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Monetools Blog

Free guides for self-employed people, side hustlers, and landlords — quarterly taxes, LLC formation, retirement planning, and more.

David, 55, Independent Consultant Earning $180K — The $32,500 Gap His SEP IRA Never Told Him About

David has maxed out his SEP IRA for years without knowing a Solo 401(k) could let him contribute $32,500 more this year alone — and even more once he turns 60

Solo 401(k) vs SEP-IRA: Which Saves More for Self-Employed People in 2026?

Compare Solo 401 (k) vs SEP-IRA for self-employed in 2026. View IRS contribution limits, income-based max savings, tax benefits, deadlines, and scenarios where each retirement account works best.

The Hidden Cost of Quitting: What You Lose Besides Your Salary

Quitting your job for your side hustle costs more than your salary. Health insurance, retirement match, and PTO add up fast — and 2026's expired ACA subsidies make this math matter more than ever.

What's My True Hourly Rate as a Freelancer? (And Why It's Lower Than You Think)

Most freelancers underestimate their actual earnings. Calculate your true hourly rate after taxes, unpaid admin time and business costs. Discover what price range you need to hit your income goals.

Side Hustle + Day Job: Why Your Tax Bracket Isn't What You Think

If you have a W-2 job and side income, your side hustle isn't taxed at your average rate — it's taxed at your marginal rate. See exactly how stacking works with 2026 tax brackets and real numbers.

Should I Form an LLC as a Freelancer? The Complete 2026 Guide

Wondering if you should form an LLC as a freelancer? This 2026 guide covers LLC costs by state, liability protection & tax rules. Use our free tool to decide when to register an LLC for self-employment.