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RSUs Explained: Vesting, Taxes, Selling Strategies & How to Avoid Paying Taxes Twice CFP Lucas Casarez of Techie Personal Finance Boot Camp explains how RSUs work and how to avoid common mistakes, especially paying taxes twice due to incorrect cost basis reporting. He distinguishes startup RSUs (often illiquid and effectively worth zero until a liquidity event) from publicly traded RSUs (valued daily and sellable at vesting), and breaks down vesting schedules, cliffs, refresh grants, and the “golden handcuffs” effect of leaving unvested shares behind. He covers when you can sell (including blackout windows), how RSUs are taxed at vesting, why 22% federal withholding may be insufficient, and how future sales can trigger short- or long-term capital gains. He shares a goal-based framework for deciding to sell, hold, or hybrid, emphasizes concentration risk, and notes resources like an RSU tax calculator and strategy guide.  Avoid RSU Double Tax  RSU Basics Overview  Startup vs Public RSUs  Vesting Schedules Explained  Golden Handcuffs Effect  What Your RSUs Are Worth  Selling RSUs and Blackouts  RSU Taxes and Withholding  Capital Gains After Vesting  Fix Cost Basis Errors  Sell or Hold Framework  Get Help and Wrap Up https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/restricted-stock-unit-rsus-strategy-guide/  https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/restricted-stock-units-rsus-tax-calculator/

Lucas Casarez, a CFP®️ professional and founder of Level Up Financial Planning, hosts Techie Personal Finance Boot Camp and explains how tech professionals can choose the right financial advisor, comparing the process to researching stroller features and price points.  He introduces five key questions to ask when interviewing advisors:  1. Whether they are a fiduciary versus operating under a suitability standard (including the complications of hybrid advisors) 2. What types of clients they specialize in (such as tech, teachers, or medical professionals) 3. What areas of financial planning they provide value beyond investments (including savings, behavior, taxes, debt, and comprehensive planning) 4. What their cost structure is (fee-only, fee-based, or commission-based “free” models) 5. What happens if the advisor leaves the company, contrasting independent firms with large institutions.  He invites listeners to reach out, schedule a meeting, and share interview guest recommendations.

Gilbert Sanchez shares his journey into tech. From car sales to cybersecurity. All in 6 months. You'll hear about Gilbert's planning process, which included personal finance strategies, as well as the way he structured his learning, job applications, and navigated rejections. Follow Gilbert on your favorite social media provider: https://x.com/gilbertsanchz https://www.youtube.com/@GilbertSanchz https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertesanchez/

Lucas Casarez, a CFP and founder of Level Up Financial Planning, explains why many tech professionals can make six figures yet still feel broke, citing statistics that 48.6% of people earning over $100K and 36% earning over $200K report living paycheck to paycheck. He outlines four main drivers: lifestyle inflation, taxes reducing actual take-home pay (often 30–50%, especially in high-tax states), lingering past obligations like student loans or credit cards, and lack of budgeting/clarity. He notes you may be doing better than you think through automated saving, maxing a 401(k), holding employer stock, or aggressively paying down debt. He recommends building a monthly budget, then planning annually and long-term to anticipate taxes and irregular expenses, reduce stress, avoid burnout, and increase career flexibility, and invites listeners to seek help getting organized.

