Stock compensation can be a powerful wealth-building tool—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of your paycheck.

In this episode of Make It Make Cents, Michele Cropley sits down with financial advisor Paul Lane to break down how stock compensation actually works—and how to make smarter decisions around it.

They cover:

●    The key differences between stock options, RSUs, and ESPPs
●    How stock compensation fits into your overall financial plan
●    When “equity upside” is worth it—and when it’s not
●    The risks of being overexposed to your own company
●    How vesting schedules and timing decisions impact your money
●    The tax implications you need to understand before selling
●    When it makes sense to hold vs. cash out your shares

Whether you’re evaluating a job offer or managing existing equity, this episode helps you think beyond the upside—and understand the real financial trade-offs.


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