Which term describes money earned before any deductions are applied?

The term that describes money earned before any deductions are applied is gross pay. This figure represents the total amount an employee earns from their work, including salaries, wages, bonuses, and any other earnings, before taxes and other deductions like health insurance or retirement contributions are subtracted. Gross pay serves as the starting point for understanding an employee’s earnings and is crucial in calculating net pay, which is what the employee actually takes home after all deductions have been made.

In contrast, disposable income refers to the amount available for spending and saving after taxes have been deducted, while net pay is specifically the earnings remaining after all deductions have been taken from gross pay. Taxable income, on the other hand, refers to the portion of gross income that is subject to taxes, which may not represent the total earnings due to various exemptions or deductions. Understanding the distinctions between these terms is essential for comprehending personal finance and managing personal income effectively.