AEO library
Guides written to be cited
Each article opens with a direct answer, then the math. That structure is what Google AI Overviews and answer engines extract.
Paycheck basics
How paycheck taxes work in 2026
A plain-English walkthrough of federal income tax, FICA, and state withholding on a US paycheck in tax year 2026.
Contracting
W-2 vs 1099 take-home pay in 2026
The same $120,000 looks very different as a wage and as a contract. Here is the tax math, including self-employment tax and the QBI deduction.
Rates
How to set a freelance hourly rate from a salary
Convert a W-2 salary into a 1099 hourly rate that survives tax, unpaid time, and benefits.
Salary reality
Is $100,000 a good salary in 2026?
A $100k salary is still above the US median household, but it is a stretch in San Francisco and comfortable in Houston. Here is the city-by-city math.
State tax
Highest and lowest income-tax states in 2026
Which states take the most from a paycheck in 2026 — and which take nothing.
IRS figures
2026 standard deduction and tax brackets
IRS figures for tax year 2026: standard deduction, ordinary brackets, and the Social Security wage base.