02/23/2026
Your tax bill isn’t decided in April. It’s shaped during open enrollment, when you sign an employment contract, and every time you decide where extra cash goes.
If taxes only cross your mind once a year, you’re missing the biggest levers:
👉 Contract structure: W-2 vs. 1099 can change take-home income by six figures over time
👉 Benefits elections: HSA vs. PPO isn’t just about healthcare costs, it’s also about tax efficiency
👉 Retirement choices: Pre-tax vs. Roth isn’t just saving, it’s deciding when and how income gets taxed
Smart tax outcomes come from decisions made throughout the year, not from scrambling once the calendar turns to April.