RSUs: From Grants to Golden Handcuffs

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/