EFS Advisors: Aleasha Browen

09/07/2026

Wishing you a happy Labor Day from EFS Advisors.

Today is a good reminder of the years of work that go into building a career and preparing for the future. We hope you have a chance to step away from the routine, enjoy the holiday, and spend some well-earned time with the people you care about.

09/03/2026

A retirement plan can be a valuable employee benefit. But having access to a plan is only one piece of the puzzle. Teachers also have questions: How much should I be saving? What options are available to me? How does my retirement plan fit into everything else I'm working toward?

New research from the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association (NTSA) explores what public school teachers value when it comes to supplemental retirement savings, financial guidance, and financial independence.

For school districts, understanding those priorities can help inform the way retirement benefits are communicated and supported. Read the takeaways and download the full report on our TPA partner, Aviben’s, blog:

When school districts evaluate their retirement plan offerings, conversations often center on compliance, administration, fees, and provider relationships. While those factors are important, there’s one perspective that deserves special attention: the educators themselves.

09/03/2026

What matters most to teachers when it comes to their retirement plans?

New research from the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association (NTSA) points to three priorities: having choices, access to trusted guidance, and greater control over financial decisions.

Those findings offer an interesting look at what employees value when planning for retirement, and what school districts may want to keep in mind when evaluating their retirement programs. EFS Advisors and Aviben work with school districts and their employees to support both the financial guidance and plan administration sides of retirement benefits.

Read Aviben's takeaways and download the full report here:

When school districts evaluate their retirement plan offerings, conversations often center on compliance, administration, fees, and provider relationships. While those factors are important, there’s one perspective that deserves special attention: the educators themselves.

09/01/2026

September has a way of filling up quickly. Before your calendar does, take a few minutes to revisit the financial goals you've been meaning to get back to.

If there's a contribution you've been considering increasing, an investment account you haven't reviewed in a while, or a financial goal that's been sitting on the back burner, pick one place to start and give it some attention.

If you'd like another perspective on your financial priorities, reach out to your advisor for a check-in.

08/27/2026

Getting a raise is exciting—but it can also be a good opportunity to pause before your new paycheck becomes your new normal.

Even directing a portion of that increase toward retirement savings, debt repayment, or an emergency fund can make a meaningful difference over time.

This Investopedia article shares several practical ways to make the most of a raise while keeping long-term financial goals in mind.

Read more here:

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

08/25/2026

Retirement can change where your income comes from, but it doesn't necessarily change the importance of tax planning. Withdrawals from retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, and other income sources can each have different tax considerations. Understanding how those pieces work together is an important part of creating a retirement income strategy.

If retirement is on the horizon or already underway, your advisor can help you review how taxes fit into your overall financial plan.

08/20/2026

Creating a will is one of the most meaningful ways to put your wishes into writing and provide guidance for the people you'll one day leave behind.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, making it a great opportunity to review your current estate plan or begin one if you haven't already. Taking this step now can help protect what you've built and provide direction for your loved ones in the future.

Habitat Minnesota shares more about why having a will matters and how it can help create a lasting legacy.

Read the article:

National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect time to create a will and ensure your home, assets, and legacy support future generations.

08/18/2026

Some of the most important parts of a financial plan aren't reviewed every day.

Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other financial accounts can have a significant impact on how assets are passed on. As life changes over the years, it's worth taking a few minutes to make sure those designations still reflect your current wishes.

If it's been a while since you've reviewed your beneficiaries, consider adding it to your financial to-do list this month or bring it up during your next meeting with your advisor.

08/13/2026

For many retirees, deciding *when* to claim Social Security can be just as important as deciding *how* to save for retirement.

The timing of your benefits can influence your retirement income for years to come, which is why it's worth understanding the factors that may affect your decision. This Kiplinger article explores several considerations to keep in mind as you evaluate your options.

Read the full article here:
https://bit.ly/4xd1Z7h

Questions about how your Social Security timing fits into your broader retirement picture? Your advisor can help review your personal strategy and discuss what options may be appropriate for your situation.

Applying at age 70 maximizes your monthly payout, but claiming early could provide advantages that can’t be quantified on a spreadsheet.

08/11/2026

Back-to-school expenses have a way of showing up all at once. School supplies are only the beginning, with activity fees, sports equipment, new clothes, transportation, and other unexpected costs often following close behind.

A quick budget check before the school year gets into full swing can make those expenses easier to plan for and help keep other financial goals on track.

If seasonal expenses are putting pressure on your budget, your advisor can help you identify opportunities to plan ahead.