Michael Beriss
Managing your stock options is one of the most complex financial challenges you will face. These 10 rules will help you get the most out of your company's stock plan.
Chris Murphy
NEW! Although stock prices have risen from record lows, many employee stock options remain underwater. However, this is an opportune time to benefit from the current environment. This article presents a range of ideas to consider: buying stock now to swap later, exercising and holding ISOs, or making a Section 83(b) election for restricted stock.
Tom Davison
NEW! Your option grant terms and the behavior of your company's stock price are only part of your financial-planning story in volatile markets. Equally important is the price movement of what you will buy with the proceeds from an option exercise and stock sale. As this article explains, relative changes in price, not absolute changes, are what matter.
Stanley Trotta with Robert Gordon
For now, it appears we have dodged a tax-increase bullet. However, President Obama's proposals will probably raise taxes after 2010. Should you take action with stock options now or wait until new rates apply? Part 1 looks at nonqualified stock options.
Beth Walker
Avoid the mistakes others made during prior ups and downs in the stock markets. Common mistakes arise in nine different situations, including termination, mergers, financial planning, term expiration, and life events.
Stanley Trotta with Robert Gordon
President Obama's tax proposals seem likely to raise rates after 2010. Should you take action with stock compensation now or wait until new rates apply? Part 2 looks at restricted stock and restricted stock units.
myStockOptions.com Editorial Team
NEW FOR 2009! These are uncertain times for stock markets and stock grants. The market downturn of 2008–2009, the volatility of the partial recovery since then, and the likelihood of tax-rate changes ahead under President Obama give you some unusual factors and issues to consider. We asked financial advisors around the United States for their ideas on planning for year-end 2009 and beyond. Read their responses in their own words.
Stanley Trotta with Robert Gordon
President Obama's proposals will probably raise taxes after 2010. Should you take action with stock options ow or wait until new rates apply? Part 3 looks at incentive stock options.
Beth Walker
Avoid the errors that many people have made, including mistakes that stem from major life events and taxes.
Professor Steven Huddart
It is tempting to exercise and sell your stock options when your company's stock price hits new highs or becomes worryingly volatile. However, this decision may not be in your best long-term financial interest. This article exames the psychological factors that can, along with economic motives, influence your stock option choices.
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In theory, when a company pays a dividend, particularly a large special dividend, its stock value declines by...
Qualified dividends do receive special tax treatment when they are part of your net capital gain. The amount of AMT is capped by the...
For restricted stock, you can make what the tax code calls a Section 83(b) election to be taxed immediately at grant instead of later at vesting, when your stock price, and thus your tax rate, may be much higher. However, before you make your decision, realize that...
No. Until you exercise a stock option, you do not have the rights of a...
To receive a dividend you must own a stock on the record date, so you want to be aware of the ex-dividend date. Also consider...
Dividends that are earned on restricted stock are considered compensation income, which is reported on your W-2. The dividends can be "qualified dividends" and thus taxed at a lower rate when...
Although normally you cannot transfer them until vesting, shares of restricted stock are issued to you and are outstanding in your name from the time of grant. Most stock plans...
When a company pays dividends on outstanding shares of stock, it can choose...
There's no requirement for which vested options you must exercise first. The decision of which options to exercise first is part of your...
Instead of paying cash dividends, a small number of companies require...
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