Earning Income

Every business in the world runs on human capital. Human capital is the sum of characteristics and skills that an employee brings to the table. This lesson covers basics about first jobs, including federal protections.

There are different ways to earn income, and different compensation plans used by employers. This lesson discusses hourly, overtime, salary, commissions, passive income, and more.

The amount earned at a job isn't the amount available to spend. Learn about gross and net pay and mandatory payroll deductions.

Every employed American is responsible for paying employment and income tax. This lesson focuses on how to determine your tax responsibility, paperwork required for employment, and the progressive tax structure of the IRS.

Total compensation isn't just wages or salary earned. Explore monetary and non-monetary employee benefits, and the pros and cons of common employee benefits.

Working as an independent contractor can be a risky and rewarding way to make a living. This lesson covers the financial elements of being an independent contractor, including employment taxes, pros and cons, and tax write-offs.

Entrepreneurship is the process of starting a business to solve a problem, taking on financial risk in hope of earning a profit. This lesson talks about business ideas, value propositions, market research, and competitor analysis.

Entrepreneurship involves taking on financial risk in hopes of earning a profit. This lesson focuses on the math and risks of starting your own business—break-even analysis, legal structures of new businesses, bootstrapping, and the hazards of early businesses.

The amount on your paycheck can buy you more or less "stuff" depending on where (and when) you live. Learn about how cost-of-living, inflation, and purchasing power impact your life and financial future.