Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA Profile Banner
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA Profile
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA

@Soaps27

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Helping Equity Compensated Individuals & Ex-D1 Hockey Players Build Their Ideal Life| Lead Planner@ Secfi| Girl Dad 2X| Tweets ≠ advice.

Brookfield, IL
Joined December 2010
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
1 month
@NBCSports It's incredible how, one day, miraculously made the water swimmable.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
10 months
It blows my mind that the Dependent Care FSA limit is $5,000. That covers less than 2 months of daycare. The craziest part?! The $5k limit was established in 1986 and hasn't moved since! What a joke.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
9 months
It's not a financial planner's job to beat the market. It's their job to keep you from beating yourself.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
@unusual_whales And then people wonder why millennials are jaded in so many ways
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
@Investmentkage I work with many who drive Toyota or other non- luxury vehicle. Many millionaires build and live with wealth in stealth mode.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
Twitter(X) is free education. But 99% don’t know the best teachers. Here is a list of the top financial planners you should follow to advance your learning:
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
25 days
@unusual_whales Average is a very misleading number in this case. Also, do people actually benefit from these types of research. I mean what’s “comfortable”? This is far too subjective to be worth any time spent.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
@unusual_whales This is not shocking. The average home price in CA is over $900,000! What a time to be alive.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
Think disability is less likely than death? Stats say otherwise. If you're at the top of your game, and your earnings are soaring, but without disability income insurance, it could evaporate instantly.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Missing this 401(k) detail costs you thousands of dollars. But it's easy to fix. How to help ensure you get every dollar
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
In a perfect world, every financial advisor reveals all costs to you But, we live in an imperfect world, and many people get hurt by hidden fees. Here's how to identify 2 significant types of fees.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
@markcecchini NOT ONCE have i done it right. The worst part is I challenge myself before the click and..."wrong."
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
When investing, volatility isn't just part of the game; it is the game. Investing with a strategy is a must. Here's a "how to" guide for investing long-term.🔖
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
Best part of remote work…Home gym workouts
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
10 months
@MarketPalmer_ Father of 2 little girls( 3 1/2 & 17 months). My advice is soak in every single moment you can with them while they are little. Work and texting can wait. They aren’t even “old” yet but I already miss all of their baby cuddles.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
The cost of Home and Auto insurance has skyrocketed. But most people are not considering ways to reduce these premiums. Here are nine things to consider when looking to reduce your insurance costs.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
9 months
@MarketPalmer_ Not sure it’s a corporate saying, but mine is. Person 1: how’s everything going for you? Person 2: gosh just so busy.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
RSUs are withheld at a supplementary rate of 22%. This is not the rate that RSUs are taxed at. Assume the following: - You vest $100k of RSUs - RSUs are withheld at 22%($22,000) - You're in the 32% marginal tax bracket($32,000 withholding tax needed) You will need an additional
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
8 months
The Mega-backdoor Roth strategy is a powerful tool to accelerate tax-free savings. It's an opportunity to increase Roth contributions significantly beyond the standard limits. - Let's dive in -
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
Welcoming a child into your life is one of the most exciting but wild transitions anyone can experience. It's crucial to gear up for these changes with a roadmap to help lower anxiety. Here's a list of 10 areas I believe you should focus on before the stork delivers!🔖 --
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
@unusual_whales Owning a home comes with additional costs that don’t come with renting. There’s always two sides to the rent bs buy argument. Take time to work through due diligence for your situation before buying a home. Also don't buy into your agent telling you that rates will drop.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
21 days
The anti-advisor crowd on here is getting old. If managing your finances is so simple that hiring an advisor is not worth it Why do I come across some of the most simple tax savings opportunities?
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 months
@darrelltalksfi For me it’s: - vitamix - espresso machine - home gym setup Be wary of those AirPods, they be frying your brain!
