Receiving your first professional paycheck is a memorable moment for anyone starting out, but the maze of numbers can be hard to follow. In the second episode of our three-part series “Adulting 101: Navigating the Real World,” we go line by line to explain taxes and other deductions taken out of your check that result in your take-home pay. Plus, the right questions to ask to maximize your employee benefits. J.R. Whalen and Ariana Aspuru host.

Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices