The CalcWonk Blog

Hiring someone at $65,000 doesn't cost you $65,000. Here's what a new employee actually costs — including taxes, benefits, and the costs nobody talks about.

The contractor vs. employee decision isn't just about cost — it's about control, flexibility, and legal risk. Here's how to think through it before you make an offer.

Most business owners underestimate turnover cost by 50% or more. Here's what actually happens to your bottom line when someone walks out the door.

Before you launch a product, take on a loan, or hire your first employee — you need to know your break-even number. Here's how to find it.

Contractors typically need to earn 25–40% more per hour than an equivalent employee just to break even. Here's the math behind the number.

The answer depends entirely on your current tax rate vs. your expected retirement tax rate. Here's how to think through it — and model both scenarios with real numbers.