Going Public? 5 IPO Planning Tips for Employees with Stock Comp

Listen to Going Public? 5 IPO Planning Tips for Employees with Stock Comp

Apple Podcasts → https://bit.ly/3GGW1Da

Spotify → https://bit.ly/3TofDDW

Companies don’t go public overnight, and your equity strategy shouldn’t either. If you hold stock options or RSUs at a company preparing for an IPO, the choices you make in the months before and after that day can shape your tax bill and your financial plan for years to come.

An IPO can be one of the biggest financial opportunities of your career, or a costly misstep if you go in unprepared. In this episode, Matt breaks down what actually happens when a private company goes public, and the five things every employee with equity compensation should understand before making any decisions.

He walks through how IPO timelines typically unfold, the difference between stock options (ISOs and NSOs) and restricted stock units (RSUs), and how taxes can catch employees off guard without a plan. Matt also shares practical strategies for navigating lockup periods, managing concentration risk, and aligning your equity with your broader financial goals. If you work at a pre-IPO company and want a clear picture of what’s ahead, this episode is for you.

Key Topics We Discuss:

📈 IPO 101: What really happens behind the scenes

🪙 RSUs vs. ISOs vs. NSOs – Know the difference

🧠 Common mistakes around timing, taxes, and emotional decision-making

📊 Strategies to consider: Selling, diversification, and long-term planning

0:00 – Intro

0:56 – #1: Understanding the IPO Timeline

1:52 – #2: Know What You Own (ISOs & NSOs)

3:21 – Restricted Equity

4:29 – Vesting Schedules

5:03 – #3: Taxes Are a Big Deal

7:47 – #4: Lockup Expiry ≠ Immediate Payday

9:15 – #5: Financial Planning Opportunities

Resources for Going Public? 5 IPO Planning Tips for Employees with Stock Comp

📞Phone: (952) 225-0333

📧 Email: perspective6info@focusfinancial.com

📚 Essential Financial Guides

📌5 Ways to Maximize Your Medtronic 401k Plan Guide: https://perspective6wealthadvisors.com/guide/

📌Stock Compensation Tax Form Checklist: https://perspective6wealthadvisors.com/stock-compensation-tax-checklist/

📌ESPP: A Comprehensive Guide: https://perspective6wealthadvisors.com/espp-guide/

📌Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: https://perspective6wealthadvisors.com/resource-center/

Related Planning

If you’re navigating equity compensation ahead of an IPO, these resources can help you plan:

• Stock Compensation Tax Form Checklist — know which tax forms to expect and when
• ESPP: A Comprehensive Guide — how employee stock purchase plans work alongside other equity comp
• Why the 83(b) Election is a Game-Changer for Startups — a key decision for employees who received restricted stock before the IPO
• 351 Exchanges & Exchange Funds: Diversify Portfolio & Skip Taxes — strategies for diversifying a concentrated stock position after lockup expires

📲 Stay Connected

🎥 Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZFSiozlOWNDN0PbgF6HzSA

📍LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/company/perspective-6-wealth-advisors

About Matthew Nelson

Matt has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is passionate about helping MedTech professionals maximize their benefits, reduce their taxes, and plan for financial freedom. As the Founder, Managing Partner, and Senior Financial Advisor at Perspective 6 Wealth Advisors, he leads a team of dedicated professionals. The team provides comprehensive and personalized financial planning and investment management services to our clients.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) Matt specializes in helping our clients navigate the complex and evolving landscape of equity compensation, financial independence, portfolio management, and income tax minimization. Further, he offers strategic insights and guidance on business succession, valuation, and exit planning. Matt’s mission is to empower our clients to achieve their financial and personal goals with confidence and clarity.