What are the best alternatives to stock options in salary negotiations?

Restricted Stock units and awards can appear complex, but they provide the opportunity for tax and income planning. people that fail to plan, end up with concentrated positions and large tax burdens. talk to a CFP(r) about strategies to minimize taxes and maximize your awards. There are charitable options for eliminating taxes, lending options to borrow against your stock, and methods of diversifying positions without triggering taxes.

Performance shares are less common in today's job market. It is important to understand that these awards are contingent on certain performance measurements that may be outside of the person's control and, hence are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon as ongoing income.

Additionally to that benefit from the phantom shares are taxed with payroll taxes, which in some countries might be as high as 50%.

Similar to Stock Appreciation Rights, you don't own the stock, have no voting rights, and never own the shares. This program is only dependent on the increase in the value of the company stock. Be cautious as the awards are not directly correlated to the individuals' performance but the overall share pricing of the company.

Ask your HR if you can defer a portion into your retirement accounts like 401ks. This way you can defer taxes on the amount you contribute to your retirement accounts. Cash bonuses are taxes at ordinary income rates. Be careful of being pushed into a higher tax bracket as this can have a domino effect on multiple areas like students' financial aid eligibility, Roth eligibility, and Medicare premiums if over 65.

Letely popularity is gaining also 4 day work week which can be used in salary negotiations in case the company is not able to pay as wished, but you see the potential of growth there.

From my experience working at a FAANG/MAANG company and a hyper growth start up, it's wise to focus on negotiating the part of the offer package that will potentially increase cash flow and accelerate wealth accumulation. Though the benefits package is important, your savings and investment account (equity and salary) are a very important part of your financial plan.

Would a job change cause social economic changes in your life? If you had to move would you lose connections with your church, family, and community? Is the new job worth the change? Honest conversations with your family are important to set clear expectations.