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 months
“Hi Brett, I hope this message finds you well. I've just accepted the new position and am super excited about the opportunity. However, there's a bit of complexity around their equity compensation package, and I'm not sure how to proceed. They offer a mix of RSUs and ESOs, and
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
Today marks a significant milestone as I celebrate six months of actively engaging on social media. This journey has been incredible and transformed my perspective on social platforms. Six months ago, I set forth an ambitious goal for myself. I would go from posting zero on
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
"I'm paying ordinary income tax on $2 million, but I don't feel like I have $2 million." Anchoring bias can potentially cost you millions of dollars. Here's why understanding this bias can save you seen through the lens of a real-life situation
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
Weekend snuggles hit different. Never grow up my peanut.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
Not Surprisingly, many equity-compensated individuals have felt lost when filing their taxes. I've covered you with this easy-to-understand guide to the tax forms you'll encounter this year. If you have equity, bookmark this thread!
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
8 months
“This stock is my retirement plan.” A phrase that sends chills down my spine and one that was recently shared with me by a prospect. — Thread —
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
As an employee, it's important to know the difference between Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards. They may sound similar, but the distinction between them could save you thousands of dollars in taxes!
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
10 years
On the way to Chicago! Want to thank the @CincyCyclones , my teammates, staff, and coaches for a great year! #goclones
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
I recommend most of my clients establish Revocable Trusts. While alive, you are the CEO of your trust and have the freedom to change things. When you die, your successor CEO steps in and runs the company as you had desired in your documents. Easy framework.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Stock options have the ability to make you a millionaire. But, I’ve been working alongside people with options for 8 years and many are mismanaging them. Heres how to think about and maximize your options.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
If you intend to optimize your tax situation, I believe you need to start with the basics. Over the last 8 years, I've helped simplify the complexity of taxes for clients. One of the most common misunderstandings is marginal vs effective tax rates.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 months
Last week, I posted about how the Alternative Minimum Tax(AMT) and the AMT credit work and the awareness you need to have when planning around them. I’ve been flooded with DM’s on the topic and many of the questions have been surrounding the AMT credit risk. Lets take a deeper
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Asset location can be your secret weapon in building wealth. But it's often overlooked in favor of asset allocation. Here's how understanding asset location can benefit your portfolio 👇
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
10 years
Next years Halloween top ideas: 1) Dancing Shark 2) Beach Ball 3) Dancing Tree
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
Withholding rates can make or break you. But deciding between 22% or 37% on your equity compensation is tough. Here is a framework of I evaluate this decision with clients:
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
@JonathanCarter9 This is a joke, right? She's still in college. Most kids her age, aka those in college, are drunk watching her games.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Searching in your 401(k) documents for your True-up provisions? Heres a 3 step guide on where to look in your 401(k) plan documents
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
Roth IRAs are amazing savings vehicles But they come with limits and over-contributing can trigger penalties. Here are 3 ways to fix excess Roth IRA contributions
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
@unusual_whales This is a disturbing trend. Instead of solving the root of the problem, our food system, we opt for drugs. There's always a side effect to these choices, even if they are not immediate.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
@teb_ma @oddettem Beneficiary designations move by law and thus mostly avoid probate proceedings so there really isn't any reasons to remove all beneficiaries. If you establish a revocable trust its worth updating beneficiaries on accounts to name the Trust. Its really individualistic in set up.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
Asset location can be your secret weapon in building wealth. But it's often overlooked in favor of asset allocation. Here's how understanding asset location can benefit your portfolio 👇
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
People say that sitting 3-12 months cash in an High-Yield savings account isn’t worth it. Tell that to anyone who has been laid off and has an emergency fund to fall back on.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
The data doesn't lie—your assumptions might. The idea that you can consistently beat the market is a myth. One year, your picks are at the top; the next, they're scraping the bottom. Get yourself diversified to smooth the ride
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
It's important to understand that a tax deduction and a tax credit are not the same. Let's use an amusement park analogy to explain. Imagine you have two types of coupons for rides. One coupon, similar to a tax deduction, offers a 25% discount on the ticket price for any
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
“ I appreciate the conversation, but my financial situation is pretty simple.” - Has vesting RSUs - paying underpayment penalties - Has ISOs- no strategy and has let the spread increase significantly - 3 kids- no estate planning
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
When you're given equity at your company there's a few key documents to make sure you read through.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
Volatility isn't just part of investing; it is the game. But many still dive in without a strategy. The result? Unnecessary risk and stress. Here's how to build a long-term investment plan in 6 steps.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
There is no time like today for this one. Historically, the S&P 500 doesn't care who is in office. Stick to your plan.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
1 month
“ I appreciate the conversation but my financial situation is pretty simple.” - Has vesting RSUs - paying underpayment penalties - Has ISOs - no strategy and has let the spread increase greatly; - Paid AMT - Not tracking credits - 3 kids- no estate planning
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 days
4:30 AM: The time my alarm goes off every morning. No, I’m not making a minor league comeback. But I am doing something more challenging—living my values. Waking up at 4:30 AM to work out isn’t easy. But it’s a choice I make every day to grow stronger, mentally and physically.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
10 months
If I’m creating a Trust, why do I also need a will? As we work through the estate planning process I often hear this question. Let me break it down for you:
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
1 month
@SeanG8319 @NBCSports Seems like they fricken nailed it, right on time!
