Stock Compensation Blog

About Me

My name is Chris Cyndecki. As a financial planner, I’m passionate about helping people untangle the complexity of their financial lives.

I graduated with a BBA in Finance from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. Since then, I’ve completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programs. I’ve been working in the wealth management industry since 2011. 

As a lifelong learner, I’m constantly reading books and listening to audiobooks/podcasts that spark my interest. I love dogs — you’ll notice many dog pictures throughout the site. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my German Shepherd, Theodore (Theo).  

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

As part of your overall compensation package at work, you may have been offered the following: 

  • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
  • Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)
  • Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP) 

Accepting these grants means you become an equity holder (partial owner) in the company. If the company performs well and the stock price increases, you could sell the stock and recognize a profit.

There are risks and potential rewards associated with holding stock. You should have a basic understanding of what causes stock prices to go up or down. You should also understand the tax implications, diversification impact, and how this equity grant impacts your overall financial situation. 

Holding stock in your employer involves a relatively high level of risk. Stock prices can decline for many reasons including: company underperforming analyst expectations, mismanagement, increased competition, economic recession, and many more. 

Understanding your own preferences for risk is a critical first-step in deciding whether to hold employer stock. 

You should consider speaking with a professional if: 

  • You do not feel  comfortable navigating the complexities of your equity package yourself
  • You want an expert’s opinion to make sure you’re not missing anything 
  • You prefer to spend your free time doing fun stuff