Infographics ISOs NQSOs Stock options

Incentive Stock Options vs Non-Qualified Stock Options

What's the difference between ISOs and NSOs? Although there are some key differences to be aware of, non-qualified and incentive stock options also have a lot in common. For employees, stock options can offer both risk and reward. Unlike restricted stock units, which are given or "awarded" to employees, incentive…

Kristin McKennaApril 1, 2017

Stock options U.S. News

Can You Have Too Much Employer Stock?

This article was originally published on U.S. News by Kristin McFarland, Wealth Advisor at Darrow Wealth Management. Unlike most questions in financial planning where the answer is typically "it depends," the answer in this case is decidedly yes; you can have too much employer stock – and many people do. There…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 16, 2017

Asset Management Employee benefits Financial Planning ISOs NQSOs RSUs Stock options

How Much Money Should I Have in Employer Stock?

It is not uncommon for employees with stock options or equity based compensation to hold too much employer stock. Employees don't often realize how much of their financial future is tied to their employer. Other times, individuals simply ignore the risks or just have no idea how concentrated they are.…

Kristin McKennaOctober 26, 2016

Asset Management Employee benefits Financial Planning ISOs NQSOs RSUs Stock options

Are You Holding Employer Stock in Your Retirement Plan?

Investing your 401(k) in company stock can be quite risky. Although companies are scaling back on the practice, there are still many big U.S. firms that allow participants to buy employer stock in their retirement plan or that make matching contributions in the form of company stock. Employees unaware of…

Kristin McKennaOctober 5, 2016

Infographics ISOs Stock options Tax planning Updated for 2020

How Incentive Stock Options are Taxed

Updated for 2020. If you have incentive stock options, you'll want to know how your equity compensation will be taxed. When you sell incentive stock options, it's considered a qualifying or disqualifying disposition depending on your holding period. If you don't sell ISOs by the end of the calendar year…

Kristin McKennaSeptember 28, 2016

Infographics NQSOs Stock options Tax planning Updated for 2020

How Non-Qualified Stock Options Are Taxed

Updated for 2020. If you have nonqualified stock options (NQSOs or NSOs) it is important to understand how your stock options will be taxed and what responsibilities you have to report the income. Managing equity compensation requires proper planning to avoid unwanted surprises and tax consequences. Here's what you need…

Kristin McKennaAugust 3, 2016

Employee benefits Financial Planning ISOs Stock options Tax planning

Tax Planning Strategies for Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)

Updated for 2020. Develop a tax planning strategy before exercising your ISOs. Commonly referred to as equity-based compensation, the term stock options can mean an individual is given equity – or given the option to buy equity – in a number of different ways. Several tax planning strategies for incentive stock…

Kristin McKennaMarch 16, 2016

Infographics ISOs NQSOs RSUs Stock options

3 Ways to Manage Your Stock Options

Tips for managing equity-based compensation (Infographic). Managing stock options can be complicated and the tax implications significant. To begin, what type of stock options do you have? Incentive stock options (ISOs) may have tax benefits if held for a certain period of time, while non-qualified stock options (NSOs) do not receive…

Kristin McKennaMarch 2, 2016

Employee benefits Financial Planning ISOs NQSOs RSUs Stock options

What Happens to Stock Options After a Company is Acquired?

What happens to stock when a company is bought out or acquired? If you have stock options, RSUs, or another type of equity compensation, you'll want to know what could happen when a company is bought. What happens to stock options or restricted stock units after a merger or a…

Kristin McKennaAugust 12, 2015