Pre-IPO / Private Stock

How Are Your Equity Compensation Stock Benefits Impacted by the Company’s Stock Performance

Should You Participate in a Tender Offer? A Guide to Liquidity, Risk, and Timing

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated Jun 16, 2026 | Pre-IPO / Private Stock, Uncategorized

When given the opportunity to participate in a tender offer, many equity holders are better served by taking at least some liquidity, even when it feels uncomfortable in the moment....

How to Choose if Offered Restricted Stock Units or Non Qualified Stock Options

What Comes After a Liquidity Event You Didn’t Plan For?

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated May 14, 2026 | Pre-IPO / Private Stock

In an ideal world, the best time to prepare for a liquidity event is well before it happens. The more time you have to think through your options and make...

Private Company ISOs: Early Exercise, AMT, QSBS, and IPO Strategy

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 | Pre-IPO / Private Stock

Equity compensation can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for early-stage employees and executives of private companies. Unlike public company stock, private equity compensation exists in an illiquid...

83(b) Elections: What they are, and What You Need to Know

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated May 27, 2025 | Pre-IPO / Private Stock, Wealth Accumulation

When you receive equity compensation in the form of restricted stock, non-qualified stock options, or incentive stock options, you may have the opportunity to make an 83(b)...

What to Expect When Your Company IPOs and How to Prepare for a Liquidity Event

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated May 27, 2025 | Considerations When You Have Significant Equity Compensation, Equity Compensation, Pre-IPO / Private Stock

Being part of an initial public offering, or IPO, is an exciting time. This is when a private company goes through the process of getting listed on a publicly-traded exchange....

How to Evaluate an Employee Stock Purchase Plan from a Recent IPO Company

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated May 19, 2025 | Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Pre-IPO / Private Stock, Strategies for Maximizing Equity Compensation

Access to an employee stock purchase plan that offers a lookback provision and a discount is often a great benefit for employees. If you can afford to contribute, these two...

How to Consider Equity Compensation When You Work for a Private Company

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated May 27, 2025 | Equity Compensation, Pre-IPO / Private Stock

Many private companies offer equity compensation in the form of employee stock options. For employers, offering this benefit is one way to attract and retain talent. Equity compensation can create...

Understanding the (b) Election for Non Qualified Stock Options ()

Understanding the 83(b) Election for Non-Qualified Stock Options

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 | Non Qualified Stock Options, Pre-IPO / Private Stock

If you have non-qualified stock options, you’ve likely spent time researching when and how you’ll face taxes for them. As a general rule, you will be subject to ordinary income...

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Six Things to Know About Pre-IPO Incentive Stock Options

by Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA | Last updated May 27, 2025 | Incentive Stock Options, Pre-IPO / Private Stock

The choice of when to exercise your incentive stock options can be a difficult one, with serious implications for financial planning and taxes. When your company is still pre-IPO, that...

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