Beyond the Vest

Most employees who receive equity compensation know it could be valuable. Far fewer know what to actually do with it. Beyond the Vest is a comprehensive, plain-English guide to understanding and managing equity compensation as part of a broader financial plan. Written by a CFP professional specializing in equity-based pay, it breaks down the mechanics, tax implications, and planning strategies behind every major award type: Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units, Restricted Stock Awards, and Employee Stock Purchase Plans. Each chapter stands on its own, making this a reference you can return to as your career and equity situation evolve. Whether you are new to equity compensation or years into managing complex grants, you will find actionable guidance on the decisions that matter most. Topics covered include:How vesting schedules work and what happens when employment endsHow each award type is taxed and when obligations ariseStrategies for exercising stock options with intentionManaging concentration risk and building a diversified portfolioPlanning around job changes, retirement, disability, and deathHow equity compensation works differently at private and pre-IPO companiesThe mechanics of 83(b) elections, early exercise, and Qualified Small Business StockUsing 10b5-1 plans to bring structure to selling decisionsReal-world case studies across different career stages and award typesThis book connects equity compensation to something larger: the life you are trying to build. Understanding what you have, managing the risk, and making informed decisions at the right moments can turn equity from a source of confusion into a meaningful part of your financial future. Ideal for any professional who receives equity as part of their compensation and wants to move from confusion to confidence.