The Equity Comp Email You Didn't Actually Read

When HR sends your equity award, most executives do the same thing: look at the headline number, feel good about it, and move on. The details go unread. The plan goes unmade. That works fine until it doesn’t, and when it doesn’t, it’s usually expensive. An unexpected tax bill at filing. Options that expired during a job change. A large concentrated position that got sold reactively instead of strategically. In this week’s episode of Fundamentals of Investing, Brian Dress and Noland Langford walk through the three main types of equity comp (RSUs, stock options, and ESPP), what actually happens on vest day, the tax withholding gap most executives don’t see coming, and what a real plan around equity compensation actually looks like. Watch the full episode here: If you want to walk through your own equity comp picture, book 30 minutes with us. No pressure, just clarity on what you have and what decisions are worth making before the next vest date. And if you want a starting point before the call, grab our free Executive Guide to Managing Company Stock. Full Disclosure: No Client or potential client should assume that any information presented or made available on or through this video should be construed as personalized financial planning or investment advice. Personalized financial planning and investment advice can only be rendered after engagement of the firm for services, execution of the required documentation, and receipt of required disclosures. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Additional information about Left Brain is available in its current disclosure documents, Form ADV, Form ADV Part 2A Brochure, and Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS), which are available online via the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/170348. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leftbrainwm.substack.com