VestWise helps biotech and tech employees in the Frederick, MD area understand what their equity compensation actually means — before the tax bill arrives.
Most financial advisors do retirement planning. We do one thing: help you understand the equity in your compensation package so you stop leaving money on the table and avoid expensive tax surprises.
We walk through your RSU agreements, stock option grants, and ESPP details line by line so you actually understand what you have.
Know exactly what happens on each vesting date, why your paycheck looks different, and why you might owe more at tax time than was withheld.
Some equity decisions have a 30-day window that, once missed, can't be undone. We make sure you never miss a critical deadline.
We don't replace your tax advisor — we make your time with them dramatically more productive by helping you arrive informed and with the right questions.
We partner with HR departments at local biotech and tech companies to educate entire teams about their equity compensation before vesting season.
Early employee at a startup? We help you understand cap tables, option pools, dilution, and what your equity is actually worth at different exit scenarios.
Every service is a flat fee for your time — never a percentage of your assets or a commission. You know exactly what you're paying before we start.
A focused session where we review your grant documents, explain what you have, walk through your vesting schedule, and answer every question you've been sitting on.
Our most comprehensive individual offering. We review all your equity documents, map out every vesting event, model the tax impact, and produce a written summary with key dates and questions for your CPA.
Scheduled 1–3 months before a major vesting event. We help you understand the upcoming tax hit, whether enough is being withheld, and what to discuss with your tax preparer before it happens.
Just accepted a new offer with a complex package? We walk through your full compensation — RSUs, ESPP, 401(k) match, and any stock options — so you understand everything you said yes to.
Early employee or founder? We explain your cap table, option pool, dilution mechanics, 409A valuations, and what your equity could be worth at different exit valuations.
Received restricted stock or low-priced options at a startup? The 83(b) election has a strict 30-day window and can save you significantly in taxes if used correctly. We explain whether it applies to you and what to do.
We come to your office (or go virtual) and run a 1–2 hour educational session for your team covering RSUs, vesting, tax basics, and what questions to ask. Perfect for HR departments that want to help employees understand their benefits.
Working at a company approaching an IPO or acquisition? Monthly check-ins to track your equity, understand the timeline, plan for the tax event, and make sure you're asking the right questions of your company's HR.
For employers who want ongoing equity education as a benefit. Quarterly workshops, an employee equity hotline, and custom educational materials branded to your company's specific equity plan. Annual contract with auto-renewal.
From booking to your session, we've made it as easy as possible to get the answers you need about your equity.
15 minutes to tell us what you have and what's confusing you. We confirm it's a good fit and recommend the right service.
Securely send us your grant agreements, offer letter, or brokerage statements so we can prepare before your session.
We meet via video or in person in Frederick. We walk through everything — no jargon, no rushing, all your questions answered.
You receive a written summary of key dates, action items, and the right questions to bring to your CPA or financial advisor.
If you work in biotech, tech, or government contracting in the Frederick and Montgomery County area, there's a good chance you have equity compensation nobody has ever explained to you.
Working at Kite Pharma, AstraZeneca, Thermo Fisher, Lonza, or another Frederick-area life sciences company with RSUs or stock options.
Living in Frederick but working remotely for a tech company. Your RSUs are real money — let's make sure you understand them.
Moved from federal employment to the private sector and received equity compensation for the first time. Everything here is new — we'll walk you through it.
Early employee or founder at a startup with stock options or RSUs. We explain what your equity is actually worth and what decisions you need to make.
Evaluating a job offer with an equity package and want to understand the full value of what's on the table before you say yes.
Looking to improve employee financial wellness by bringing in an equity compensation educator for group workshops and ongoing support.
Not ready for a one-on-one session? Start with a self-paced course or downloadable resource. Build your knowledge on your schedule.
Everything you need to know about restricted stock units — from grant to vesting to taxes. Includes video lessons, a vesting tracker template, and a tax prep checklist.
The definitive guide to incentive and non-qualified stock options — what they are, how they're taxed differently, AMT implications, and when to exercise.
Cap tables, dilution, 409A valuations, option pools, and how to evaluate your equity at different exit scenarios. Essential for anyone joining a startup.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans offer a 15% discount — but most employees don't understand the tax rules. This course covers qualifying vs. disqualifying dispositions and the optimal strategy.
Track all your vesting events, estimate tax withholding, and see your total equity value over time — all in one clean, easy-to-use spreadsheet template.
A comprehensive checklist of the most important questions to bring to your tax preparer before your RSUs vest — so you don't leave that meeting having missed something critical.
Bi-weekly plain-English breakdowns of equity compensation concepts, tax deadline reminders, and reader Q&A. Free to subscribe. Upgrade to paid for weekly deep dives.
Plug in your option grant details and the company's latest 409A valuation and see a clear breakdown of potential value at different exit scenarios.
No degree required to launch this business — but every credential VestWise holds is earned through examination, not just experience. Here's exactly what backs our expertise.
Issued by the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC). Certifies qualification to teach financial concepts at a professional level. The foundational credential for all VestWise education services.
Issued by the CEP Institute at Santa Clara University. The gold standard credential specifically for equity compensation professionals. Covers plan types, taxation, administration, legal, and global equity.
VestWise LLC is a properly formed Maryland business entity, registered with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation and operating with professional liability (E&O) insurance.
VestWise operates strictly as a financial educator and navigator — not an investment advisor. We never manage client assets, charge AUM fees, or give buy/sell recommendations. This keeps our services accessible and conflict-free.
Every service is priced as a flat fee for your time. We have no financial incentive to recommend any product, platform, or course of action. Our only goal is your clarity.
Equity compensation tax rules change. We stay current through the NASPP, myStockOptions.com, IRS publications, and the CEP Institute's ongoing education — so you always get accurate, current guidance.
Have a general question, want to discuss a corporate engagement, or just not sure where to start? Send us a message and we'll get back to you within one business day. For booking a consultation, use the Book a Consult form instead.
Our Information
Location
Frederick, Maryland
Serving the I-270 Biotech Corridor
Virtual sessions available nationwide
hello@vestwise.com
Response Time
Within 1 business day
Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm ET
linkedin.com/company/vestwise
Looking to book a session?
Use our Book a Free Discovery Call form — it collects the details we need to match you with the right service before your first appointment.
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The average RSU package is worth $50,000–$200,000 over four years. A $200 session to actually understand yours is the best return on that investment you'll ever make.
No pressure. No commitment. Just clarity about your equity.