A concise, practical guide to everyday financial mathematics.
1. Earning an Income
Types of Pay
• Hourly Wage: Paid a set rate per hour. Overtime is usually 1.5× the regular rate (time-and-
a-half).
• Salary: A fixed annual amount, divided into consistent pay periods (weekly, bi-weekly,
semi-monthly, monthly).
• Commission: Earnings based on a percentage of your total sales.
Gross vs. Net Pay
• Gross Pay: Your total earnings before any deductions are removed.
• Net Pay: Your "take-home" pay after mandatory and voluntary deductions (taxes,
insurance, pension contributions).