Calculator Guides & Practical Money Articles

A traditional IRA contribution and a traditional IRA deduction are not always the same amount. Workplace-plan coverage, filing status and modified AGI can limit or eliminate the deduction even when a contribution is permitted.

An employer match is determined by the plan document, not by one universal formula. The employee contribution rate, matching rate, compensation definition, match cap, true-up and vesting rules can all change the amount retained.

FICA payroll tax combines Social Security and Medicare taxes on covered wages. It is separate from federal income tax, uses different wage rules and should not be reduced by every deduction that lowers taxable income.

Traditional and designated Roth 401(k) contributions differ mainly in when federal income tax is generally paid. The better choice depends on current and future tax circumstances, plan rules and cash-flow needs—not a universal age rule.

Etsy Payments processing is not one universal percentage and fixed fee. The seller’s bank country and current Etsy policy determine the applicable rate, while other regulatory or currency charges may also apply.

Storage is time-dependent. A product can look profitable at receipt and lose that margin when units remain in fulfillment centers, enter a higher-rate period or incur aged-inventory charges.

An Offsite Ads order can have very different economics from an organic Etsy order. Sellers should model the rate shown in their account and test whether the remaining contribution profit still meets their target.

Break-even ACOS shows how much of an Amazon order’s revenue can be spent on attributed advertising before modeled profit reaches zero. It is a ceiling, not a recommended target.

Calculate an Etsy break-even price with listing, transaction, payment-processing, shipping, discount and Offsite Ads costs.