Featuring clear explanations of how your stock options might make you money--or not--this friendly guide fills you in on what you need to know to:

• Understand different types of stock options
• Read and find traps in your stock option agreement
• Evaluate the pros and cons of company investment vehicles
• Assess vesting schedules and tax laws
• Tap Web resources

Simon demystifies the jargon, rules, and tax consequences of stock options. He provides a realistic picture of what to expect from your options, and he helps you see past the hype to understand what your employer is really offering. Important topics covered include:

• What you need to know before accepting a compensation package that includes options
• Developing a stock option philosophy and clear-cut goals
• Knowing whether you're being treated fairly by your company
• Making sense of the language of stock options agreements
• Getting a handle on key restrictions on how you exercise your options
• Stock option valuation
• Tax rules and how they apply to different types of options
• How stock options can be affected by changes at your company

Stock Options For Dummies is the only guide you'll need to get the most out of this important investment vehicle.