may now qualify for a partial §199A deduction worth thousands of dollars.
May 25, 2026
Should You Still Elect PTET After the OBBBA Raised the SALT Cap to $40,000?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act raised the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,400 for 2026. That changes the math on whether pass-through entity tax (PTET) elections still make sense for S-corps and partnerships. Here's the updated analysis.
May 25, 2026
Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Rule 2026: What High Earners Must Know
SECURE 2.0's mandatory Roth catch-up rule took effect January 1, 2026. If you're 50+ and earned over $150,000, your 401(k) catch-up contributions must go to Roth — no exceptions. Here's what it means, what it costs, and how to plan.
May 25, 2026
ACA Subsidy Cliff 2026: The Self-Employed Guide to Staying Under 400% FPL
The ACA enhanced subsidies expired December 31, 2025. The 400% FPL cliff is back for 2026. Self-employed filers face a unique circular math problem that most calculators miss. Here's how to manage your MAGI and protect your premium tax credit.
May 25, 2026
529-to-Roth IRA Rollover: The Complete 2026 Guide to the SECURE 2.0 Rules
SECURE Act 2.0 lets you roll leftover 529 funds into a Roth IRA — up to $35,000 lifetime. But there are five rules that must all be satisfied. This guide walks through every condition, the circular calendar math, and how to build a multi-year rollover strategy.
May 25, 2026