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Christian West

Christian West

Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?

When it comes to getting behind the wheel of a new vehicle, the decision often comes down to one important question: Should you buy or lease? The right choice depends on your lifestyle, financial goals, and driving habits. Both options have clear advantages and trade-offs—understanding them can help

Accessing Retirement Funds Before 59½: Understanding SEPP Rule 72(t)

Most retirement savers know that withdrawing from an IRA or 401(k) before age 59½ generally triggers a 10% early withdrawal penalty, in addition to income taxes. In limited cases, however, the IRS allows early access without penalty. One such option is the Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP

Rental Property Taxes: Cash Flow vs. Taxable Net Income

Understanding rental property taxes means knowing the difference between cash flow and taxable income. Learn how depreciation, mortgage interest, and principal payments impact your bottom line, and why IRS rules can make taxable income much lower than actual cash flow.

Estate Tax Exemption in 2025 and Beyond: What the OBBBA Means for Families

When it comes to wealth transfer and estate planning, few numbers are as closely watched as the federal estate tax exemption. This figure determines how much wealth can pass free of federal estate tax at death (or through lifetime gifts). With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in

Choosing the Correct Tax Filing Status

When it comes to preparing your tax return, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right filing status. Your filing status determines your standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits and deductions, and ultimately how much tax you owe—or how much of a refund you may

Understanding Social Security’s 2025 COLA Adjustment

Each year, Social Security benefits are adjusted to help retirees, survivors, and individuals with disabilities keep pace with rising costs. These adjustments—known as Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)—are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation. What Is COLA? Since 1975, Soc

Social Security Tax Changes: Separating Fact from Fiction

When Congress passed the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), the headlines came fast and loud. Some news outlets and even a Social Security Administration (SSA) email suggested that the new law would eliminate federal income taxes on Social Security benefits. That claim spread quickly—but it isn’t

What to Expect as a New Client at Rigden Capital Strategies

Starting a new financial advisory relationship is an important step, and at Rigden Capital Strategies, we want every client to feel confident, comfortable, and supported from day one. Our onboarding process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and focused on building a strong foundation for your

Why Physical Real Estate May Not Belong in Your IRA

For many investors, real estate is a cornerstone of building wealth. It provides potential appreciation, steady rental income, and diversification outside of traditional stock and bond markets. But when it comes to retirement accounts like IRAs, directly owning physical real estate often creates mor

How Often Should You Review Your Insurance Policies?

Insurance plays a central role in protecting your financial well-being. While investments and savings help you grow wealth, insurance safeguards it from unexpected events. But how often should you review your policies? Which types of insurance are essential—and which might be unnecessary? How Often