Navigating Common Tax Mistakes and New Tax Laws for 2026 In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, the host discusses several common tax mistakes and introduces new tax laws for 2026. Starting with essential tax preparation steps, the episode explains the importance of gathering relevant tax documents, considering new changes like RSUs and employer stock, and the pitfalls of rushing to file taxes without all forms. The host emphasizes the need for meticulous reporting, particularly for tech professionals dealing with employer stock and those affected by income limits on IRA contributions. The episode also covers strategies such as backdoor Roth conversions, handling 1099 forms accurately, and the implications of recent changes to the state and local tax cap. Additional tips include maximizing dependent care credits, 529 plan contributions, and rental property depreciation. Finally, the host advises business owners on correctly claiming legitimate business expenses to avoid IRS scrutiny. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice and ensure all financial details are accurately reported. 00:00 Introduction to Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp Season 8 01:23 Essential Tax Preparation Tips for 2026 01:53 Understanding New Tax Changes and Forms 02:22 Avoiding Common Tax Filing Mistakes 03:06 Time Travel Techniques for Tax Contributions 04:47 Automatic Tax Adjustments and Deductions 05:37 Maximizing Itemized Deductions 07:01 Common Tax Filing Errors and How to Avoid Them 09:05 Special Considerations for High Earners and Stock Options 12:24 Tax Tips for Parents and Property Owners 14:35 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/tax-planning-retirement-accounts-backdoor-roths/

This episode provides an overview of significant changes to tax laws announced on July 4th, 2025. Key points include the permanency of temporary tax laws from 2018, slight increases in standard deductions, and significant increases in the state and local tax (SALT) cap from $10,000 to $40,000. Additional updates include adjustments to charitable contribution deductions, new senior tax deductions, auto loan interest tax deductions, and child tax credits. Other notable changes include the expiration dates for electric vehicle and home energy efficiency tax credits, as well as the introduction of new investment accounts for newborns.

In this podcast episode, Lucas Casarez interviews Rizel Scarlett about her journey into the tech industry, her experiences with family life, and her insights on community building and leadership.  Rizel shares her background, starting from her challenges as an undocumented immigrant in college, transitioning into tech through programs like Resilient Coders, and eventually securing roles in tech companies.  She discusses the importance of learning in public and building a professional network through social media and community involvement.  Rizel also talks about balancing her career with motherhood, emphasizing the need for clear communication with her spouse and employer to manage expectations.  She highlights the value of community support in overcoming career challenges and shares her approach to leadership development by learning from mentors and managers.  The conversation underscores the significance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve personal and professional growth.

Should You Cash Out Your 401(k) Retirement Account? In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, we explore the critical question of whether you should withdraw from your 401k. We discuss common reasons for considering a withdrawal, such as emergencies and market fears, and highlight the financial downsides, including taxes and penalties. The episode also covers alternative solutions like 401 (k) loans and emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making to avoid long-term financial stress.  00:00 Intro 06:24 10% Penalty 07:04 Federal & State Income Taxes 08:27 Special ROTH Features To Avoid Penalty and Taxes 09:04 Less Resources, Less Time To Build It Back 11:53 401 (k) loan alternative 13:10 Different Exemption Rules To Be Aware Of 14:03 Separation after age 55 15:24 Home Equity Loan/ Line of Credit 17:20

Feeling like you're stuck living paycheck to paycheck? 🤔  Join Lucas Casarez, tech financial planner, as he dives into the hidden financial wins you might be overlooking!  Retirement Savings Welcome to Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp. Many of you might feel like you're living paycheck to paycheck, not saving as much as you'd prefer. However, if you step back, you'll see activities adding value, akin to savings, even if they're not channeled into emergency funds. For example, significant contributions to retirement accounts can often go unnoticed. Even if you're maxing them out annually, this is indeed a form of savings that many forget to acknowledge. Employer Stock Besides regular savings, you might have stock options or employer compensation in stock form. Whether it's through an employee stock purchase plan, RSUs, incentive, or non-qualified stock options, allowing these to build up can reflect significant savings. It's crucial to acknowledge these investments rather than selling them off to fund lifestyles because eventually, they prove to be a powerful asset. Home Equity Home equity is another asset often overlooked. If you've owned a home for five years or more, not only has the equity likely increased, but a low locked-in mortgage rate gives you a competitive edge. Especially for younger generations, such equity contributes significantly to your net worth, even if it's not readily liquid. Catching Up For career changers, recent tech bootcamp graduates, or anyone navigating a financial catch-up game, there's potential for financial recovery through income increases. As illustrated, transitioning from a $60,000 to a $100,000 income can greatly impact debt and save for future investments. This progression, while it might initially focus on debt repayment, will eventually contribute to saving and investment growth. Take Advantage of Opportunities to Get Ahead It's essential to maintain restraint against lifestyle creep when incomes rise. By sustaining a previous lifestyle after significant pay increases, you're paving a path for financial fortification. Avoiding the trap of higher expenditure and focusing on leveraging these seasons of prosperity ensures you'll establish solid financial footing.  In times of emergencies, whether personal or involving close ones, your preparedness from years of wise financial management can provide the flexibility needed to navigate these challenges with less stress. Always remember, life's financial journey is about making informed decisions today to better equip yourself for tomorrow. If you have any financial strategy questions or require guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Understanding your comprehensive financial picture might reveal that you're in a stronger position than initially perceived. Let's keep the conversation going to ensure your financial goals align with your life changes.

