The Tax Game
The tax code is a playbook — brackets, deductions, income buckets, and net returns
The Tax Game
Video coming soon
Scroll down to complete Trailmix Wealth community polls and activities related to this lesson!
Activity 1: Map Your Income Types
List your current income sources and identify the tax category for each. Active income (W-2 / self-employment) gets taxed as ordinary income at the highest rates. Passive (rental, etc.) and portfolio (dividends, capital gains) get more favorable treatment.
Activity 2: True or False?
Tax myths versus reality. Pick True or False for each, then score yourself.
Activity 3: The Progressive Tax Bucket Visualizer
Enter a mock salary and see exactly how it spills into each tax bracket. The dashboard shows the difference between your Marginal Bracket and your true Effective Tax Rate — usually a much smaller number than people expect.
Enter an annual salary above to see how it gets taxed across the progressive brackets.
Uses 2024 federal single-filer brackets, before deductions and credits. Your actual tax will be lower after the standard deduction and any pre-tax contributions.
Michael's book pick for this topic is on the way. In the meantime, browse the full bookshelf.
Visit the Bookshelf →Try These Calculators
Related Tools & Resources
Platforms Michael uses that are relevant to this lesson. These are affiliate links to support our work bringing free, advanced wealth-building education to all.
Sequence
The money-routing app that automatically splits every paycheck across your bills, savings, and investments.
Trust & Will
Set up your will, trust, and estate plan online in minutes — the simple way to protect your family and your assets.
Chase Sapphire
The travel rewards card I use to turn everyday spending into points, with a big welcome bonus on the Sapphire Preferred.