$CentCompass

Financial Guides

Clear, practical explanations to help you understand the numbers behind everyday financial decisions. Each guide pairs with a free calculator.

Retirement

  • How a 401(k) WorksA plain-English guide to 401(k) plans: contributions, employer match, limits, and tax-deferred growth.

Salary

  • What Is FICA?FICA is the payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare — withheld from every paycheck.
  • Gross vs Net Pay ExplainedGross pay is what you earn before deductions; net pay is what actually lands in your bank account.

Real Estate

  • What Is PITI?PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance — the four parts of a typical mortgage payment.