Strategy Matters: How Stress Testing Can Improve Financial Planning Decisions
- Neil Connolly
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Financial planning is often mistaken for a “set it and forget it” task. In reality, effective planning is an ongoing process that evolves as markets, tax laws, and personal goals change.
At Rigden Capital Strategies, our approach emphasizes proactive review and thoughtful evaluation of planning strategies as circumstances shift. A recent planning review illustrates how revisiting assumptions and exploring available options can help clients better understand potential tradeoffs and opportunities within their financial plan.
Key areas included:
1. Evaluating Debt Strategies: Rather than focusing solely on interest rates, the review examined mortgage debt in the broader context of cash flow, time horizon, and long-term financial flexibility. Different repayment and refinancing scenarios were modeled to help the client assess how various approaches could impact liquidity and long-term planning objectives.
2. Assessing Tax Diversification Opportunities: Given the complexity and uncertainty of future tax policy, the review explored ways to diversify across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. This included evaluating Roth contribution strategies and available in-plan conversion features, where applicable, to help the client understand potential planning considerations related to future tax flexibility.
3. Reviewing Investment Access Within Employer Plans: Many employer-sponsored retirement plans offer limited investment menus. The review discussed optional features that may expand investment availability within a plan, allowing for broader diversification and alignment with the client’s stated risk tolerance and long-term goals.
The Rigden Capital Approach
Our role is not to predict outcomes, but to help clients make informed decisions by evaluating options, stress-testing assumptions, and considering how today’s choices may affect future flexibility. All strategies are reviewed within the context of current regulations and the client’s broader financial picture.
Financial planning is a process—not a one-time event—and thoughtful reviews can help bring greater clarity and confidence as circumstances evolve.
About Rigden Capital Strategies
Rigden Capital Strategies was founded on a simple belief: financial advice should be personal, transparent, and centered around your goals—not built on generic models or product-driven sales. With decades of combined industry experience, we’ve developed a process grounded in three core values: value, integrity, and progress.
As a fee-only fiduciary, we provide personalized, goals-based wealth planning services designed to adapt with your life. Our services include investment management, retirement and tax planning, and estate coordination. We use a mix of active and passive strategies to help clients navigate market changes with clarity and confidence.
We believe in building real relationships and delivering clear, actionable strategies—focused on long-term planning and aligned with your objectives.
Your goals, our strategies. Together, let’s make your goals happen.
Disclosure: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, legal, or tax advice. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. Investment decisions should be based on individual circumstances, and we recommend consulting a qualified professional before implementing any financial, legal, or tax strategies. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments carry risks, including potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee success or protect against loss in all market conditions. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance, investment objectives, and financial circumstances before making investment decisions.
