Senior executives face unique financial challenges—stock options, deferred compensation, RSUs, and bonuses that carry both opportunity and risk. At ACT Advisors, we specialize in executive compensation and tax-efficient planning for high-income professionals. We help you reduce tax drag, align benefits with long-term goals, and simplify financial decisions so you can focus on success.
Managing an executive compensation package means juggling taxes, timing, and long-term planning. Our role is to simplify the moving parts so your benefits work together instead of against you.
Senior executives face unique financial challenges that require more than generic advice. These case studies show how tailored strategies—like 83(b) elections, direct indexing, and charitable gifting—can help reduce taxes, lower risk, and align wealth with long-term goals.
When Jason, a senior executive at a growth-stage company, received restricted stock, he faced the challenge of balancing immediate tax costs with long-term opportunity. We worked closely with him and his CPA to ensure a timely 83(b) election, locking in a low tax basis at grant. Because the company qualified for Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) treatment, we also positioned him to potentially exclude millions in future capital gains from federal taxes. By integrating this strategy with his broader financial plan—and coordinating the tax filing requirements with his CPA—Jason not only reduced future tax exposure but also gained clarity about how his equity fit into his long-term goals.
Susan, a senior executive, had built wealth in her company’s stock, but holding such a concentrated position created risk and limited flexibility. We developed a strategy that combined direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting with a donor-advised fund (DAF) for charitable giving. By contributing a portion of her highly appreciated stock directly into the DAF, Susan avoided capital gains taxes, supported the causes she cared about, and reduced her overall tax liability. Together, these strategies helped Susan diversify her portfolio, lower risk, and align her wealth with both her financial and philanthropic goals.
The above examples are hypothetical illustrations based on real client situations. They are for informational purposes only, do not represent actual or guaranteed outcomes, and may not be representative of all clients. Past performance does not predict future results.
From stock options to deferred comp, we help senior executives reduce taxes and turn complex pay packages into clear, long-term strategy.
Read more of our reviews here. We encourage feedback—but never compensate or edit what’s shared. The above statement is a testimonial from a current client of ACT Advisors. No compensation was provided for this statement. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.
Here are answers to the questions we hear most when helping leaders like you turn complex compensation into a clear financial strategy.
We help senior executives explore strategies like 83(b) elections, tax-aware exercise timing, and charitable gifting of appreciated stock. These approaches can reduce tax friction while aligning your equity compensation with your broader financial goals.
Holding too much of your wealth in a single stock creates risk. We use tools like direct indexing, tax-loss harvesting, and charitable giving strategies to help you diversify more efficiently while minimizing tax impact.
Yes. Pre-sale planning can significantly reduce the tax burden of a liquidity event. We often combine direct indexing, charitable strategies, and deal structuring to help families preserve more of their proceeds.
Many executives face forced lump-sum payouts from 457(f) and other deferred comp plans. We build strategies to help you manage the tax burden, align income with your retirement goals, and preserve long-term wealth.
Yes—while your CPA and attorney are essential, a fee-only fiduciary advisor coordinates between them, making sure your investment strategy, tax planning, and estate planning all work together seamlessly.