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
1 month
Most people have no investment strategy, and I believe it due to a lack of understanding I’m here to teach you how to build an investment strategy in a fun way. Here's how a solid investment strategy can be taught based on lessons I’ve learned in the kitchen.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
A large chunk of equity advice is terrible. I’ve worked with hundreds of equity-compensated employees and created a list of common beliefs you should ignore. Here are 7 “smart” sounding pieces of advice that are actually not so smart:
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
Going to be a little quiet on social over the next few days. Live your best life with your favorite person. (No kid vacation!!)
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
1 month
How does paying more in Alternative Minimum Tax(AMT) sound to you….? If you hold ISOs and your answer to this question is “not good” it's time to dig out of the sand and listen up. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to navigate potential tax law changes.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
Choosing to negotiate equity can accelerate financial freedom. But it requires strategic conversation backed by your due diligence. How do you turn equity into wealth? Here's a case study.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
If you’re evaluating your home costs through the lens of only your mortgage cost, you’re making a huge mistake Make sure to account for the additional costs of: - Homeowners insurance(can be escrowed) - Maintenance on the home - Utilities - Property Taxes(can be escrowed) -
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
@laura53246 @oddettem Great call out! Many estate planning attorneys struggle to get people to take action to fund their trusts. Such an important step.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
Looks can be deceiving in financial planning. I believe working with a financial advisor can help bring clarity to your financial life. Take a look at the picture. The story starts with a seemingly perfect financial picture ⇀ A household that must be living their best life!
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
9 months
Uncover the Untapped Potential of Your Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Today. Recently, my client received a 64.71% pre-tax gain by participating. Here are the ins & outs of ESPPs: - Thread - An ESPP is a way companies offer employees an opportunity to purchase stock at a
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 years
I find people I talk to really get put off by the word “budget”. What are some fun ways in which you discuss this topic with prospects/clients? #fintwit #personalfinance
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 months
Excited to have surpassed 1,200 followers. *hat tip* to all of the bots out here following me. I'll enjoy this number until the next purge!
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
When a new client begins working with me I’m clear in setting the stage of what expectations are. Gathering and handing over important financial information is not easy but it is a necessity. One crucial step in my onboarding process is requesting 3 years of prior tax returns.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 months
401(k)s are NOT a scam! Does this mean that it should be your only investment account? Of course not. I believe you should build a cashflow and investment savings strategy that fits what your investing time horizon.
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 months
If I’m creating a Trust, why do I also need a will? As we work through the estate planning process I often hear this question. Let me break it down for you 🔖 Why do you have a Trust— A Trust is intended to cover your wishes for: •Who will manage your financial affairs if
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
8 months
We have IPO reports surrounding Reddit! Congratulations to those who have had a hand in the growth of Reddit; your hard work will soon be realized! Once you’re done popping bottles 🍾, you’ll want to BOOKMARK this checklist to help maximize your IPO!
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
8 years
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Good financial planning means not all decisions = optimal money decisions. Good financial planning = guiding others to their desired life
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
10 months
The right move with your Incentive Stock Options doesn't always come down to what the taxes say. Creating a disqualifying disposition and losing tax preferential treatment of your equity can be the right move for you. - Thread - Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) are a form of
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Your RSUs are taxed just like a cash bonus. The difference is that with RSUs, you’re given stock instead of cash. Assuming you’ve been given $75,000, would you immediately buy your company stock with it?
