Financial Planning Archives

SPAC vs. IPO: Valuation, Lockup Period, and Employee Equity

As a founder or an employee at a company undergoing a SPAC, you should start planning as soon as you're aware the event is on the horizon. The financial impact of this event will not just be an easy windfall -- you'll have to consider the potential costs of exercising options, timing of selling shares, and the resulting tax bill before you can start thinking about how to invest your net proceeds.

Diversify Your Portfolio: How Startup Employees Over-invest in Tech

Tech as an industry has had major growth in the last few years, and continues to hold strong, even in 2020. However, recent history shows that many tech employees run the very real risk of being too invested in the technology sector. We outline the most common components that make up this overall risk below, and offer some guidance how best to balance your unique risks and opportunities.

Investment Strategies for a Large Windfall or Inheritance

Receiving a large lump sum of money from an inheritance or other windfall can change your life -- especially if you make smart financial choices upfront about what to do with your newfound wealth.

Startup Equity: Calculating Potential Windfall, Taxes and Costs

As you plan to cash out your startup shares outside of a traditional liquidity event (IPO, acquisition, merger), consider the potential value, costs, and tax considerations you'll need to keep in mind as you go through this process.

Selling Your Startup Shares: Comparison of Secondary Stock Marketplaces

For those beginning the process of executing on a secondary sale of your shares, we've outlined several specific vendors and types of sales in this article, with the relevant fees and restrictions for each.

From above male employee writing signature on promissory note while sitting at table

Promissory Note Program: A Financial Employee Benefit for Early-Stage Startups

76% of startup employees never exercise or sell the pre-IPO stock options they have earned. Harness Wealth's Promissory Note Program allows employees to exercise without putting up any cash upfront.

How a Financial Advisor Can Help During Market Turbulence

Sudden drops in market performance can be alarming. What does this mean for your financial planning? And how can a Financial Advisor help?

Tax Strategy: Gifting Assets

In The Advisor Corner this month, MRA Associates explores what to consider when thinking about a Gifting Strategy. MRA Associates is a Financial Advisory Firm on the Harness Wealth platform.

Questions for Selecting an Advisory Firm

Finding the right advisors for you consists of both finding ones with the right skillsets for your unique needs as well as the right levels of service. There is no substitute for speaking directly to an advisor before making a final decision. Here are some guidelines to consider when evaluating an advisory firm.

Considerations for Your Financial Plan in 2019

From historic stock market losses resulting in the worst December since the Great Depression, to the Dow logging its biggest single session point gain later that month, it’s not surprising that investors are nervous about what 2019 will bring for the financial markets. We explore what you should be thinking about in 2019 for your investment strategy and overall financial plan.