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We Help Motivated Clients

Ambitious clients deserve a clear path to financial success, and we’re here to guide the way. Our team of experienced advisors help clients make big decisions, pursue ambitious goals, and plan a confident retirement.

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Financial Planning

Comprehensive financial planning is about understanding where you are financially and where you want to be.

From here, we work with you to develop clear and specific goals and objectives. And we build a plan to help you meet this goals with clarity with confidence.

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Investment Management

Investments solutions are derived with an eye towards the financial plan. The result is a customized investment solution that addresses short-term and long-term needs. One that is tax-efficient, low cost, and fully transparent.

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Equity Compensation

Employee stock options (ISO and NSO) and restricted stock units can be confusing and complex. We have years of experience simplifying these concepts, empowering our clients to make informed and educated decisions regarding investment risk, tax planning, and financial goals.

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Tax Planning and Preparation

Tax planning is a critical part of your financial plan. We have the resources and experience to evaluate and identify tax planning opportunities, especially as it relates to equity compensation, helping to optimize the value of your assets.

Why Our Clients Choose Zajac

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Authenticity

Authenticity is the heartbeat of our investment firm, guiding every decision, interaction, and strategy as we prioritize genuine client connections and transparent, clientfocused practices.

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Professionalism

Professionalism is the cornerstone of our approach, reflected in our comprehensive, independent advice, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to acting in the best interests of our clients.

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Experience

At Zajac, we are committed to staying abreast of industry  advancements, ensuring our clients benefit from experienced guidance and up-to-date financial strategies, empowering them to make informed financial decisions.

Start Your Journey Here

Whether you’re new to equity compensation, looking to dig a bit deeper, or have built considerable wealth, we have the resources for you.

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Can I extend my exercise window if I’m not ready to pay the taxes?

Rarely. Unless your company has a specific policy for “;retirement eligibility” or an extended window for all former employees (like some pre-IPO startups), the 90-day rule is usually rigid. However, you should check your plan documents and employment agreements to see exactly what you have available to you.

Can I do a “cashless exercise” during my post-termination window?

If your company is public and has a liquid market, yes. This is often the best way to handle the window if you don’t want to use your own cash. For private companies, a cashless exercise is usually not an option unless there is a specific tender offer occurring.

What happens to my ISOs if I wait until day 91 to exercise?

If your plan allows for an exercise after 90 days, your ISOs will have been converted into NQSOs. You will lose the ability to qualify for long-term capital gains on the spread and will owe ordinary income tax (and payroll taxes) at the time of exercise.

Does my 90-day window start the day I give notice or my last day of work?

Typically, the clock starts on your official “termination date”—your last day of active employment. However, you should check your specific plan agreement.

When You Have RSUs, ISOs, NQSOs, and an ESPP: How to Coordinate Equity Compensation

As your career progresses, it’s not uncommon to accumulate multiple types of equity compensation—especially as you move into senior leadership and accumulate grants over time. Each form of equity compensation can create significant long-term wealth, but each also...

AMT Credit for Incentive Stock Options: Timing, Traps, and Strategy

If you have incentive stock options (ISOs), you’ve likely been introduced to AMT. AMT is a tax due that may be due on the bargain element of your incentive stock options. It’s commonly triggered when you exercise and hold ISOs in the hopes of achieving a qualified...

Private Company ISOs: Early Exercise, AMT, QSBS, and IPO Strategy

Equity compensation can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for early-stage employees and executives of private companies. Unlike public company stock, private equity compensation exists in an illiquid environment, meaning your timing, potential tax...

How After-Tax 401(k) Contributions + In-Plan Roth Conversions Can Multiply Your Retirement Savings

Most companies and corporations incentivize employees to save for retirement. More often than not, they’ll do this through a 401(k) plan. When you first onboarded with your company, you were likely given the choice to participate in a 401(k). While you might increase...

What Happens to Your Equity Compensation if Your Company Is Acquired?

Beyond leadership changes and culture shifts, one of the biggest questions you might face during a company acquisition announcement is: What will happen to my equity compensation? An  acquisition has the potential to impact your tax liability, timing, and...

How Moving Across State Lines Could Impact Your Tax Bill (Especially if You Receive Equity Compensation)

For one reason or another, you may find yourself packing up and moving to another state while still working for your employer. Perhaps you’re given the opportunity to work remotely, your spouse is pursuing a career change, or you’ve been relocated to another corporate...

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Alternative Minimum Tax

Navigate AMT Complexity with Confidence

Employee Stock Options

Unlock the True Value of Your Stock Options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Turn Your ESPP into Strategic Wealth

Equity Compensation

Maximize Your Equity, Minimize Your Risk

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