Funding and ownership
Vesting
Earning your equity gradually. A common pattern is four years, with nothing until the first anniversary (the "cliff") and the rest monthly after that.
A plain-English explanation, not financial or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check your own situation. For free, impartial guidance, try MoneyHelper. Disclaimer.
You'll hear it as
Leave before your cliff and you walk away with nothing.
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