RITA KUEHNIS

I grew up in Switzerland, where my mother taught me the importance of budgeting and saving for the future. Those early lessons greatly influenced my approach to finances. After earning a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, I spent 17 years in Finland, building a career in project management while adapting to a new culture and raising a family. At home, I naturally became what I like to call our family's "CFO," managing budgets, planning, and financial organization.

 

My journey into Daily Money Management began in 2015, when my family, including our four children, relocated to the United States. Navigating an unfamiliar financial system during that transition left me feeling overwhelmed at times - an experience many of my clients can relate to.

Inspired by that experience, I founded SDS Smart Daily Services in 2017 to help others gain confidence and peace of mind in their financial lives. My background in engineering and project management provided me with the essential skills for Daily Money Management: organization, attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to manage complex information.

 

In December 2023, I became a Certified Daily Money Manager® (CDMM®), a designation that validates my experience and comprehensive knowledge in the field. This certification reflects my commitment to professional excellence and continued learning.

 

As I worked alongside clients, I became increasingly involved in the tax preparation process. I helped gather and organize tax documents, communicated with tax preparers, and helped clients review completed returns. I also saw how difficult it could be for some individuals to find a tax professional willing to provide personalized attention, especially for those who were not comfortable with technology or whose records were less than perfectly organized.

 

Taxation had long interested me personally: I enjoy the challenge of bringing together many pieces of information to create a complete and accurate picture. To me, preparing a tax return feels like solving a puzzle. Therefore, becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) was a natural next step. After extensive study and training, I earned the EA designation, allowing me to prepare tax returns and represent taxpayers before the IRS. This enables me to support my clients throughout the entire tax preparation process and provide an additional level of service when needed.

 

Throughout my career, one thing has remained constant: I enjoy helping people bring order to financial complexity. Whether I am assisting with daily financial tasks, organizing records, or preparing a tax return, my goal is to make life a little easier and less stressful for my clients.

 

I am also a proud member of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, supporting the local business community and staying actively involved in Southwest Washington.

 

When I'm not working with clients, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, hiking, reading, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

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Professional Memberships: