Episode 14 - Equity Compensation and International Gotchas with Anthony Lombard

Today we welcome Anthony Lombard, founder of Noteworthy Financial based in Northern Virginia. Anthony brings 20+ years of experience across financial services and technology, having worked at Morgan Stanley, BBVA, and DocuSign before launching his own Advice-Only practice. His unique background also includes living internationally and experiencing firsthand the equity compensation tax surprises he now helps clients navigate.Key Topics Covered:RSU Tax Surprises - How Restricted Stock Units create ordinary income when vesting, even without receiving cash, and why your W2 can be much higher than expected when your company goes public or has a liquidity eventInternational Tax Landmines - Why moving abroad as a US citizen creates complex filing requirements, including the dreaded PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) rules that can turn simple foreign investing into a paperwork nightmareThe Roth IRA Reality Check - Why "tax-free is a local term" and your Roth IRA may not provide tax-free withdrawals when living in countries like France, Germany, or AustraliaPlanning and Prevention - Practical strategies for organizing equity compensation schedules, working with qualified international tax professionals, and avoiding common pitfallsAnthony emphasizes the power of knowledge and preparation when dealing with these complex scenarios. His experience living internationally and working in tech companies during high-growth periods gives him unique insight into challenges that many advisors rarely encounter but can have massive financial impacts on clients.This episode is essential listening for any advisor with clients in tech companies, anyone considering international moves, or professionals dealing with equity compensation packages. Make sure to stick around for Anthony's sage words of advice at the end:"I think it is wonderful to always be curious. Be curious about how the world works. Be curious about how people make decisions and the psychology around human interaction."