Five8 Financial

A chart in a podcast between Michael Kitces and John Bowen caught our attention.

It compares what advisors say they provide vs. what high-net-worth clients say they actually receive.

One example:
85% of advisors say they provide tax planning.
Only ~25% of clients think they’re getting it.

For people with complex finances, the difference between investment management and true wealth planning can be significant.

If you’re working with an advisor, it’s worth asking:
Are we just managing investments…
or are we actively planning around taxes, equity compensation, and long-term strategy?

🔗 Full discussion and resources: https://lnkd.in/gCRzD5-n

3 myths about equity compensation:

1️⃣ “𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆!” – You still pay taxes, and timing decisions matter.
2️⃣ “𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.” – Options expire, and missed opportunities can be costly.
3️⃣ “𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁.” – Concentrating wealth in company stock can be risky.

Understanding your grants, tax implications, and timing can turn equity into real wealth rather than stress.

🧺🧺 Don’t put all your eggs [[or stocks]] in one basket 🧺🧺

If a large portion of your wealth is tied up in your company’s stock, you’re taking on concentrated risk.

Even with exciting growth potential, it is important to consider:
—Diversifying some shares to reduce risk
—Planning exercises and sales around tax efficiency
—Coordinating with other financial goals like retirement or home buying

Equity compensation is a fantastic benefit—but only if it’s part of a holistic plan.

💡 Tip: Treat your stock like a tool, not a lottery ticket.

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄
Stock options and RSUs can be exciting—but they come with tax considerations that many employees overlook.

For example:
• 𝗥𝗦𝗨𝘀 are taxed as ordinary income when they vest.
• 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗡𝗦𝗢𝘀) are taxed at exercise on the difference between market price and strike price.
• 𝗜𝗦𝗢𝘀 have special rules—exercising may trigger Alternative Minimum Tax, but long-term gains may be favorable if held.

Understanding your tax exposure ahead of time can save you a lot of stress and surprise bills.

💡 Tip: Talk to a professional who understands equity and tax strategy—it can make a huge difference in your net gain.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Equity compensation (stock options, RSUs, ESPPs, and more) can be a powerful part of your total compensation, but it can also be complex.

Here are a few key points:
• 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: Stock options give you the right to buy shares later, while RSUs are granted shares you own after vesting.
• 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Taxes are triggered differently depending on the type and when you exercise or sell.
• 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳: Understanding your equity grants can help you plan for taxes, diversification, and long-term wealth.

If your equity package is a significant part of your compensation, it’s worth creating a plan—just like you would with your salary.

Quite the achievement, ONYX Coffee Lab! Congrats! 🥳
We love Onyx Coffee - and a great place to meet and work.

Onyx Coffee Lab in Downtown Rogers is celebrating a major achievement after being named the Best Coffee Shop in the World in 2026.

Onyx jumped from No. 2 in 2025 to the top spot this year, surpassing coffee shops in Norway, Australia, and beyond.

Rankings are based on quality, innovation, and customer experience. Judges evaluate coffee programs worldwide, considering factors like sustainability, roasting excellence, and overall impact on the coffee industry.

📸 NWA Daily

Read the full story in tomorrow’s newsletter by subscribing using the link in the comments!

We loved working with Brittnie Simon and her team at Collab Design Co.! Thank you for your expertise and hard work to bring this to life. What a fun process! 😍🥳🔥

AND a special shoutout to the amazing Elizabeth Ledbetter & Javé Photography for doing our branding photos! We had a blast with you on photo day and LOVE how everything came together. Thank you! 💝

At Five8 Financial, our clients benefit from thoughtful, integrated support.

Meet Roxanne Martens, MS, CFP®, who focuses on comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Her work centers on helping clients navigate complex decisions—bringing clarity and intention to everything from long-term planning to equity compensation.

Get to know Roxanne below ⬇️
https://five8financial.com/meet-us/

Our clients don’t just work with one advisor—they’re supported by a team.

Meet Nicola, an EA and CFP®, who plays a critical role in integrating tax strategy with comprehensive financial planning. Her expertise helps ensure our clients’ plans are not just well-designed, but tax-aware and intentional.

Get to know Nicola below ⬇️
https://five8financial.com/meet-us/

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 15𝐭𝐡?
A Tax Preparationship™ redefines the tax prep experience by offering proactive guidance throughout the year—anticipating opportunities, planning ahead, and refining your tax approach as life evolves. Rather than a reactive checklist each spring, you gain a trusted partner focused on clarity, connection, and long-term results.

𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽™ 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
📈 Professionals with equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs, ESPPs, etc.)
🏢 Business owners managing personal and business tax decisions
🔄 Individuals and families with evolving financial lives
🤝 Anyone seeking an ongoing tax partner focused on clarity and strategy

For many professionals, taxes are one of their largest annual expenses — yet they’re often addressed only once a year. A Tax Preparationship™ reframes taxes as an ongoing planning opportunity, not a seasonal task.
🔗 Learn more: https://five8financial.com/tax-preparationship/

We are thrilled to officially introduce Five8 Financial! 🎉

Five8 Financial is a fee-only fiduciary firm based in Rogers, AR, serving clients throughout Northwest Arkansas and beyond. We provide a comprehensive, ongoing advisory relationship that integrates tax strategy, financial planning, and investment management.

We partner with established professionals and families who value proactive guidance, clear strategies, and ongoing collaboration. Whether navigating equity compensation, optimizing tax strategies, or planning for the future, we are committed to helping clients make informed financial decisions.

Grateful to be on this journey and look forward to helping clients achieve their financial vision.

💼 Learn more about us: five8financial.com/
📩 Let’s connect and start a conversation
💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/five8-financial