Spring Cleaning for Your Paycheck: A Reminder to Review Your Pay Stubs

By Eugene Bruno on March 10, 2025

Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing out clutter from your home—it’s also a perfect time to clean up your finances by reviewing your pay stubs. A thorough check can ensure that you’re being paid fairly and receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to.

Verify Hours Worked

Double-check the number of hours worked each pay period, especially if you’re working overtime or have irregular hours. Mistakes can sometimes happen, and it’s important to ensure you’re paid for all of the hours you’ve worked.

💡 Tip: Keep a personal log of hours worked to compare with your pay stub for any discrepancies.

Look for Correct Deductions

Review all deductions on your pay stub, such as taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, and insurance. If anything seems out of line, it’s important to ask your employer for clarification.

💡 Tip: If you’re enrolled in benefits, ensure they are being deducted correctly. For example, did you opt into health insurance, and is it being reflected accurately?

Check Overtime Pay

If you’re eligible for overtime, make sure your overtime pay rate is correct and that you’re being paid according to the law. Some employers may be unaware that you may be entitled to time and half or even double time!

💡 Tip: Ensure your pay reflects proper compensation.

Review Bonuses or Commissions

If your job includes bonuses or commissions, verify they’re reflected accurately in your pay stub. Employers sometimes make errors when calculating performance bonuses or commissions.

💡 Tip: Track your performance and review your bonus agreement to ensure what’s promised is being delivered.

Inspect Tax Withholdings

Review your tax withholdings to ensure they match your filing status and exemptions. If your personal situation has changed (e.g., you got married or had a child), update your withholding status with your HR department.

💡 Tip: Adjust your W-4 form if necessary to avoid surprises come tax season.

Spot Unexplained Deductions

Keep an eye out for any unexpected deductions that may have appeared, such as fees, insurance premiums, or contributions that were not part of your original agreement.

💡 Tip: If something seems off, ask for an explanation.

Talk to Your Employer

If you notice any discrepancies in your pay stub, don’t hesitate to speak up. Talk to your employer about your concerns, and if the issue isn’t resolved, consider seeking legal advice.

💡 Tip: Document any communication about discrepancies in case the issue requires legal action later.

Contact a Law Firm for Legal Help

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closet or your home—it’s a great time to also tidy up your financial records, including your pay stubs. Taking a few moments to carefully review them can ensure that your paycheck is accurate and your rights as an employee are being respected. However, sometimes, more help is needed.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, our attorneys have helped people in San Diego. With 40+ years of combined legal experience and a 99.7% success rate, we’re confident we can help you understand your finances and employment law. Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to speak with one of our lawyers today.