Finance & Tax Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of common personal finance and tax decisions — with worked examples and the calculators to run your specific numbers.
Roth vs Traditional IRA: Which Wins Long-Term?
If your marginal tax rate in retirement will be lower than it is today, the Traditional IRA wins on math. If your rate stays the same or rises, the Roth wins. 40-year worked example.
Read comparison →15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage: Total Cost Comparison
On a $400,000 loan at 6.5%, a 15-year mortgage costs ~$949 more per month but saves ~$284,000 in total interest. Full rate scenario table and cash-flow trade-off analysis.
Read comparison →Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate Explained
Your marginal rate is what applies to the next dollar you earn. Your effective rate is what you actually pay on all income. Three worked examples at $50k, $150k, and $500k.
Read comparison →Standard vs Itemized Deduction 2026
About 90% of filers take the standard deduction post-TCJA, but the OBBB's SALT cap increase from $10k to $40.4k MFJ changes the calculation for high-tax-state filers with mortgages.
Read comparison →W-2 Employee vs 1099 Self-Employed Tax Burden
A 1099 worker pays 15.3% SE tax but can deduct half SE tax above the line, claim QBI, and write off business expenses. At $80k with deductions, total burden is nearly equal.
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