Playbooks
Ordered steps for a situation. Each step is a calculator or a compare — not an essay.
Tax season estimates the return, take-home, and deduction path before you touch deferrals. Buying a house caps price from DTI, then PITI, then leftover budget. Paying off debt funds a cash floor before extra principal versus investing. Max the match captures the employer grant, then HSA and IRA room, then a FIRE or net-worth target.
- TaxTax seasonEstimate federal tax, decide whether to itemize, then set withholding and retirement deferrals before year-end.4 steps
- HomeBuying a houseCap the price from income, then see the monthly payment, then check whether a refinance later would recoup costs.4 steps
- DebtPaying off debtProtect a cash buffer, then decide whether extra dollars should hit the loan or an investment account.3 steps
- InvestingMax the matchTake the full employer match, fill HSA if you have an HDHP, then IRA, then taxable growth.4 steps
Compares
Two paths, same libraries, one verdict.
- HomeRefinance vs stayLower payment and months to recoup closing costs versus keeping the current loan.
- InvestingRoth vs traditionalSame paycheck dollars, two tax timings, one after-tax nest egg.
- DebtExtra payment vs investPut the extra dollar on the loan or in an investment account and compare net worth.