Corporate Executives

Common Challenges for Corporate Executives and Employees with Equity Compensation

Equity compensation offers significant financial opportunity, but it also introduces complexity that requires careful management. Understanding the nuances and risks is essential to protect your wealth and maximize value.

• Maximizing the Value of Awards: Stock awards can be one of your most significant sources of wealth—but timing, taxation, and strategy are key. Many professionals aren’t sure how or when to exercise, sell, or diversify their equity in a way that aligns with long-term goals.
• Concentration Risk: Holding large positions in your company’s stock can expose you to unnecessary risk. Many executives hesitate to diversify, unsure how to reduce exposure without triggering major tax consequences.
• Tax Complexity: Equity compensation often comes with a minefield of tax rules—from AMT to capital gains to double-trigger RSUs. Without a clear plan, the tax bill can catch you off guard and erode your earnings.
• Lack of Liquidity: Equity awards can look impressive on paper but be difficult to access when you need cash. Unlocking liquidity without derailing your financial plan or incurring large tax penalties requires strategic planning.
• Understanding Complex Awards: The language of equity comp—ISOs, NSOs, RSUs, ESPPs, blackout periods, 10b5-1 plans—can feel overwhelming. Without guidance, even highly educated professionals can feel unsure about their options.
• Integration into a Bigger Picture: Many executives haven’t fully integrated their equity compensation into their retirement, estate, or investment strategy. Without coordination, opportunities are missed, and risks may be overlooked.

How Voyager Supports Executives and Equity-Compensated Employees

At Voyager Wealth Advisors, we specialize in guiding corporate professionals through the complexity of equity compensation with clarity, confidence, and a long-term plan.

Our Approach Includes:

• Personalized Equity Compensation Strategy: We help you understand your awards, design tax-efficient execution strategies, and time your decisions to align with your goals and market conditions.
• Diversification Without Disruption: Our team helps you manage and reduce concentration risk through smart, tax-aware strategies—so your wealth is better protected and positioned for growth.
• Integrated Tax Planning: We identify and navigate the tax implications of your equity compensation, minimizing the impact and maximizing your after-tax wealth.
• Liquidity and Lifestyle Planning: Whether you’re funding a major purchase, preparing for a career move, or planning for retirement, we show you how to access capital wisely without compromising your future.
• Philanthropic Planning: For charitably inclined executives, we help you use highly appreciated stock in Donor Advised Funds to maximize both impact and tax efficiency.
• Comprehensive Financial Integration: We incorporate your equity compensation into your full financial picture—investments, estate planning, cash flow, and retirement—so everything works together toward a clear goal.