Yeah, I did that. On December 16 (of some year), I decided that if I waited until next year, I could get the same money and pay a lower incremental tax on it. Except that on December 18, the market decided that it didn't like our stock any more, and I couldn't get the same money next year.

So I say: It's fine to make the most of your income through legal ways. But sometimes doing so can have surprising effects on your actual income, not just on the taxes. So, don't go too far out of the way to avoid the taxes, because it can burn you...