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Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Once you have received a job offer, that’s when the real negotiations begin. Requesting a higher salary and sign-on bonus is the easy part of the process. Figuring out how to secure the most beneficial equity compensation package is a...

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

If you’re in the midst of a job or career change, it’s important to know which types of compensation and benefits are negotiable so that you can maximize your compensation package. Many employers expect prospective new...

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Navigating year-end financial planning for your stock compensation can be quite a challenge, particularly when set against the backdrop of ongoing market turbulence. The past two years have seen headlines dominated by concerns over...

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Once you have received a job offer, that’s when the real negotiations begin. Requesting a higher salary and sign-on bonus is the easy part of the process. Figuring out how to secure the most beneficial equity compensation package is...

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Many employers expect prospective new hires to negotiate, especially in industries where the demand for talent is outstripping the supply. In this blog post, I will address the questions I hear most often from my clients...

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Thursday, December 1, 2022

Year-end financial planning for your stock compensation can be daunting, especially when we are experiencing volatile markets. 2022 was a year where inflation, interest rates and strong market volatility have been dominating headlines.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The types of equity grants being offered these days are different than what was offered in the past. Ten or 15 years ago, the vast majority of grants were in the form of stock options. Today, Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are...

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

The continuous market volatility reminds us about the importance of portfolio diversification. It is one of the fundamental rules of investing not to sell when stock markets are down. At the same time, it is an excellent time to...

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

A Rule 10b5-1 trading plan is not exclusively for C-level employees anymore. In fact, if you work in biopharma, it is very likely that if you receive a stock option grant, you will have to use a 10b5-1 trading plan in order to...

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

On November 4, 2021, the IRS released Notice 2021-61, announcing cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for IRAs in 2022. Notably, the amount individuals can contribute to an IRA in 2022 remains unchanged at $6,000....

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Because of the nature of their compensation packages, many corporate executives and employees develop concentrated positions in their employer’s stock. Often, these shares are subject to stringent SEC rules that restrict when...

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Outright Sale of a Concentrated Stock Position Most owners of concentrated positions understand the risks inherent in continuing to hold their shares. A significant drop in the price of the issue has the potential to inflict...

Friday, May 7, 2021

Decide how you’ll enjoy your increased free time. Do you plan to devote more time to hobbies, travel, charity work, home improvement projects, family, and friends? The first year of retirement can be a time to reconnect and spend...

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Although 2020 has been a year of unexpected changes, one routine has remained consistent: the fourth quarter means it’s time to begin organizing your finances for the new year. To help you get started, here’s a checklist of...

Friday, April 24, 2020

Over the past week, we’ve seen more action from the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the U.S. economy. Today, we’re summarizing some of the most significant developments you should...

Friday, April 17, 2020

After a long holiday weekend spent social distancing and in the comforts of our own homes, we started a new week that saw mixed results for the markets. U.S. stocks floated between positive and negative territory between Monday and...

Friday, April 10, 2020

Spring is the season of change — which may seem like an understatement, given our current situation. As many of us settle into our “new normal,” we’re connecting with family in new ways (mostly virtually),...

Friday, April 3, 2020

It’s a new month, and a new chapter for the global markets, economy, and policy space. Below, we’re taking a look at some of the most important updates you should know, plus tips to help you capitalize on some of the latest...

Friday, March 27, 2020

We’re capping off yet another interesting week for the markets, the economy, the policy arena, and the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Below, we’re providing you with a full recap of the latest news you should know, plus what...

Monday, March 23, 2020

Here’s some good news: in many countries, the coronavirus pandemic has already been brought under control. And here in the U.S., it’s reasonable to expect that we’ll reach that point in the next month or so. The bad...

Monday, March 23, 2020

US stocks were on a roller coaster ride last week. The S&P 500 Index fell sharply the previous Monday morning, recovered some of its losses by close on Tuesday, dropped even further Wednesday, then climbed back up Thursday, before...

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Working at a company that is about to issue public stock (an initial public offering, or “IPO”) for the first time can be exhilarating. While many clients report higher workloads, they are usually excited about the...

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

It has been a very difficult couple of weeks in the financial markets. Stock markets worldwide have dropped sharply on the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Worse, the shutdowns of large parts of the economy as a risk control measure...

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

2020 has already been challenging on both the national and global stages. The coronavirus pandemic has quickly sent the world into a state of panic and fear, as businesses and schools shutter their doors, and government agencies advise...

Monday, March 2, 2020

Working at a pre-IPO company — especially if the company is going public in the near future — can be exciting. Being part of a team that enabled the organization to have such success can be rewarding professionally, without...

Monday, February 17, 2020

The ever-evolving biopharma and life sciences sector provides numerous opportunities for talented employees to change jobs in order to find more challenging, well-paid opportunities. The strong demand for talent requires employers...

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Over the past many years, M&A activity have increased substantially in the life sciences field to create partnerships that allows for strategic growth and to deliver turnkey results for patients and to cure diseases. These activities...

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

The booming biopharma industry allows employees to make frequent career moves and take on more interesting and potentially more lucrative jobs. The demand for talent in middle and senior management is high — and therefore,...

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) have been a popular benefit, especially within the technology sector. While they are relatively new to the biopharma and healthcare sectors, I’ve been coming across them more often as part of...

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

The beginning of a new year often comes with new equity compensation grants, such as stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or performance shares. To help you maximize the value of these benefits, let’s review...

