Equity Compensation Management
- RSU vesting optimization and tax-efficient liquidation strategies
- Stock option planning (ISO/NSO) with AMT mitigation
- Performance share unit (PSU) analysis and timing strategies
- ESPP discount capture and tax optimization
*DecisionMap Wealth Management is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission, nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional before following any particular strategy.
Your Security Clearance is Your Greatest Asset,
But It Shouldn't Be Your Only One.
As a defense contractor or business owner, you understand strategic planning and risk assessment. Yet when it comes to your personal wealth, are you applying the same disciplined approach?
At DecisionMap Wealth Management, we specialize in the unique financial challenges facing defense industry professionals and businesses. From income volatility and clearance requirements to contract uncertainties, government pensions and investment restrictions, we guide you in order to make sense of the complexities and map out a financial future that helps to protect your dreams.
As independent advisors, we have the freedom to work with you on your side of the table without the restrictions
and influences of a large institution. Together, we can help you make the right decisions for your financial future.
Our founders collectively have more than 50 years of wealth management experience. The firm’s ethos was forged on the concept of sound decision-making to bring clarity, confidence and control to your financial life. We believe in obtaining and maintaining prestigious designations such as the CFP®, CFA®, and ChFC® as well as advanced degrees in finance, financial planning and behavioral economics.
We're Independent, So We Can Do What's Best For You
- Non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) planning and distribution strategies
- Supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) maximization
- 409A compliance and tax-efficient bonus timing
- Severance and golden parachute negotiation support
Deferred Compensation & Retirement Planning
- Alternative minimum tax (AMT) planning and credit optimization
- Capital gains harvesting with direct indexing
- High-income tax strategies and SALT cap management
- Charitable giving strategies using equity compensation
Tax Optimization Strategies
A native Washingtonian, Paul has over three decades of wealth management experience. Prior to co-founding DecisionMap Wealth Management with Mark Weber, he worked as a vice president for Goldman Sachs and was a managing director for United Capital Financial Advisors. He was also the founder of Bennett Financial Corporation and Private Wealth Advisers as well as co-founder of c5 Wealth Management.
Paul specializes in providing wealth management advice to executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and retirees. Paul’s unique approach involves demystifying complicated financial jargon and simplifying concepts, a skill refined through years of helping clients make confident decisions. His doctoral work, which delved deep into investor behavior and utilized methods to enhance the investing experience, provides a unique perspective in the industry.
Paul is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA). He holds a postdoctoral Master of Science in applied analytics from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in economics from SMC University. Paul also holds a Master of Science in finance from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida.
Paul is a published author of books and articles on investments, personal finance and economics. His most recent book is entitled, "The Money Navigator: The Essential Guide to Living Your Ideal Financial Life." He also has served as a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, contributing to the development of examination questions for the CFP® certification examination.
Paul was previously a member of the board of directors of the Rotary Foundation of Great Falls, Virginia, and served on the board of trustees for Capital Hospice as well as the finance and planning giving advisory committees.
In his free time, Paul enjoys playing pickleball, traveling and spending time with his family, reading nonfiction and playing an occasional round of golf.
Meet Paul
Paul Bennett, Ph.D., MSF, CFP®
CEO & Founder
We work with clients to give their wealth a clear direction on the wide-open map of retirement. As fiduciaries, we offer comprehensive advice and guidance to align important financial decisions with desired lifestyles. It’s the power of choosing your own path and following your passions.
Our DecisionMap process enables you to express your values, beliefs and goals, while working to understand the trade-offs associated with your financial priorities.
About DecisionMap Wealth Management
- Pension maximization and defined contribution optimization
- Mega backdoor Roth and after-tax contribution strategies
- Social Security timing with executive compensation
- Post-career board service and consulting income planning
Executive Retirement Strategies
- RSU windfall and vesting event management psychology
- Career transition identity coaching (executive to consultant/board member)
- Loss aversion strategies for employer stock diversification
- Decision-tree frameworks for complex compensation choices
- Emotional discipline during defense industry M&A volatility
