A personal finance mission
You're about to earn your first real money. Between the salary you're promised and the cash that hits your account sits a gauntlet: taxes, the W-4, insurance, retirement. Work through 7 levels — earn a paycheck, shrink it honestly, then stretch what's left across a full month — and finish with your own Monthly Budget Report to turn in.
Level 1 · The fork in the road
The biggest money decision at 18 — and both paths can win this game. They just play very differently.
Level 2 · Payday math
Same salary, different rhythm. HR hands you a form on day one: pick a pay schedule. More checks means smaller checks — the yearly total never changes. Choose, then calculate your gross pay per check.
Level 3 · The W-4 lab
Before your first check, you fill out a Form W-4 — it tells your employer how much federal tax to hold back. Every worker also pays FICA (7.65% for Social Security + Medicare) and here, a 4% state income tax. Flip the switches below and watch your check change.
Level 4 · Benefits enrollment
Open enrollment: your employer offers health, dental, and vision plans, and your share of the premium comes straight out of each check, before taxes. Cheaper premium usually means you pay more when you actually get sick. Choose one from each group.
Level 5 · Pay your future self
Your employer offers a 401(k): put in a slice of every check before taxes, and they match 50¢ on the dollar up to 6% of your pay — free money if you take it. Pick your contribution, then read your final pay stub.
Level 6 · The monthly budget
Level 7 · Life happens
Your budget balances on paper. Cute. No month survives contact with real life — roll two life events: raises, breakdowns, lucky breaks, surprise bills. Whatever you roll hits your final budget. No rerolls. That's the point.
Final level · Turn it in
Which paycheck deduction surprised you the most, and why?
If your income dropped by $200 a month, what would you cut first — and what would you protect no matter what?