If you’re a successful executive, you’ve probably discovered that more responsibility and more reward almost always means more complexity. Maybe your compensation now arrivIf you’re a successful executive, you’ve probably discovered that more responsibility and more reward almost always means more complexity. Maybe your compensation now arrives in pieces: a base salary, annual bonus, equity grants, stock options, or deferred comp. Add family obligations, tax traps, blackout trading periods, and you’ve found yourself somewhere between wanting to get it right and raising the white flag in frustration. At Stage Harbor Financial, we work with both C-suite leaders and rising corporate stars who are ready to take control, and make your corporate benefits be a source of comfort, not frustration.
Why Leadership Creates Financial Crossroads
Being an executive means having opportunities most people never imagine; tied to company stock, performance incentives, and exclusive benefits. It also comes with decisions (and risks) most people never see. What happens when your net worth is tied up in stock you can’t sell? Do you exercise and hold or sell your options? How do you layer in deferred comp, pension plans, profit sharing, and an evolving benefits package while keeping your plan simple enough to actually work?
We start with a real conversation about what you’re working for, not just today’s quarterly goals, but how you want your life to take shape, for you and your family.
How We Support Executives’ Complex Lives
- Deconstructing Your Compensation: We break down exactly how each part of your comp plan (options, RSUs, non-qualified plans, bonuses) works, how/when it pays, and how it exposes you to taxes and risk. Instead of messages filled with jargon, we use clear action steps: If you need liquidity, here’s the most tax-efficient way. If you need growth, here’s how to invest without overexposure. If you need protection, here’s how to spot the gaps.
- Navigating Tricky Timing and Rules: Those who haven’t lived it underestimate the confusion, and complexity of equity compensation. We help establish automatic trading plans, devise diversification schedules, and ensure you avoid nasty AMT surprises (especially with incentive stock options).
- Taming the Tax Bill: As your income and net worth increases, we work hard to minimize your tax bill. We run detailed tax projections, and we develop advanced tax strategies. We proactively tax-loss harvest, and we utilize tax efficiencies in various asset classes as well as in your various types of accounts (taxable, IRA, 401K, Roth, etc.) to tax optimize your overall allocation.
- Bringing Order to the Big Picture: You may have multiple deferred comp or pension plans with different pay-out options, ESOP dollars from a former employer, and a growing list of insurance policies and legacy commitments. We pull everything into one coordinated plan, so whether you’re climbing the ladder, looking at a new offer, or planning your exit, you’re not starting over in the dark.
- Coordinating With Your Full Team: Executives work with lawyers, accountants, HR teams, and family members. We manage the touch-points, document follow-up, and ongoing reviews to make sure nothing falls between the cracks.
Staying Ahead, Not Playing Catchup
Stage Harbor Financial’s goal isn’t just to help you “make the right move,” but to create an ongoing partnership, because the landscape changes fast, and opportunities don’t wait. As your comp plan evolves, you’re promoted, you change employers, or approach an IPO or transition, we’re at your side to update the strategy and make your next stage work for you.
In a role where minor mistakes can cost a fortune, or your peace of mind, clarity and independent advice make all the difference. Our promise is to be the trusted, confidential partner who keeps your financial world running as smoothly and strategically as your corporate success deserves.
Let’s create a plan, together. Reach out now to meet our experts and build your strategy.
