Category: Equity Compensation

What to Know About Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Before Rolling Over Your 401(k)

As you approach retirement or move to a new employer, a 401(k) rollover probably feels like a natural next step on your to-do list. But if your retirement plan includes employer stock that has grown significantly over time, rolling everything into an IRA without a closer look could mean foregoing a powerful tax opportunity. Called […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 01/09/2026

6 Tips When Receiving an Inheritance or Windfall

Through what some are calling a “silver tsunami,”  experts predict around $84 trillion in wealth to be transferred over the next two decades.¹ The impact will likely be felt across various sectors of the economy, and it will require careful planning and adaptation to address this demographic shift’s opportunities and challenges.  If you are receiving an […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 02/13/2024

Unlocking the Power of Employee Stock Options (NQ & ISO): Tax Strategies, Timing, and More

In the intricate landscape of executive retirement planning, few tools wield as much potential for financial empowerment as employee stock options (ESOs). For high-earning executives navigating non-traditional equity planning and tax strategies, understanding the nuances of Non-Qualified (NQ) and Incentive Stock Options (ISO) is paramount. This blog aims to unlock the latent power within these […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 12/20/2023

Stock Options vs Restricted Stock Units: What’s the right choice for me?

In the ever-evolving landscape of employee compensation, the choices can often resemble a complex puzzle. Among the myriad of options available, two popular vehicles for rewarding employees stand out: stock options and restricted stock units. These compensation vehicles have become a central focus for both employees and employers seeking to align their interests and incentivize […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 10/04/2023

Do You Have Too Much Company Stock?

For high-net-worth executives, equity compensation is simply part of the game. But when you’re consistently paid (bonuses, salary, etc.) in company stock, it’s easy to accumulate too much. Today we’ll review how high-profile executives can better manage their company’s equity and actively avoid concentration risk. What’s Too Much Company Stock? The answer to this question […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 07/21/2022

Equity Compensation Foundation: How to Avoid Accidental Insider Trading with 10b5-1 Plans

If you work for a publicly-traded company, the last thing that you want to worry about is unintentional insider trading. One strategy to help avoid insider trading is a 10b5-1 Plan. 10b5-1 Plans are excellent diversification agents. They help provide avenues to diversify out of company stock and avoid too much concentration risk in your […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 02/17/2022

Equity Compensation Foundations: How Employees Can Take Advantage of RSUs

Our previous article about equity compensation covered Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs). Today, we’re going to dissect a prevalent vehicle that pops up in compensation packages across industries, Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). As part of our “Equity Compensation Foundations” series, this article covers the critical mistakes employees make with their RSUs and how to leverage […]

Written by Quentara Costa on 10/01/2021