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5 Ways to Maximize Your Take-Home Pay
Reading time: ~6 minutes
Increasing your income isn’t only about raises or side hustles. How you manage benefits, contributions, and withholding can have a big impact on what actually lands in your checking account. Below are five practical levers you can adjust today.
1) Optimize pre-tax contributions
Contributions to accounts like a 401(k), HSA, or FSA reduce taxable income. Even a small increase in pre-tax contributions can lower your tax bill while building long-term wealth. If cash flow is tight, try small bumps (for example, +1% each quarter) instead of a large jump.
2) Review your withholding
Many people withhold too much or too little. Use the IRS withholding estimator to check whether you should adjust your W-4 so you’re not giving the government an interest-free loan or facing a surprise bill.
3) Leverage employer benefits
Commuter benefits, dependent care FSAs, tuition assistance, and wellness stipends can stretch your dollars by covering expenses with pre-tax money or direct subsidies. Spend a few minutes in your HR portal to make sure you’re enrolled in what you actually use.
4) Compare health plan options
High-deductible health plans often come with HSA eligibility, which pairs lower premiums with tax-free savings for healthcare. Depending on your situation, switching plans can free up monthly cash flow even after accounting for a higher deductible.
5) Track the real impact
Use the Take-Home Pay Calculator to model contribution levels, withholding, and benefits side by side. Seeing the numbers makes it easier to choose the mix that balances cash flow and long-term growth.