I started my first full-time job

Bring ID and your Social Security number, choose an account with no monthly fee, and opt out of overdraft coverage.

Single with one job? Fill in Step 1, sign Step 5 and you're done. Use the IRS estimator if you have two jobs.

Gross pay is hours times rate. Check hours, rate, taxes and deductions on every stub, and keep a copy.

Your cash wage plus tips must reach minimum wage each week. Managers can't take your tips. Report $20+ a month by the 10th.

Compare health plans by 12 months of premiums plus the out-of-pocket max, check your doctors, and contribute enough to get the full match.

The premium is the monthly bill. The deductible comes before the plan pays, and the out-of-pocket max caps your yearly cost.

Contribute at least enough to get the full employer match. It's part of your pay, and skipping it leaves money behind.

Start from monthly take-home pay. Subtract fixed bills, a share of yearly costs, savings, then everyday spending. Below zero? Cut flexible spending first.

Schedule a transfer to savings the day after payday, or split your direct deposit so part never reaches checking.

Start with a secured or student card, use under 30% of the limit, and set autopay so you never miss a payment.

Federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, or your state's if higher, and time and a half after 40 hours a week.

Federal law bans job discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, age 40+ and more. Most deadlines are 180 or 300 days.

Single, under 65? You had to file for 2025 at $15,750 or more. IRS Free File software is free with an AGI up to $89,000.