E*TRADE Launches Planning Center for Equity Compensation Plan Participants

E*TRADE Financial Corporate Services has launched their Planning Center, a digital dashboard allowing equity compensation plan participants to factor those benefits into their financial strategies.

According to E*TRADE, the tool aims to help participants plan future events relative to their stock plan; recognize possible tax implications concerning their benefits; understand how proper utilization of proceeds can meet financial goals; and comprehend education fitted for the stock plan awards received from their company.  

The recent feature comes at a time where plan participants are implementing equity compensation plans as a savings vehicle for retirement. According to E*TRADE’s 2016 Corporate Services Annual Participant Survey, over half of equity compensation plan participants were preparing to use stock plans for retirement savings. Additionally, the company said employers recommended participants utilize these options for diversification and future reserves.

“Too often, stock plan participants see their equity compensation as a bonus to help meet short-term goals, and one that is distinct from their long-term financial wellness,” says Scott Whatley, president of E*TRADE Corporate Services. “With the Planning Center, we aim to help participants learn how their stock plan benefits fit into their larger financial picture and how they can make a meaningful difference in achieving some of life’s biggest financial goals.”