Why Your First Paycheque Feels So Disappointing

You finally get paid… and somehow it’s less than you expected. We talk through where your money actually goes, what those deductions mean, and how to feel more in control from day one — without jargon or judgement.

Getting your first proper paycheque should feel exciting — but for a lot of people, it’s a let-down. You work hard, see the headline salary, and then the money that actually lands in your account is… less. No one really explains why that happens, so it can feel confusing or even a bit unfair.

In this episode of Bank of Dad, Kate asks the questions most people have the moment they get paid, and Pete explains what’s going on behind the scenes. We talk through where your money goes, what those deductions are for, and how to feel more in control of your pay from the very start.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Why your take-home pay is lower than your salary
  • What tax and National Insurance actually pay for
  • Common surprises on your first payslip
  • Simple ways to plan your money once you’re paid

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with us?

We’re always open to conversations with brands and organisations who want to help young people feel more confident with money.

Drop us a line at hello@bankofdad.show and tell us what you have in mind.