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

On December 20, 2019, the SECURE Act was signed into law. The SECURE Act contains 29 provisions, encompassing many aspects of financial planning and retirement saving. Once Treasury regulations are released, nuances in interpreting...

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

As the annual grant season approaches, it is worthwhile to look out for whether restricted stock is part of your equity compensation benefits. While restricted stock is not the most common way that equity is granted, it does exist....

Thursday, January 2, 2020

The beginning of a new year — is an appropriate time to pause and reflect with renewed positivity and hope on what the future may bring. For me, January is the time of year when I sit down and set personal and professional goals....

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

How a Sunday canoe outing with family members reinforced the importance of financial planning and discipline. I grew up in a small town on the Csepel Island, just 15 miles south of Budapest, Hungary. This island is one of many along...

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Holders of concentrated stock positions have several options for mitigating the risk associated with owning these shares. Those who are charitably inclined may view a donor-advised fund as a particularly attractive solution because of...

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Holders of concentrated stock positions typically understand the complexities and risks associated with owning these shares; however, they sometimes struggle to determine the best course of action for reducing those risks. For those...

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Selling a Concentrated Position Using a Charitable Remainder TrustPresented by Beata Dragovics Multiple strategies are available to help owners of concentrated stock positions mitigate risk and minimize taxes, but a charitable...

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Originally published at MassBioHQ on October 24, 2018 New Rules Allow For 5-Year Tax Deferral on Stock Option and RSU Exercise for Privately Held Companies Many of my clients who work for privately held life sciences companies receive...

Friday, September 28, 2018

Over the past ten years, pharma and biotechnology companies have increased their reliance on performance-based awards and RSUs, while stock option awards have decreased significantly. As a result, employees from mid management to...

Friday, September 21, 2018

Biotechnology and pharma stocks had a great run this summer, so now may be a good time to look at your incentive stock options (ISOs) and how recent changes in the calculation of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) may benefit you....

Thursday, June 21, 2018

The role and makeup of equity compensation programs within the life sciences industry continues to evolve. According to data from consultants at Willis Towers Watson, the percentage of companies that are granting stock option awards...

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

If you are starting a new position within the life sciences industry, the best time to negotiate your compensation package is before you sign on the dotted line. In most cases, your package will include some form of equity compensation...

Sunday, May 6, 2018

The U.S. tax code is always evolving, and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made significant changes that will affect anyone who earns equity compensation. Below are a few highlights from this new law: 1. Lower individual tax rates....

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest Russian writers of all time, is no stranger to someone like me who grew up in Eastern Europe. I became immersed in Tolstoy’s novel, Anna Karenina, at a fairly early age. However, I was surprised...

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the act or TCJA). The legislation makes significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), including individual, corporate, and gift and estate...

Saturday, September 16, 2017

hinking about making the jump to a new employer? Is your company being acquired or merging with another company? To help protect and maximize your equity compensation package, be sure to have a solid negotiating strategy in place. In...

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

The U.S. stock market has been on the rise for more than eight years and healthcare stocks—including many life sciences companies—have participated in this rally. In fact, year-to-date, healthcare is the second best...

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

In recent weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of viewing many Facebook posts from friends and family showing their kids as the head back to school. Whether your kids are entering kindergarten, high school, or college, fall is a good...

Monday, August 14, 2017

Holders of concentrated stock positions have several options for mitigating the risk associated with owning these shares. For those who are charitably inclined, the ease, convenience, and overall benefits of a donor-advised fund may...

Monday, August 14, 2017

Owners of concentrated positions looking to protect their stock from downside risk may want to consider purchasing protective put options. What is a put option? A put option provides the shareholder the right to sell 100 shares of...

Monday, June 5, 2017

Whenever owners of concentrated stock positions have obtained their shares at a cost well below the stock’s current fair market value, an equity collar may be the answer. Although the gain has yet to be realized, many...

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Most owners of concentrated positions understand the risks inherent in continuing to hold their shares. A significant drop in the price of the issue has the potential to inflict irreparable harm on a portfolio. One guaranteed solution...

Friday, May 12, 2017

I started practicing yoga more than ten years ago and I can honestly say that it has changed my life for the better. It helped me deal with grief, launch my financial planning business, focus on what matters most, and has simply given...

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Whether you complete your own tax returns or hire an accountant, filing your taxes may not be one of your favorite activities. But filing your taxes does present a good opportunity to get your financial house in order. So, as you sit...

Monday, January 30, 2017

Uncertainty is not a new concept within the life sciences sector. Based on recent industry and market news, it is apparent that 2017 will not prove to be any different. While uncertainty can be disconcerting, especially when it comes...

Thursday, December 1, 2016

With the holiday season shifting into full swing, finding the time to focus on your finances can be a challenge for many people. However, as the clock winds down on 2016, there are several important steps you may want to consider to...

Friday, September 30, 2016

Fall means open enrollment season—an opportunity to adjust your benefits elections prior to the start of the New Year. Yet surveys often reveal that many employees are not fully aware of all their employer-provided benefits and...

Friday, September 30, 2016

Before the busy holiday season arrives, I recommend taking some time to reexamine your finances. Here are five steps you can take to improve your financial picture before year-end. 1. Give Yourself a Financial Checkup. For a quick...

Thursday, June 16, 2016

In the past year, the demand for new talent within the life sciences sector has substantially increased due to industry advancements and various state-sponsored programs aimed at building and retaining the life sciences sector in...