DO MORE WITH YOUR MONEY

In this podcast episode, I discuss a common problem with exercising incentive stock options (ISOs) to try to optimize for long-term capital gain (LTCG) treatment. I also discuss potential cash flow issues when you're caught off guard by potential alternative minimum tax (AMT) exposure. If you're concerned about FOMO, it's important to remind yourself how much illiquid "skin in the game" you still...

In this podcast episode, I discuss why you should be focusing on negotiating your equity compensation instead of your salary, especially earlier in your career. Equity ownership is the surest path to wealth. If you're going to work your butt off for a company, make sure you strive to get your fair share. If you end up receiving a windfall from your equity compensation, it can set you up for the re...

In this podcast episode, I discuss if you should factor in not yet vested employee equity compensation (whether RSUs or Stock Options) in your overall asset allocation. I also discuss ways to determine what percentage of your net worth you should feel comfortable owning in a single asset (in this case, your company's stock). If you've won the game, why are you still playing?

In this podcast episode, I break down what an 83(b) election is and why employees of startups should consider filing one. I also explain situations when filing an 83(b) election may not make sense.

In this podcast episode, I explain why Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are preferable to stock options as equity compensation. I also break down a common misconception about how RSUs are taxed.

In this podcast episode, I break down why you should be maxing a Backdoor Roth IRA in addition to your 401(k).

In this podcast episode, I discuss my views on the rise of Dogecoin and if "funny money" has a place in financial planning. If you're serious about financial planning to achieve financial independence, you should have rules in place that limit speculative urges that may distract from the long-term sustainable plan.

In this podcast episode, I share my thoughts around financial independence vs. generational wealth. The path to financial independence starts with building the right habits. The path to generational wealth starts with owning equity in a private company that IPOs during a raging bull market.

In this podcast episode, I revisit the math behind housing as an investment. I also explain why we have no choice but to accept risk in investing in stocks. "Housing isn't a great investment, but for most people, it's the best investment they will ever make because it's the only asset they will leave alone and let compound for 10, 20, 30 years." What appears risky in the short term isn't risky in...

In this podcast episode, I share why you should start financial planning before you think you're ready. We underestimate the outcomes we can achieve by building the right financial planning habits early. #DoMoreWithYourMoney    

In today's podcast, I explain the main components of cash flow, including:   The different components that influence your cash flow How to think about projecting and tracking your cash flow Ideas for creating a hierarchy within your cash flow Cash flow is the most important aspect of financial planning because it is one of the only factors we have control over. The earlier you can learn how to mas...

In this Do More With Your Money podcast episode, I discuss:   How you should think about making financial decisions based on the tax implications. The difference between short-term and long-term capital gains taxes. Scenarios where you want to plan first and optimize for taxes second.   No one likes to pay more taxes than is necessary! However, you should avoid making financial decisions just beca...

Tax rates will likely be going up in 2022. In this podcast episode, I share four tax planning tips to consider for 2021 in anticipation of increasing rates. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be tax advice, and you should consult with your tax professional regarding your particular situation before considering any of the tips discussed.

Today I'm going to share with you the number one element in making work optional. The path to both building and maintaining financial independence is built on this crucial concept. The earlier you can master it and build it into your financial habits, the sooner you can build towards a work optional lifestyle.

On this Do More With Your Money podcast episode, I discuss if you should be worried that the stock market is in an 'epic' bubble. Whenever someone claims a stock market bubble or bottom, it's crucial that you take it with a grain of salt and always defer to your personal financial plan. Remember always to consider the incentives of the person making strong claims about where the market is headed....

Let's get it out of the way and start with the disclaimer that personal finance is always personal and that this isn't advice.  In this post, I'll explain how I think about and manage my personal finances based on where I'm currently at in life. While some principles can be applied to any life stage, I'm sure how I think about money for my personal situation will change over time. And I'm sure you...

"I have money going to my savings account each paycheck that I don't know what I should be doing with; what should I be doing with it?"   Let's start with the ever-important caveat that personal finance is personal, and as always, "it depends." With that out of the way, let's talk about some ideas, habits, and strategies you should be thinking about if you feel like you're sitting on too much cash...

One of the biggest (if not the biggest) investments you can make is choosing a lifelong partner. You and your partner must be aware of each other's values, goals, and desires as it relates to your money. There is no perfect strategy when it comes to managing finances as a combined unit. However, you both must have at least a general understanding of each other's finances and long-term financial go...

One of the most common windfalls of wealth can come from employee equity compensation. Often, this happens when you've worked at a private company that experiences an Initial Public Offering (IPO), and the share price appreciates dramatically once it enters the publically traded market. However, you can also experience a windfall with a publically traded stock that experiences a dramatic rise caus...

You have limited energy. You have limited time. If you want to achieve progression in anything, you have to give it your best effort. However, giving your best effort isn't always enough. You need to focus your limited energy on high leverage tasks and avoid shiny objects. In this podcast episode, I discuss examples of focusing on tasks that amplify outcomes and propel progression. Whether it's yo...

Are you self-employed or a small business owner looking to reduce taxes and invest in your financial future? In this podcast episode, I break down the different types of investment accounts you should be thinking about establishing. The primary accounts discussed are the SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), and Traditional 401(k). Depending on if you have employees (and how many) is a significant factor when dec...

Financial planning is a relatively new profession that can take on a variety of meanings.  The term "financial planning" is also often abused by corporations as a means to sell expensive financial products. In this podcast episode, I discuss what financial planning means to me, and ultimately, what the end goal is. Financial planning is advice-centric, meaning it's about providing recommendations...

There's no shame in having some unavoidable debt in your 20s and 30s.  However, it's CRUCIAL to build a financial foundation of strong personal finance habits in order to advance to the next step of your financial life -- wealth accumulation. Until you have an understanding of the resources you're working with, it's hard to make decisions on how to maximize the free cash flow you have to pay down...

It's standard for beneficiaries of a trust to not have access to the funds until a certain age (age 35 is common).  Because assets held within an irrevocable trust are taxed at higher rates, there can be a lot of planning opportunities to maximize that money (if you're being responsible). The first step is to review the trust documents and see what the stipulations are for the intended use of the...

Day trading is nothing new. Whenever financial markets start to get extraordinarily volatile you tend to see an increase in the number of new day traders enter the market. Add in the element of sports gambling being diminished (due to the pandemic), and you get a recipe for increased speculation from those looking to make quick gains. In this podcast episode, I talk about the difference between en...