Evolving Personal Finance » Entries tagged with "take-home pay"

Why Is My Take-Home Pay as a Postdoc Nearly the Same as When I Was a Grad Student?

October 20th, 2014 | 19 Comments

Why Is My Take-Home Pay as a Postdoc Nearly the Same as When I Was a Grad Student?

Despite the fact that Kyle got over a 40% raise when he transitioned from grad student to postdoc, his postdoc take-home pay is depressingly similar to his grad student take-home pay. I had heard rumors of this phenomenon but had never quite believed it. The reasons for it are partially generalizable and partially specific to us, but I hope they are illuminating for other people going through this same transition.       Kyle gave me permission to share … Read entire article »

Filed under: grad school, income, taxes

First Job Problems: Payroll Deductions Are Annoying!

October 13th, 2014 | 29 Comments

First Job Problems: Payroll Deductions Are Annoying!

Apparently I’m doing a whole series about surprising or confusing things that happen when you get a real job! I mean, Kyle’s job is only like half-real (postdoc so he’s still in training and isn’t paid what he’s worth, but he gets a W-2 so he’s a real employee). I’ve already covered why we chose not to enroll him in his 403(b) and how we muddled through our new health insurance choices. Today’s topic is … Read entire article »

Filed under: career, income