Taxes, first jobs, first apartments — the stuff life expects you to already know.
Nobody hands you a manual when you turn 18. This page is the closest thing to one. Work through every section — future you will be glad you did.
Tax Simulator
Run The Numbers
Enter your annual income and see what taxes actually look like — plus whether you'd get a refund. Florida residents: your state tax is $0.
My Tax Estimate — W-2 Income
Annual Gross Income
From job(s), before any deductions
Standard Deduction
For single filers, tax year 2026
Taxable Income
Gross minus standard deduction
Estimated Federal Tax Owed
Based on 2026 tax brackets
Estimated Tax Withheld
Federal income tax withheld (W-2, box 2)
$—
$—
$—
File by April 15 every year. IRS Free File (irs.gov/freefile) is free if your income is under the limit ($89,000 for the 2026 filing season). If your parents claim you and you only have job income, you may not have to file, but file anyway if tax was withheld so you get it back. Estimates only; this isn't tax advice.
W-4 Decoder
Start a New Job
Every new job starts with a W-4. It tells your employer how much to withhold. Here's what each step actually means — and what to write.
1
Personal Info
Your legal name, address, and Social Security number. Write these exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.
2
Multiple Jobs or Spouse Works?
Only complete if you have more than one job at the same time. Most teens leave this blank.
3
Claim Dependents
If your total income is under $200,000, you may qualify for credits. Most teens leave this as $0.
4
Other Adjustments
Optional. Add extra withholding here if you want more taken out each paycheck to avoid owing at tax time.
5
Sign and Date
Your signature certifies everything is accurate. Keep a copy for your records before submitting.
Job Offer Evaluator
Compare Offers
The highest hourly rate isn't always the best offer. Compare two jobs across what actually matters — including benefits, schedule, and growth potential.
Job Option 1
Job Option 2
Apartment Readiness Calculator
Can You Afford It?
—%
$—
$—
*Based on gross income. Taxes and other bills come out of what's left, so plan for less. Guideline: keep rent at or below 30% of gross income.
Lease Checklist — Before You Sign
Confirmed exact monthly rent and what utilities are included
Critical
Read the early termination clause — know the penalty for leaving early
Critical
Confirmed who handles repairs and the response time expectation
Important
Clarified security deposit return conditions in writing
Critical
Confirmed pet, guest, and subletting policies
Important
Took photos/video of the unit condition before moving in
Critical
Got renters insurance (under $20/month — protects your stuff)
Smart Move
Have 3 months of expenses saved before signing
Critical
My Adulting Readiness Score
Be Honest
I know what a W-2 is and where to get mine
+10 pts
I know how to file taxes for free
+10 pts
I understand what's deducted from my paycheck
+15 pts
I know what rent I can realistically afford
+15 pts
I know what to look for before signing a lease
+15 pts
I'm building or have built a 3-month emergency fund
+20 pts
I understand how benefits factor into a job offer
+15 pts
0
Adulting Readiness Score
Answer the questions above to see your score.
Parent + Teen — Do This Together
Conversation Corner
Can you walk me through our family's tax return this year — what forms did you use and what did you learn?
What do you wish you'd known before you signed your first lease or moved out on your own?
How did you evaluate your first real job offer — and would you make the same decision today?
What's the one adulting skill you think most people don't figure out until it's too late?
Can we sit down together and run through my actual financial situation — income, savings, and what I'd need to be ready to live independently?