Category: Smart Money Tips

About Archer Investment Management

At Archer Investment Management, we help tech professionals and pre-retirees gain clarity and confidence about their financial futures — so they can worry less about money and focus more on enjoying the life they’ve worked hard to build.

Many of our clients are high earners navigating tech equity compensation, IPO windfalls, and high-stress roles, or individuals preparing for retirement who want a smooth and confident transition.

What makes us unique as financial advisors is our belief that money isn’t just math — it’s deeply connected to your decisions, your dreams, and sometimes even your worries. 

That’s why we design financial plans that don’t just prepare you for the future, but also make your life feel better today. 

By weaving together financial planning, tax strategies, and investment management with proactive guidance, we help clients replace stress and second-guessing with clarity, confidence, and more room for the things that matter most.

The result is a clear plan that reduces stress and creates flexibility in your financial life. 

Whether you’re aiming to retire early, shift into more fulfilling work, or maximize the wealth you’ve worked so hard to build.

Here’s what clients say about working with Archer:

“I was quite literally afraid of getting help and of all that it involved. It’s been wonderful. No kidding: best decision ever!

I’m not finance-oriented by any measure, but luck came my way for once and I found myself having enough assets to need some help. Only I didn’t know what kind of help I needed and it’s easy to get overwhelmed quickly and I was on like year number whatever of being overwhelmed and I just kicked that can down the road every year.

After a short search, I found Archer’s team and quickly just pushed other options off the table and signed on. They’ve actually been able to simplify things in a way that makes me feel like I can manage my life and not worry about it all for the first time in years. I basically had all eggs, but no basket. Now I have a comprehensive plan from some incredible staff and I actually love the process instead of dreading the matter.

Simply put, Archer has changed how I view my own finances and what used to be a cause of stress for me is now a giant sigh of relief. I said in the title it was the best decision ever and I mean it: this has 100% seriously no-fingers-crossed changed my life. If you’re like me and you’ve been debating if you even need this kind of help, then yes… yes, you do!”

Scott
Received via WealthTender on July 10, 2024

Disclosure: These testimonials were provided by current Archer Investment Management clients and may not be representative of the experiences of other clients. The clients were not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given testimonials. View more reviews on WealthTender or Google.

That said, we know we aren’t the right fit for everyone. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of other respected financial advisors in Austin for 2025 to help you find the right match for your unique situation.

Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive. It reflects our opinion only and should not be considered a testimonial or endorsement of any advisor included.

Other Top Financial Advisors in Austin in 2025

1. LeafHouse Financial

Specialty: 

• High-net-worth families
• Institutional retirement plans

Why They Stand Out: LeafHouse is one of Austin’s largest independent RIAs, managing over $2 billion in assets. They’re known for their retirement plan investment management expertise, fiduciary advice, and proprietary technology platform that streamlines complex portfolio oversight.

2. Reap Financial

Specialty:

• Entrepreneurs
• Families focused on legacy planning

Why They Stand Out: Reap operates as a “virtual family office,” guiding clients through tax strategy, estate planning, retirement income, and investments. They’re particularly strong for entrepreneurs and affluent families who want to preserve and grow wealth across generations.

“Chris and his team enabled me to retire and continue to enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle. Their level of professionalism, fiscal knowledge and integrity is very hard to find in these competitive times. Reap Financial guided us through the many investment loopholes, ensuring we placed our savings in the right buckets.

For anyone looking for financial peace of mind in their later years, I would not hesitate to recommend Chris and his team at Reap Financial.”

Keith M.
Received via Google Review in May 2025

3. Austin Wealth Management

Specialty: 

• Holistic wealth planning with ongoing client access

Why They Stand Out: Austin Wealth emphasizes collaboration and education. Clients gain access to a secure wealth management system to track progress, paired with regular check-ins and proactive communication.

4. DESMO Wealth Advisors

Specialty: 

• Fee-only financial planning informed by behavioral economics

Why They Stand Out: Led by Dr. Massi de Santis, Ph.D. and CFP®, DESMO integrates behavioral economics into comprehensive, fee-only planning. Their approach helps clients identify and overcome biases that can derail financial progress.