Navigating Stock Market Volatility: Long-term Investment Strategies Explained In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, we discuss the current stock market volatility caused by recent tariff announcements and offer practical advice for maintaining a long-term investment approach. Learn why diversification is crucial, how to manage short-term financial goals, and why now might be a good time to invest, especially for younger individuals. Non-Profit Sponsor: Tech By Choice

In this video, the host explains why paychecks may be smaller in January 2025 compared to December 2024.  The main reason is due to the resumption of Social Security deductions at the start of the year, which cease once annual income exceeds $176,100. This deduction affects high-income earners significantly, making their early-year finances feel tighter.  The host provides tips on managing cash flow and planning financial contributions around the timing of these deductions, ensuring viewers have clarity on the finances to make informed decisions.

In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, we explore the real value of bonuses, raises, and stock options with a focus on how taxes can greatly diminish their apparent worth. We delve into examples to reveal the true post-tax income you can expect. Additionally, we highlight common mistakes like lifestyle inflation and poor financial planning that can lead to overspending and emphasize the importance of intentional money management and the impact of taxation on financial decisions. Here is a link to access the Real Value of Raise Calculator. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_5oU96ZLYounxhn-SKBCj6YWcU_HfyaxUxgSDzH3a4s/edit?usp=sharing

This episode delves into the financial issues tech professionals face, focusing on the challenge of managing credit card debt despite high incomes.  It discusses how lifestyle creep, unexpected expenses, and high interest rates lead to debt accumulation.  Emphasizing the importance of financial management, the danger of relying on future financial expectations and underscores the consequences of unchecked debt, such as stress and potential evictions. It provides practical strategies like using budgeting tools, setting savings plans, and adopting the debt snowball approach.  Furthermore, it highlights the need for minimizing unnecessary expenses and leveraging all financial resources to expedite debt repayment, ultimately aiming to regain financial control and achieve long-term goals.

Sean Page, a senior technical recruiter at Propel, shares his non-traditional career path from biology major to public health professional to tech recruiter. He emphasizes the increasing competitiveness in the job market, the importance of understanding DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in hiring processes, and the need for clear communication in salary negotiations. Sean highlights the differences between working in non-profit and tech sectors, particularly regarding timelines and meeting cultures. He stresses the role of recruiters as important cross-sectional contributors to business operations and advocates for focusing on senior-level hires for greater DEI impact. Sean offers tips for job seekers on standing out in interviews, leveraging data, and maintaining mental health during prolonged job searches in a challenging market. Sean's social media links: https://x.com/SeanPageTalent   Non-Profit Sponsor Links: https://www.techbychoice.org/   https://www.underdogdevs.org/

In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, host Lucas Casarez, CFP® discusses the process of transitioning out of a tech career, addressing the importance of understanding projected salaries, the impact of lifestyle and expenses on decision-making, and the necessity of financial planning.  He emphasizes the need for thoughtful consideration and planning before making any drastic career changes, suggesting exploring additional opportunities within tech and calculating the necessary income for a sustainable transition. He also provides advice on managing resources, reducing expenses, and planning for a successful career change. The episode aims to help listeners design and build the life they want through informed and strategic decisions.