Employee stock options and restricted stock units are collectively discussed under the umbrella of equity compensation. As equity compensation, they have some similarities. Yet they also have a lot of differences. It is these differences that are reviewed and highlighted in this article.
Category: restricted stock units
Should You Really Sell Your Vested Restricted Stock Units? The Answer Is a Resounding “Maybe”
Do you hold Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that are about to vest, or have recently vested? That probably means you’re a valued employee, so congrats on that. Still, vested RSUs are a taxable event in your life, as well as a financial planning conundrum: Are you better off hanging onto the vested company stock you now hold, or selling them, to reinvest the proceeds elsewhere? A common—and often correct—consensus is to sell the vested stock shares that originate from vested RSUs.
How to Use Restricted Stock Units to Fund Financial Planning Goals
Employees who receive Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation will have a number of things to consider. Tax implications, financial planning…
How to Choose if Offered Restricted Stock Units or Non Qualified Stock Options
Some employers may allow you to choose how you receive your equity compensation. They may allow you to receive it all in NQSOs or all in RSUs or they may allow you to…
6 Advanced Planning Ideas to Use When Your Restricted Stock Units Vest
Restricted stock is often considered the simplest type of equity compensation to understand. And relative to other types of equity you could receive, this might be true. But that doesn’t mean managing restricted stock is easy. Restricted stock gets complicated thanks to factors such as double triggers, tax withholding (or lack thereof), and sell-to-cover or…
How to Prepare for the Impact of Restricted Stock Units on Your Cash Flow, Tax Bill, and Investment Portfolio
Restricted stock units are often considered the most straightforward type of equity compensation. Unlike other ways that employees can receive shares of company stock, restricted stock units (or RSUs) often have a largely automated process for granting, vesting, and taxation. Once vested and settled, the fair market value of the RSUs is taxed and the…
What You Need to Know about Double-Trigger Restricted Stock Units
If you work for a private company and receive restricted stock units as part of your compensation package, that equity compensation may have a double-trigger provision. While not all restricted stock units, or RSUs, come with this feature, it’s an important element to understand. What Are Double-Trigger RSUs? Double-trigger restricted stock units are those that…
How to Determine the Right Time to Sell Restricted Stock Units (and Why Selling Immediately Might Make Sense)
Restricted stock units are often offered as part of a compensation package to attract and retain key employees They are restricted in that certain requirements must be met before the employee can obtain full ownership rights to the value of the units. Receiving your...
How to Create a Liquidation Plan for Your Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units are commonly used as a compensation tool by employers who want to reward and retain key employees. If you’re on the receiving end of restricted stock units, or RSUs, you could be set to financially benefit if you meet specific conditions set by...
3 Reasons to Love Restricted Stock and RSUs
Restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) are both commonly-used tools to attract and retain employees. While similar in feel, restricted stock, and restricted stock units are technically different instruments, the details of which go beyond the scope of this...
Dive Deeper
Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your knowledge, here are some resources to get you started.
NEW! The Ultimate Guide to Equity Compensation
Understand what you have, what you should consider, and what ultimately matters to you.
Hi, I'm Daniel Zajac, CFP®, EA
I write about equity compensation and employee stock options in a way that is easy to understand.
NEW! The Ultimate Guide to Equity Compensation
Understand what you have, what you should consider, and what ultimately matters to you.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Get the Ultimate Guide to Incentive Stock Options to better understand your equity compensation.