Are your Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) helping you build wealth—or holding you back? Michael and Brady break down one of the most misunderstood components of a high-income professional’s compensation package: RSUs. From tax implications and diversification strategies to avoiding lifestyle creep and planning with purpose, this episode gives you the tools to turn stock awards into long-term financial security. Whether you're new to RSUs or looking to sharpen your strategy, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to level up your wealth-building game. This episode is a must-listen for anyone receiving equity compensation and wanting to build extraordinary wealth with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• How can professionals strategically manage RSUs to align with their short- and long-term financial goals?

• What are the key tax implications of RSUs, and how can you plan ahead to avoid surprises?

• Why is it important to diversify RSU holdings, and what are the risks of overconcentration in company stock?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - What are RSUs

(02:00) - Excitement and risks of RSUs

(04:00) - Vesting and phantom value explained

(07:00) - Risks of changing employers

(08:00) - Tax implications when RSUs vest

(09:00) - Why companies prefer RSUs over bonuses

(16:00) - Planning around estimated taxes and W-4

(17:00) - Options after receiving vested shares

(23:00) - Emotional bias and loyalty to company stock

(24:00) - Goals-based decisions and opportunity cost

(25:00) - Periodic sales and tax considerations

(26:00) - Aligning RSUs with short- and long-term goals

(28:00) - Plan rules and trading restrictions

(31:00) - Risk of holding too much company stock

Key Topics Discussed:

Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, financial wellness, wealth building, financial psychology, financial advisor, finance therapist, student loan debt, finance guidance for high earners, business owner finances, Restricted Stock Units, RSU tax strategies, tech compensation planning, RSU investment tips, maximizing RSU benefits

Mentions:

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/

Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/

Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelracosta

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

Michael Acosta is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License # 0M50974. 7237198.7. Expiration 5/27.