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Equity Compensation Guides

Clear guides for understanding stock options, restricted stock, and equity compensation decisions.

Use these pages to understand what you have, what gets taxed, and which decisions warrant a closer look.

Reviewed by Eric Horne, CFP® Updated March 30, 2026
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Award structure

RSAs vs RSUs

Why these grants are not interchangeable, especially for ownership timing, 83(b), and tax treatment.

Best for understanding restricted stock differences Read guide
Restricted stock

83(b) Election Explained

What the election changes, when it actually applies, and why the 30-day deadline matters.

Best for restricted stock awards and early-exercised options Read guide
Stock options

Option Tax Triggers Explained

A straightforward look at grant, vest, exercise, and sale so the tax question starts in the right place.

Best for understanding when each stage creates a tax consequence Read guide
NSO decisions

Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs)

How ordinary income, withholding, and the hold-versus-sell decision usually work with NSOs.

Best for understanding NSO tax timing and the hold-versus-sell decision Read guide
ISO decisions

Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)

How ISO tax treatment, AMT, and holding periods affect the exercise decision.

Best for ISO exercises Read guide
Concentration and liquidity

Private vs Public Company Equity

How liquidity, valuation, and concentration can make the same award feel very different in a private company.

Best for startup and private-company equity Read guide
Decision framework

When to Exercise Stock Options

A look at the tax, cash, concentration, and timing variables that shape the exercise decision.

Best for options you are actively considering exercising Read guide