Off Hour Hustle

This is the part most people don’t learn until it’s too late, and why I don’t count stock options as part of my total comp 😅

I went down a rabbit hole researching mine recently and realized there’s way more to it than just getting shares.

Things like:
• ISO vs NSO
• AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)
• early exercise
• 83(b) election

can all affect how much money you actually keep.

You might owe taxes before you ever see cash…
and your equity could also go to zero.

Still learning, but sharing what I’ve found so far :)

Save this if you have stock options or work at a startup 💕

Have you heard of a 409a?

Your private company stock price isn’t random 👀

There’s a number behind it, the 409a valuation, and it can be completely different depending on when you join a company.

Most people never even check it.

Part 3 is the part that actually affects your money.

Save this for later ☺️

Most people think stock options = free money.

That’s not how it works.

I had to deep dive after my first vesting to understand what I was actually getting into… and it’s way more complicated than it sounds 😅

Part 2: how your stock price is actually decided 👀

Save this if you’ve ever been confused about equity.

Does anyone else feel this way about work? 😅

So grateful for these opportunities and hitting this milestone 🥹💗

Only up from here 📈

Really hoping to bring my short-term rental series to life soon—and manifesting that first property 🤞😌

Olay x Your Rich BFF Well Endowed & Super Collection
Sephora Colorful, Waterproof, Retractable Eyeliners
L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion, Makeup Setting Spray

What expenses are you trying to cut down on this year? 💸

Even with a raise, my habits don’t change 😅 I did enjoy some shopping in Japan and Taiwan over the past two weeks though!

Definitely not taking job stability for granted these days 🥲how’s yours treating you??

Slide 6 was one of my favorite trips 👀

I’ve gotten most of my flights free over the past 6 years thanks to travel credit cards 😅and I’m never going back.

I’m always earning points on my travel cards to redeem for my next vacation. It’s the easiest way I’ve found to travel often and frugally :)

Comment “CARD” and I’ll send you some of my favorite travel cards to open right now!

Number 3 isn’t talked about enough 🥲

Not gonna lie, I definitely romanticized quitting my full-time job to focus on side hustles at some point 😅 my 9-5 was getting draining.

But here’s the thing: what you see online isn’t reality for everyone. Yes, you can bet on yourself, but if you need a stable paycheck, want to buy a home soon, or actually want paid vacations, a full-time role has so many advantages people forget while dreaming of quitting.

Sure, maybe I’ll miss some opportunities. Maybe I’m “not betting on myself enough.”
But for now, I’m willing to take that “risk” in exchange for stability, benefits, and leverage 🙂 and I’ll build wealth and freedom safely on my terms ✨

Not going to say my mind won’t change in the future but this is how I think for now! Have you ever glamorized quitting your job? 😅 and did you do it?!

This is my investing order of operations for 2026, built with the goal of reaching “work optional” by 40 🥹 Not one-size-fits-all, but a solid framework if you want an easy way to get started ✨

My goal for this year is to reduce my taxable income even more by investing in real estate via short term rentals! More on that coming soon ☺️

What are your investing goals for this year?✨

Follow to see how I plan to make work optional happen 💕 and comment STOCK to see everything in my portfolio for free!

personal finance, investing, Roth IRA, 401k, HSA, stocks, ETFs, retirement