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Being at a company going to IPO can feel like a dream come true. All your hard work will hopefully soon pay off, but there is a lot at stake if you don't prepare properly.
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
If you're investing money for the long term, don't waste your time worrying about who gets elected as our next President.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 years
Thoughts and prayers to all those affected in the Humboldt Broncos organization and community #prayforhumboldt
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
8 months
Reverse Budgeting and why I use it with my clients: Reverse budgeting encourages awareness of your spending. It prioritizes savings, which teaches you to live within your means. Tomorrow, I will share a step-by-step guide on how to do this for yourself.
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 years
Amazing discussing between @DasarteYarnway and @brianportnoy on how taking micro actions in your daily life that will empower you to be your best future self is inspiring as it gets! #BerknellTownhall
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 years
@iancmclaren @LeafsLateNight @TrueMapleLeafer Agreed. Blackballing if players absolutely happens throughout the ranks and it’s a shame this horrific act cost a kid his career and has torn up his life.
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
Taking control of your spending habits is the first step to financial well-being. Let's explore three methods which can help to get a solid cashflow plan in place:
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
@MattLaciskey “Thank you for sending the forms, unfortunately these are the incorrect forms. Please use this form and have the client sign with a notary and resend.”
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 years
While I missed my usual Saturday watching of College Gameday, I’m very happy to say I took this morning to sit and pass the exam to earn the Certified Student Loan Planner (CSLP®) designation! #happysaturday #cheers #fintwit
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
5 months
Happy Easter!
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
9 months
Dollar-cost averaging vs lump-sum investing, what’s better? The math tells you that lump-sum investing is best but emotionally it can be tougher if the market goes down. Honestly who cares, do whatever will allow you to stay the course over time.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
Supplemental Income is withheld differently. But most employees overlook this fact. Don't ignore your withholding needs 🧵
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
Sundays are for ice skating! Daddy/Daughter date to practice being a “super girl”!
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
@imericrife People often forget the hidden costs of owning a home. Those make the equation even less favorable at times.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
Expense ratios can erode your investment returns and can cost you thousands of dollars. Yet many investors dont understand these hidden fees Heres how to evaluate the hidden costs lurking inside your portfolio.
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
4 months
If you’re not reviewing your company benefits you could be leaving a lot on the table. Here are some common benefits I see missed: -- Employee Stock Purchase Plan -- After-tax 401(Mega Backdoor Roth) -- Health Savings Accounts -- Legal assistance -- Adoption assistance --
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
This can be a fantastic amount of savings for someone early in their career. However, general financial principles like “always max your 401(k)” can create inflexibility. If you desire to take sabbaticals or gain early financial independence, you need to think outside the box
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
Incentive Stock Options can be a tax trap. But it's not unavoidable. How to navigate AMT with ISOs in 4 steps.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
You’ll rarely, if ever, hear me tell a client not to sell their equity stake. Could there be more upside? Could it be done in a more tax-advantaged way? Sure, but once we review the trade-offs, the result is about YOU feeling good with your choice.
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
25 days
If you constantly face a hefty tax bill due to RSU income under-withholding, you need to know this...👇 RSU income under-withholding is a common issue, especially for high-income earners in the tech industry. Here’s why it happens:
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
7 months
When RSUs vest, you have choices to make. Here is what I discuss with clients: - Sell all shares - Sell shares for statutory withholding - Sell to cover your required taxes - Sell shares for required taxes, but not all shares Evaluate your situation before executing.
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Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
3 months
7 years ago today our journey began with the wrong cake being given to us at our wedding. That day was so beyond amazing I never even noticed the hiccup(wife caught it). What a great metaphor it has been for our life. From parenting through one of the weirdest times in life,
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
6 months
Equity compensation is tricky. And your own company's stock feels safe. How to avoid two common pitfalls 🔖
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@Soaps27
Brett Wysopal, CFP®, ECA
2 months
Something I learned early on that I firmly believe: You can't be an expert at everything. Find a topic or client set you enjoy and focus on serving them. Be obsessed with learning all the ways to help solve their problems. For me, that's individuals with equity compensation.
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