Allison is a young dynamo who has been putting her computer-science degree to work as a programmer. At age 27, she has the opportunity to join a newly public technology company. She’d have the chance to work in a new and creative environment and participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Program (Stock Plan). Independent and yet risk averse, before she changes jobs Allison’s parents suggest that she meet with their financial advisor to discuss a personal financial plan.

Forty-eight-year-old Christopher was senior vice president of security at a real estate search company when he died unexpectedly in a tragic car accident. Now his wife, Denise, 48, needs help to understand how her late husband’s performance share units (PSUs) will be handled.

Sid is a 45-year-old board member of a regional pharmaceutical company. His son, Aaron, is a high school junior in the process of choosing a college to attend after graduation.

Eileen is well prepared for retirement – but not quite yet. The general counsel for a public company had planned for retirement at age 65. New post-vesting holding period rules are colliding with the prospect of using her performance shares for an unplanned retirement. Learn more about post-vesting holding periods and how to consider and address their impact on your retirement timeline.

Nick is craving an ocean adventure that’s bound to give him a sense of freedom and accomplishment. As Executive Director for a commercial airline, he wants to strategically use the income from Performance Stock Units to finance what will be an unforgettable trip.