Blog tagged as Financial Planning

A Financial Planner Can Help You Avoid These Costly Mistakes

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Here are four common mistakes soon-to-be retirees make regarding their money, so you can prepare now to make your transition into retirement a bit smoother.
04/27/2025 09:32 PM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Stock Appreciation Rights

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) allow employees to benefit from a company’s stock price appreciation without purchasing shares, offering financial rewards but requiring careful financial and tax planning to manage risks and maximize value.
12/23/2024 09:00 AM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Employee Stock Purchase Plans

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) allow employees to purchase company stock at a discount, offering potential financial benefits but requiring careful planning to manage risks and tax implications.
10/18/2024 09:28 AM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Incentive Stock Options

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) provide employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a set price with potential tax advantages, but they require careful financial, investment, tax, and estate planning to manage risks and optimize benefits.
09/05/2024 05:48 PM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Non-Qualified Stock Options

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) grant employees the right to buy company stock at a predetermined price, offering potential financial gains but also carrying risks such as tax liabilities and stock price volatility.
08/29/2024 10:39 AM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Restricted Stock Units

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are equity compensation tools that provide company shares to employees upon fulfilling vesting conditions. Proper financial planning is essential to effectively manage the risks and optimize the benefits associated with RSUs.
07/18/2024 05:28 PM - Comment(s)

Equity Compensation: Restricted Stock

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Restricted stock is a form of equity compensation that involves shares granted to employees with certain vesting conditions and tax implications, requiring careful financial, investment, tax, and estate planning to maximize benefits and manage risks.
07/02/2024 10:36 AM - Comment(s)

A Brief Overview of the Types of Equity Compensation

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Equity compensation provides employees with ownership opportunities and financial incentives, along with unique risks and tax implications. It's crucial to use careful financial planning to maximize the benefits and manage risks.
06/19/2024 12:55 PM - Comment(s)

Social Security Planning is More Important Than Ever

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

With Social Security facing projected depletion of its trust fund by 2033, individuals approaching retirement age confront challenging decisions about when to claim benefits, while younger workers grapple with doubts about the program's future reliability.
05/09/2024 07:52 PM - Comment(s)

Your Financial Planner Doesn't Need to be Local

By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

You may think you need to choose a financial advisor in your local area, but there are a lot of reasons not to limit your choices. Here are some factors to consider first when weighing your options.
02/15/2024 11:58 AM - Comment(s)