Financial planning for medical device and pharma sales reps
Big base, bigger commission, and equity you are not sure what to do with. We help medical device and pharma sales reps turn a high, variable income into real wealth, with fee-only, fiduciary advice from real people.
You will always talk to a real person.
I am Nick George, the founder. I built ClearMind Capital for people whose money does not fit the old playbook. You get a CFP® professional who knows your whole situation, answers the phone, and treats your money like it matters. That is the whole idea.
Nick George, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, IWA™ · Founder
Device and pharma reps earn well, but the pay is complicated: a base, commissions that swing with the quarter, quota accelerators, RSUs or stock options, an ESPP, and sometimes deferred comp. Add frequent moves between companies and it is easy to leave money on the table. We help you make sense of all of it and build a plan that keeps up with your income.
Comp that swings with the quarter
Base plus commission plus bonus means a huge Q4 and a lean Q1, and commission checks are often under-withheld, so a tax bill can sneak up in April. We plan around your real pay: we set a spending number you can count on, coordinate with a trusted CPA partner so withholding and estimates stay accurate, and turn the big checks into lasting progress.
Equity comp you are not sure what to do with
RSUs, stock options, and an ESPP are real money, and they also pile your net worth into one company's stock. We build a plan for when to sell, how vesting and taxes work, and how to diversify a concentrated position while keeping the tax bill in check. Your ESPP discount becomes a real strategy.
Every tax-advantaged dollar the code allows
A high income phases you out of a regular Roth, so we use the moves built for earners like you: max the 401(k), a backdoor Roth, a mega-backdoor Roth if your plan allows it, an HSA, and deferred comp elections where they make sense. The goal is to shelter as much as the rules permit, every year.
Every move handled without losing ground
Reps move for better territory and comp, and each move leaves an old 401(k), unvested equity, and a new benefits menu to decode. We handle the rollovers so nothing gets stranded, check what equity you would forfeit before you say yes, and get you set up fast at the new company.
What this can look like
Illustrative examples, not actual clients, and not a promise of results.
The Q4 windfall
A rep lands a $70,000 commission check in December that was barely withheld. We set the tax aside first, top off the 401(k) and backdoor Roth, and invest the rest, so the December check goes straight into building the portfolio.
The concentrated stock
A rep at a large medtech company has 40% of their net worth in company RSUs. We build a scheduled, tax-aware plan to trim the position and diversify, lowering the risk that one stock defines their retirement.
The job switch
A rep leaving for a competitor has two old 401(k)s and a vesting cliff six weeks away. We time the move, roll the old accounts into one place, and make sure they keep the equity that was about to vest.
Why fee-only and fiduciary matters
Fee-only means we are paid by you, never through commissions or product sales, so the advice stays about you. Fiduciary means we are legally bound to act in your best interest, at all times. We work with clients in Columbus, across Ohio, and nationwide, and everything can be done virtually.
Common questions
Do you work with medical device and pharmaceutical sales reps?
Yes, it is one of the groups we work with most. Whether you are at a large medtech company or a smaller specialty firm, we understand base-plus-commission pay, equity comp, and frequent moves. We are in Columbus, Ohio and work with reps nationwide, virtually.
How should I handle my RSUs or stock options?
The two big risks are concentration and taxes. We build a plan for when to sell and how vesting is taxed, and we diversify a large single-stock position on a schedule, so it is a deliberate, planned decision.
What is a mega-backdoor Roth, and can I use it?
It is a way to get far more into a Roth than the normal limits allow, using after-tax 401(k) contributions, available only if your plan supports it. We check your specific plan and, if it is there, help you use it.
I change companies often. What should I do with my old 401(k)s?
Usually consolidate them so nothing gets stranded or forgotten. We handle the rollovers and, just as important, check what equity or match you might forfeit before you leave, so the timing works in your favor.
Do you only work with reps in Ohio?
No. We serve clients nationwide and meet virtually. Fee-only and fiduciary means the advice is the same wherever your territory is.
Let's make your comp plan work as hard as you do.
This page is general information for people exploring our services and is not investment, tax, or legal advice or a recommendation for any specific person or situation. The examples are illustrative, are not based on actual clients, and are not a promise of results. Strategies such as S-corp elections, backdoor and mega-backdoor Roth contributions, equity-comp decisions, and deferred compensation depend on your specific situation and current law, so confirm the details with a qualified professional before acting. ClearMind Capital LLC is a registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
