Simplifying Stock Options and Making Money Talks Refreshing

Background

Based in St. Louis with his wife Lainie, Chris majored in Business Administration with a specialty in finance at the University of Kentucky. Previously, Chris was Lead Financial Advisor at Secfi, a VC-backed fintech providing equity planning solutions, stock option financing, and financial advisory services to startup employees. Prior to Secfi, Wealth Manager at Plancorp, an RIA with $5.5bn AUM. Chris also holds a CFP designation.

Guiding Principles

Chris' approach focuses on maximizing certainty in achieving your desired life and minimizing the stress of the journey. While building wealth and reducing taxes are important, they're not always aligned with these goals. The goal is to take calculated risks that provide peace of mind.

Areas of Expertise

Chris excels at situations involving equity compensation, with experience including educating employees on tax implications of various stock grants, developing strategies to mitigate taxes when exercising or liquidating stock options, and collaborating with corporate financial wellness partners to provide comprehensive education.Beyond equity compensation, Chris's approach to wealth management is comprehensive. He excels at: simplifying complex financial concepts for clients; advising business owners on strategies to de-risk and maximize the value of their businesses; and developing partnerships with external advisors to create aligned strategies for clients.

Common Client Characteristics

• $350k+ in household income (no minimum assets)
• Have young children or are looking to start a family soon
• Equity Compensation (ISOs, NSOs, Restricted Stock, ESPP, RSUs)
• You want to avoid tax surprises and reduce tax exposure
• Embarking on life transitions - job changes, home upgrades, growing your family, launching a business, etc.

Personal Interests

When not advising clients, you can find Chris on the tennis and volleyball court, or leading his local church's men's group and teaching 2nd and 3rd grade Sunday School classes.