EFS Advisors: Aleasha Browen

10/15/2026

Over time, higher income can quietly become higher spending without much thought about where the difference went.

Enjoying more of what you earn isn’t a bad thing. But an increase in income can also be an opportunity to revisit how much is going toward saving, investing, spending, and the priorities that matter to you.

Read more about making the most of an increase in income:

We're not saying you shouldn't spend it on a new car, but there are some considerations to guard against lifestyle creep and to help ensure a comfy retirement.

10/13/2026

December 31 may still feel a ways off, but required minimum distributions are one year-end item worth checking before the calendar gets crowded.

If an RMD applies to you in 2026, confirm what has already been distributed and what may still need to come out before year-end.

The timing can deserve additional attention if this is your first RMD or if you inherited a retirement account.

Your financial advisor can help you review what applies to your situation.

10/08/2026

We don’t always make financial decisions based on the numbers alone.

Sometimes it’s a quick decision we make without thinking it through. Sometimes we compare our financial situation to someone else’s. And sometimes, we avoid a decision because it feels easier than dealing with it.

Those habits can influence our financial choices more than we realize. Kiplinger explores seven common behaviors that can get in the way of financial progress and how to recognize them.

Read more here:

The everyday decisions that may be costing you more than you realize.

10/06/2026

If you filed for an extension, October 15 is the deadline for most individual taxpayers to file their federal return. One important detail to remember: an extension gives you more time to file, but it doesn’t extend the deadline for paying taxes that were due in April.

If you’re still gathering documents or working with your tax professional, now is a good time to check in and make sure you’re on track for the October deadline.

10/01/2026

Getting a raise is exciting, but what you do with that extra income can matter, too.

Putting even a portion toward retirement savings, debt, or an emergency fund can help turn an increase in income into meaningful progress toward your goals.

See Investopedia’s ideas for making the most of a raise:

Earning more at work? Don’t just spend it—learn how to turn your raise into long-term financial growth.

09/29/2026

The amount you save for retirement is only part of the equation. How you turn those savings into income matters, too, because retirement accounts, Social Security, and other sources of income can have different tax considerations. Understanding those differences can help you make more informed decisions about how to fund your retirement.

Have questions about your retirement income strategy? Reach out to your advisor to talk through your options.

09/24/2026

The lowest monthly premium isn't always the lowest-cost option.

During open enrollment, it's worth looking at the full picture of a health plan, including deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, coverage, and how much you expect to use your benefits. Priority Health offers a helpful checklist to guide you through the process before you make your selection.

Read more here:

Use our Open Enrollment Period checklist to familiarize yourself with important factors that will make choosing the right ACA plan easier for you and your family.

09/22/2026

A good financial advisor relationship should feel like a partnership. The right person should take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions as your life changes.

If you're already working with me, you know that's an important part of what we do. If you're still looking for an advisor, our latest EFS blog offers some things to think about when deciding who might be the right fit for you: https://efsadvisors.com/choosing-a-financial-advisor-how-to-find-the-right-fit/

When you're finished reading, if you'd like to talk through your own financial goals or learn more about working together, feel free to reach out and let’s start the conversation.

Choosing a financial advisor is a more important decision than you might think. You’re trusting someone with a part of your life that affects your family, your future, and the goals you’ve worked hard to achieve. Yes, credentials and experience matter. Investment philosophy matters. But there’...

09/15/2026

If the change of season is also bringing in a change of jobs, don't forget about the retirement account you left behind.

A career change can mean making decisions about an old 401(k) or other workplace retirement account, and it's easy for those accounts to get overlooked once the new job begins. Take some time to find out where your old account stands and understand your options. A review can help determine whether it still fits into your overall retirement strategy.

If you've changed jobs recently and aren't sure what to do with an old retirement account, your advisor can help you walk through your options.

09/09/2026

When was the last time you really looked at your 401(k)?

It's easy to set up retirement contributions and let them run in the background. A regular review can help you see whether you're contributing at a rate that fits your goals.

With National 401(k) Day coming up on September 11, American Trust Retirement offers a helpful checklist for reviewing your plan. Read more here: https://www.americantrustretirement.com/make-the-most-of-national-401k-day-smart-steps-for-your-retirement-plan/

If you'd like to take a closer look at your retirement strategy, reach out to your advisor.

Celebrate National 401(k) Day by reviewing your retirement savings account. Learn how to maximize your 401(k) contributions, optimize investments, and boost financial wellness at American Trust Retirement