5. Elgon Financial Advisors

Specialty: 

• Immigrants
• Professionals with equity compensation

Why They Stand Out: Founded by Jane Mepham, CFP®, Elgon focuses on immigrant families and professionals navigating equity compensation. Jane’s IT background and personal immigrant experience give her unique insight into the challenges these clients face.

“Jane is not only a great financial advisor but also knowledgeable, kind, and hard working.

She’s ready to do the research to help advise on tricky financial decisions or provide the depth of knowledge she already has on cross-border financial advice. 

We’re so happy we chose Jane as our advisor.”

Mat B.
Received via Wealthtender in March 2025

How Archer Investment Management Is Different

When you’re searching for the right financial advisor, it can be difficult to spot the differences. 

Here’s what sets Archer apart:

• Client-first, always. As fiduciaries, we’ll never recommend strategies you don’t need.
• Quality over quantity. We limit the number of clients we serve to ensure deeply personalized guidance.
• 100% digital. From paper-free planning to secure dashboards, our approach is built for modern professionals.
• Proactive planning. We provide ongoing reviews, annual check-ins, and Flourish Meetings to keep your plan aligned with your goals as life changes.

Recognition & Awards

Archer Investment Management has been recognized with several national awards, including:

• Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2025)
• Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors (2025)
• Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors (2025)
• Wealthtender Voice of the Client Highly Rated Firm (2025)
• Wealthtender Voice of the Client Highly Rated Advisor (2025)

To learn more about our professional certifications and awards, click here.

See all award disclosures here.

The Bottom Line

Austin is home to a wide range of excellent financial advisors, each with unique specialties and strengths. If you’re looking for guidance, you have strong options across the city.

But if you’re a tech professional navigating equity compensation or a pre-retiree preparing for your next chapter, Archer Investment Management may be a great fit for you.

We help clients reduce stress, create flexibility, and build an intentional financial plan that supports the life they want to live today and tomorrow. 

Want to learn more? Schedule a free consultation with one of our CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS® today.

Key Takeaways:

An Important Decision: Should I take a Qualifying Disposition or Sell Earlier, Triggering a Disqualifying Disposition?

If you’ve received Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) from your employer, one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make is deciding when to sell your shares after you’ve purchased them (a step known as exercising).

Exercising ISOs presents a critical decision: Should you aim for a qualifying disposition or selling earlier, triggering a disqualifying disposition? The choice isn’t just about taxes; it can play a role in your financial goals, such as buying a home or managing risks in your portfolio.

What Are Qualifying and Disqualifying Dispositions?

Qualifying Disposition

A qualifying disposition happens when you sell your ISO shares after meeting two specific holding period requirements:

1. At least one year after the exercise date (when you purchased the shares)

2. At least two years after the grant date (when you received the options)

When you meet both of these requirements, you’ll pay the lower long-term capital gains tax rate (0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your income) instead of the much higher ordinary income tax rates.

Watch Out! Many people only focus on the one-year holding period after exercise. But don’t forget—you also need to hold them for at least two years after the grant date. Missing this second requirement could mean paying much higher taxes by triggering a disqualifying disposition.

Disqualifying Disposition

A disqualifying disposition happens if you sell your ISO shares too early—before meeting  the two holding periods.

When this happens, your profits are taxed at ordinary income tax rates, which can go as high as 37% for top earners. That’s a big difference from the lower rates when the sale is considered a qualifying disposition.

Viewing ISOs and Employer Shares from a Portfolio Perspective

It’s exciting to hold stock in your company, but holding too much can be risky. If the stock price drops, your portfolio could take a big hit.

That’s why it’s important to think about your ISOs as part of a bigger picture and make sure your investments are well-balanced to protect your long-term financial health.

The Real Tax Impact: Why It Matters

The difference between qualifying and disqualifying dispositions has a big impact on how much of your profit you get to keep after taxes.

Here’s the breakdown:

• • Qualifying Disposition: You’ll pay the lower long-term capital gains rate (around 15-20% for most people).

• • Disqualifying Disposition: You’ll pay the higher ordinary income tax rate, which can reach up to 37%.

Let’s say you’re in the highest tax bracket. The difference between these rates could mean paying 17% more in taxes—potentially costing you tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how much stock you’re selling.

Struggling to untangle the best time to sell your stock? That’s exactly what we help our clients with every day. Schedule a call with us, and we can help you figure it out.

