Income & Career
Freelancing & Gig Economy, Income & Career
1099 vs. W-2 for Holiday Gig Work: What the IRS Rules Show About Your Taxes
The 2026 Form 1099-NEC threshold rose to $2,000 under the OBBBA — but that's a paperwork change, not a tax exemption. IRS rules require reporting all gig income regardless of whether you received a form. A 1099 holiday worker owes 15.3% self-employment tax on 92.35% of net earnings; a W-2 worker's employer covers half. Here's what the IRS classification rules show about the real difference between 1099 and W-2 holiday gig work.
September 19, 2026
Freelancing & Gig Economy, Income & Career
Workplace Benefits Open Enrollment 2026 Checklist: What to Review Before It Closes
BLS data shows 72% of workers have retirement plan access — but only 53% participate. For medical plans: 72% access, 45% participation. Meanwhile, the IRS raised 2026 401(k) limits to $24,500, HSA self-only to $4,400, and Health FSA to $3,400. Here's what the IRS and BLS data shows about reviewing every item on your open enrollment checklist before the deadline closes.
Income & Career, Salary Negotiation
How to Negotiate a Year-End Raise in 2026: What the BLS Report Shows
LS data shows private-sector wages grew 3.1% nominally in 2026 — but real wages fell 0.4%. The Atlanta Fed shows job changers earned 4.4% wage growth vs. 3.6% for stayers. An academic field study found negotiators improved compensation by 12.45%. Here's what the official labor-market data says about framing a year-end raise conversation that beats the national average.
Income & Career, Salary Negotiation
How to Negotiate a Year-End Raise in 2026: What the BLS Data Shows
BLS data shows private-sector wages rose 3.1% nominally in 2026 — but fell 0.4% in real terms after inflation. Here's how to use that data in a year-end raise conversation, what the academic research says about negotiation success rates, and what federal law does and doesn't require employers to offer.
Income & Career, Side Hustles & Extra Income
Best High-Paying Side Hustles 2026: Realistic Income & Tax Rules
Want to start a side hustle but unsure what it actually pays after expenses and taxes? This 2026 guide breaks down the highest-paying freelance skills, exact 1099 tax thresholds, and a 10-hour weekly blueprint to help you understand your real take-home pay before committing to a strategy.
About Income & Career
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> lists typical pay, required education, and projected job growth for hundreds of occupations. It is my starting point whenever a guide discusses pay.
Income from freelancing and side work is taxable, and self-employed people generally owe self-employment tax on top of income tax. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRS Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center</a> explains quarterly estimated payments and the records you need to keep.
I'm a researcher, not a licensed financial advisor. These guides explain what the official rules and data show so you can make your own decisions.
