What does net pay represent?

Net pay represents the amount of a paycheck after all deductions, such as taxes, insurance, and other withholdings, have been taken out. This is the actual amount that employees take home and can use for their personal expenses, savings, and investments. Understanding net pay is crucial for budgeting and financial planning, as it reflects the real income available after mandatory and voluntary deductions.

While the other options pertain to different financial concepts, they do not define net pay. For example, the tax related to Social Security and Medicare refers to specific deductions from gross income rather than the final amount an employee receives. Interest earned pertains to investments and savings accounts, which is separate from payroll. Lastly, a general increase in prices relates to inflation, a macroeconomic concept, and does not connect to the concept of net pay.