We break down how employee stock options actually work, from strike price and vesting to the moment taxes show up on your W-2. We also explain how exercise timing, holding periods, and cashless exercise can change your real take-home value. 

• Stock options versus RSUs and why options give you control over timing 
• Strike price, vesting schedules, and why the strike price stays fixed 
• Expiration timelines and why waiting can be a feature and a risk 
• NSOs versus ISOs and why the tax rules differ 
• How the spread at exercise becomes ordinary income for NSOs 
• The 365-day rule and short-term versus long-term capital gains 
• Why your tax bracket and other income change the best exercise plan 
• Using lower stock prices to reduce the taxable spread 
• Cashless exercise mechanics and when it may help 
• Why a personalized plan beats copying a coworker’s strategy 

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We break down RSUs, PSUs, and ESPP stock compensation so you understand what you own, when taxes hit, and what choices you actually control. We also share a practical framework for deciding when to sell, when to hold, and how to avoid getting overexposed to your employer’s stock. 

• How RSUs and PSUs work and why companies grant them 
• Common vesting schedules and what “vesting” really means 
• Why RSU taxes are triggered on the vesting date and flow to your W-2 
• The two post-vesting choices that matter most, hold or sell 
• Short-term versus long-term capital gains and why the one-year mark matters 
• How your income level and household situation change the best strategy 
• How ESPPs work, including payroll purchases and typical discounts 
• ESPP tax timing, including the one-year and two-year holding rules 
• Concentration risk with company stock and a 10% net worth rule of thumb 

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We break down how to decide between paying off debt and investing, then lay out a clear plan for tackling multiple balances without losing momentum. Cody compares the snowball method and avalanche method with a simple spreadsheet so you can see how interest, cash flow, and psychology change the outcome.

• Deciding when debt payoff beats investing, based on your situation and timeline
• Defining consumer debt and why I prioritize it before heavy investing
• Freeing up cash flow by removing monthly payments
• Reducing risk when layoffs, medical bills, or repairs hit
• Valuing peace of mind and lower money stress at home
• Handling exceptions like 0% financing without losing the bigger plan
• Keeping the 401k match while redirecting extra dollars to debt
• Using the snowball method to build fast, visible wins
• Using the avalanche method to minimize interest, with slower visible progress
• Choosing the approach you will actually follow through on

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We break down why so many people feel like their home and auto insurance keeps climbing and what can actually be done about it. We talk with independent agent Micah LaBorde about how shopping works, why “bundle and save” is not a rule, and the policy details that can protect you from big surprise costs.

• Texas homeowners insurance rates vary by region and carrier 
• Auto insurance pricing depends on which carriers want new business
• Review renewals at least annually to catch creeping increases
• Know when a 5% to 15% jump is worth shopping
• Debunking bundling as an automatic money saver
• Debunking “loyalty discounts” as a reason to never switch
• The value of an independent agency with access to many carriers
• Tailoring coverage by need including liability limits and exclusions
• Common gaps like water endorsements and uninsured motorist coverage
• Roof settlement differences such as replacement cost versus ACV
• Replacement cost estimates versus market value and Zillow pricing

Micah LaBorde
[email protected]
victory-insurance.com
512-630-6978

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We break down what a brokerage investment account is and why it can be the most flexible place to invest surplus cash after you’ve handled the basics. We explain where it fits in a smart money order, how taxes work, and the real-life situations where it can fund goals without retirement account rules. 

• Defining a brokerage account as a flexible “what’s next” account 
• Using a prioritization list before investing extra cash 
• Comparing brokerage accounts with 401(k) and IRA rules 
• Funding an extended emergency fund with conservative investing 
• Saving for intermediate goals like a home upgrade 
• Investing more after maxing retirement contributions 
• Handling big cash events like bonuses and inheritances 
• Balancing extra mortgage payments with brokerage investing 
• Understanding capital gains tax when you sell 
• Avoiding short-term capital gains when possible 
• Choosing investments based on time horizon and risk 

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We break down Medicare decisions that can stick for years, especially the choices you make when you first become eligible at 65. We also explain how Medicare fits into long-term retirement planning so you can reduce penalties, avoid surprise costs, and pick coverage that matches your life.

• Why copying a friend’s Medicare choice can backfire
• The first enrollment period and why it matters long term
• When you can delay Medicare while still working
• Why employer size and HSA contributions change the rules
• How Medicare Part B premiums and IRMAA raise costs for high earners
• Original Medicare plus Medigap and Part D versus Medicare Advantage
• How networks and out-of-pocket exposure differ by path
• Why switching from Medicare Advantage back to Medigap can be hard
• How to re-shop Part D prescription coverage each year

Colin Miller
Medicareplanpartners.com
[email protected]

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We share an eight-step plan to turn a cash bonus into lasting progress, from tax clarity to smart spending, debt payoff, savings, and flexible investing. Along the way we bust withholding myths and show how to align your mortgage with your retirement date.

• checking bonus tax withholding to avoid surprises
• spending 10% to boost satisfaction and reduce regret
• clearing credit cards, personal loans, small auto balances
• building a three to twelve month emergency fund
• confirming retirement savings targets and account choices
• modeling college costs and picking funding levels
• timing mortgage payoff for day-one retirement freedom
• using a brokerage account for flexible investing

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We bring on CPA Sheilah Smith to break down the biggest 2026 tax updates and the real-world “gotchas” that trip people up during tax season. We also get practical about receipts, missing tax forms, business bookkeeping habits, and what to do if you have not filed in years. 

• no tax on tips and what people expect versus what rules require 
• no tax on overtime and why eligibility can be tricky 
• 100% bonus depreciation and how it affects business purchases 
• additional deduction for taxpayers age 65+ and the Social Security tax frustration 
• why receipts matter and why statements are not enough 
• how to document meal expenses with who and why 
• avoiding missed forms by collecting every page of consolidated 1099s 
• separating business and personal funds to avoid missed deductions 
• estimating the business portion of a cell phone bill 
• catching up on unfiled returns and reducing the stress 
• married filing jointly and shared responsibility, especially in divorce 

Sheilah Smith CPA 
214-282-5506
http://sheilahsmithcpa.com/

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We explore how a secure digital vault can remove chaos from loss, protect families from financial friction, and preserve stories that define a life. Gerard Ibarra shares the personal event that led to building Keep It Saved and demos features that turn intent into action.

• Why a centralized, secure vault reduces stress for survivors
• The real costs of scattered passwords and two-factor locks
• Who benefits most, from families to employers
• Key features: critical data, free accounts list, permissions
• Farewell wishes, contact groups, and prewritten messages
• Using photos and videos to shape your legacy
• Practical scenarios: disasters, medical needs, funeral planning
• Pricing, access options, and how to get started

Search Stansell Wealth Planning on YouTube to watch the full demo

https://keepitsaved.com/

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040

We break down what Trump Accounts are, who actually benefits, and why they function as retirement seeds rather than college funds. We compare them with 529 plans and plain brokerage accounts so you can choose the right tool for your child’s goals.

• How Trump Accounts open via Form 4547 and start July 2026
• Who qualifies for $1,000 Treasury seed money
• Dell Foundation $250 rules and income-based ZIP filter
• Contribution caps, no tax deduction, employer $2,500 limit
• Access rules at 18 and penalties before 59½
• When parents should open one and when to skip
• Better fits for college and flexible goals with 529s and brokerage
• Practical funding paths that balance free money and control

To learn more about Stansell Wealth Planning visit:
https://www.StansellWealth.com
Stansell Wealth Planning
5550 Granite Pkwy, STE 270  
Plano, TX 75024  
469-606-2040