When a Disqualifying Disposition Might Make Sense

Even though disqualifying dispositions can come with higher taxes, there are times when they make good financial sense.

If you have immediate liquidity needs—whether for buying a house, paying for an emergency, covering education costs, or any other major expense—having money on hand might be more valuable than holding out for tax savings.

Selling early can also help reduce your financial risk.

For example, if you’re worried about your company’s performance, stock market swings, or your own job security, it could be smarter to sell some shares now and diversify your investments rather than waiting just to save on taxes.

Here’s a real-life example:
One of our clients, a Tesla employee, faced an unexpected layoff. They needed money quickly to relocate, buy a bigger home, purchase a second car, and prepare for a baby.

In this situation, selling the shares immediately—even with the higher tax hit—was the right move.

The immediate funds allowed them to meet their needs without unnecessary stress.

Understanding the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Let’s talk about the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), which can complicate ISO decisions.

If you exercise your ISOs but don’t sell the shares right away, you might owe AMT even though you haven’t made any money from selling them.

Here’s how it works: The IRS looks at the “paper gain”—the difference between the price you paid to exercise your options and the market value of the stock. Even if you’re just holding the shares, this paper gain can create a tax bill. It’s one more thing to factor in when planning your ISO strategy.

A paper gain is like potential profit. It’s the difference between what you paid for your stock when you exercised your options and what the stock is worth today.

Even though you haven’t sold the stock or made any real money, the IRS looks at this potential profit and might tax you on it with the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). It’s like being taxed on money you don’t actually have in your pocket yet!

(We often refer to this potential profit as “an “unrealized” gain).

Five Key Considerations for Deciding When to Sell Your ISO Shares

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for when to sell your ISO shares—it all depends on your personal situation and financial planning needs.

1. 1. Start by looking at your income level. If you’re in a higher tax bracket, the tax difference between qualifying and disqualifying dispositions becomes even more important.

1. 1. Next, think about market risk. Waiting to meet the waiting requirements for a qualifying disposition might save on taxes, but it also means holding onto your shares longer. If the stock price drops during the holding period, those tax savings could disappear.

1. 1. To stay on top of things, make sure you keep track of key dates such as your grant date, exercise date, and vesting schedules. Knowing these details can help you plan your sales effectively.

1. 1. A great strategy to lower risk is “staged selling.” Instead of selling all your shares at once, sell in smaller amounts over time. This approach balances market risk with tax benefits.

1. 1. Lastly, check how much of your portfolio is tied up in employer stock. Too much can leave you overexposed if your company’s stock takes a hit. Diversifying your investments is key to long-term financial stability.

Remember, tax laws aren’t set in stone

Tax laws change, which could affect how you plan your ISO sales. Changes to capital gains tax rates or AMT rules might also impact your strategy.

Staying informed about these potential shifts by working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® is important so you can adapt your plan and avoid surprises.

Next Steps

To make informed ISO decisions, take a close look at your grant dates and exercise dates, calculating the tax impact of a qualifying versus selling early to trigger a disqualifying disposition, and consider any immediate liquidity needs. Your risk tolerance also shapes your approach.

Once you have a clear sense of your financial picture, set a timeline for exercising and selling  your shares based on the current market and your company’s performance.

Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® experienced in equity compensation can help align your ISO strategy with broader financial goals, while a tax professional can provide tailored advice for your situation.

The Bottom Line

Qualifying dispositions can be a great way to save on taxes, but they’re not always the right choice. The best decision balances tax savings with your personal needs and financial goals.

Sometimes, it’s worth paying a little more in taxes if it helps you meet a big life goal, reduce risk, or feel more financially secure.

Need help developing a custom ISO strategy?

Reach out to our team at Archer Investment Management to schedule a consultation.

We specialize in helping tech professionals make smart, confident decisions about their equity compensation.

Schedule a call with our team.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 15th, 2022. It has been updated to offer an expanded scope of the subject area.

Read More On Equity Comp From Our Team: 

• • What You Need to Know About Employee Stock Options

• • Six Strategies to Minimize Alternative Minimum Tax from Incentive Stock Options

• • Equity Compensation for Tech Professionals: How It Works

Read more…

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