The Equity Evolution

BRINGING YOU KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EQUITY COMPENSATION
AND OTHER PERSONAL FINANCIAL TOPICS


Image for Exercising Underwater Stock Options - Possibly Justifiable or Always an Illogical Decision?

August 21, 2023

Exercising Underwater Stock Options - Possibly Justifiable or Always an Illogical Decision?

A client recently asked me if it would ever make sense to exercise underwater stock options and if it could lower their AMT. Many companies have experienced downward revisions to their 409a valuations over the last year-and-a-half due to the shakeups in the tech sector, so I'm hoping this will help other people who have underwater stock options and are wondering the same thing.

Image for COBRA Continuation - An Overview

November 7, 2023

COBRA Continuation - An Overview

COBRA continuation allows employees covered by workplace health insurance plans to keep their health plan while they’re in between jobs, taking time off, or would temporarily prefer their old insurance over current options.

Image for Participating in an HSA

February 2, 2023

Participating in an HSA

Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, are tax-advantaged accounts designed to encourage saving and preparing for future medical expenses. They encourage people who are paying lower health insurance premiums by being covered by an HDHP to direct some of the money they otherwise would have used on a more expensive plan's premiums to future expenses.

Image for Why Liquidity Preferences and Distribution Waterfalls Matter to Startup Employees

October 24, 2023

Why Liquidity Preferences and Distribution Waterfalls Matter to Startup Employees

For equity-compensated employees in venture-backed startups, understanding the intricacies of liquidity preferences and distribution waterfalls isn't just a matter of curiosity but something that can directly impact the value of their equity.