EFS Financial Advisors

EFS Financial Advisors Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.

www.finra.org www.sipc.org

Third party posts found on this profile do not reflect the views of LPL Financial and have not been reviewed by LPL Financial as to accuracy or completeness. For a list of states in which I am/we are registered to do business, please visit www.efsfinancialadvisors.com

The Treasury Department is increasing the size of its government debt buybacks amid ongoing pressures in the longer-term...
08/24/2026

The Treasury Department is increasing the size of its government debt buybacks amid ongoing pressures in the longer-term bond market.

The department said it will at least double the maximum size of certain buyback operations, from $2 billion to at least $4 billion, targeting the 10- to 20-year and 20- to 30-year portions of the Treasury market.

Following the announcement, the 10-year Treasury yield fell 6 basis points to 4.647%, while the 30-year bond yield fell 9 basis points to 5.196%. Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions.

The move is designed to support liquidity in longer-dated Treasury securities, though economists noted that it does not change the broader fiscal backdrop or the government’s ongoing financing needs.

The announcement targets the sensitive longer-duration part of the Treasury market.

Inflation moderated slightly in July, but some categories are still putting pressure on household budgets.The consumer p...
08/17/2026

Inflation moderated slightly in July, but some categories are still putting pressure on household budgets.

The consumer price index rose 3.4% from a year earlier, down from 3.5% in June.

Energy remained one of the biggest drivers. Energy prices were up 14.7% over the past year, while gasoline prices rose 24.6%.

Airline fares also increased sharply, rising 25.5% year over year.

Other everyday expenses showed more modest changes. Food-at-home prices rose 2.7%, rent of primary residence increased 2.9%, and core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 2.5% from a year earlier.

Some categories moved lower. Used cars and trucks fell 1.9%, motor vehicle insurance declined 4.5%, and medical care commodities dropped 2.7%.

The broader takeaway: inflation is not one single number. It can look very different depending on what households buy, where prices are rising, and which expenses matter most month to month.

Costs remain elevated for consumers, however inflation is showing some signs of easing, economists say.

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its July meeting, but the decision was not unanimous.The Federal Open ...
08/03/2026

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its July meeting, but the decision was not unanimous.

The Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-3 to keep the federal funds rate in a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

Three regional Fed presidents voted against the decision, preferring to raise rates by 0.25 percentage points instead.

The split reflects ongoing concern about inflation, which has remained above the Fed’s 2% target for more than five years.

Recent price pressures have been tied to several factors, including tariffs and higher energy costs connected to conflict in the Middle East.

The Fed’s statement noted that economic activity continues to expand at a solid pace, while job growth has kept pace with workforce growth, and unemployment has changed little.

For households and businesses, the decision is a reminder that interest rates remain closely tied to inflation, borrowing costs, employment, energy prices, and the broader economic outlook.

Despite increasing support for a rate increase, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-3 to leave the federal funds rate in a range between 3.5% and 3.75%.

Wildfire smoke can travel far from the flames, creating poor air quality in communities many miles away.Experts say one ...
07/27/2026

Wildfire smoke can travel far from the flames, creating poor air quality in communities many miles away.

Experts say one of the biggest risks comes from tiny particles in the air, which can contribute to short-term and chronic health issues.

When smoke levels are high, health officials recommend staying indoors and taking steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible.

If you have central air conditioning, use the highest level of filtration your system can handle. Filters rated MERV 13 or higher are ideal, and setting the system to recirculate can help limit outside air.

A portable HEPA air filter can also help. If you only have one, consider using it to create a “clean room” where you can spend most of your time.

Experts also recommend sealing gaps where smoky air can enter and avoiding sources of indoor combustion, including candles, fireplaces, and gas stoves.

Wildfire smoke can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, headaches, and burning eyes or nose. Anyone wheezing, struggling to breathe, or in distress should seek emergency care.

When the air is smoky from burning wildfires, health experts say to stay indoors. But there are steps you should take to keep the air clean inside your home.

A new study suggests a blood test may someday help identify healthy older adults who are at higher risk of developing Al...
07/20/2026

A new study suggests a blood test may someday help identify healthy older adults who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s symptoms years in advance.

The test measures p-tau217, a form of tau connected to Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain.

Researchers found that symptom-free older adults with very high levels of p-tau217 had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment within five years. That risk rose to 78% over 10 years, though researchers noted there is less confidence in the 10-year estimate.

For now, scientists say the test may be most useful for research, including identifying people who could participate in studies of possible Alzheimer’s treatments or prevention strategies.

They also caution that the test is not yet precise enough to guide an individualized prognosis for healthy people.

The broader takeaway: medical advances can create promising new tools, but timing, accuracy, and clinical usefulness matter. For now, researchers still emphasize familiar brain-health habits, including eating well, sleeping well, exercising, and staying socially engaged.

A blood test that helps diagnose Alzheimer's might also forecast if healthy older adults will develop symptoms.

The price of a first-class Forever stamp rose from 78 cents to 82 cents on July 12.The increase is part of a series of p...
07/13/2026

The price of a first-class Forever stamp rose from 78 cents to 82 cents on July 12.

The increase is part of a series of price hikes from the U.S. Postal Service, which has raised the cost of a first-class stamp several times in recent years.

USPS has cited financial losses, rising operating expenses, and declining mail volume as reasons for the latest increase.

Other postage costs also increased. Domestic postcards rose to 65 cents, while international postcards and letters rose to $1.75.

One important reminder: Forever stamps purchased before the increase still work after the price change. They continue to cover the current cost of one ounce of First-Class Mail postage.

For households and small businesses, postage may seem like a small expense — but recurring cost increases can add up over time, especially for anyone who still relies on mailed bills, invoices, cards, or client communications.

The cost of a first-class Forever stamp has climbed 41% since 2021, and postal officials have signaled they want prices to rise even more.

The Euclid space telescope has captured the largest and most detailed image yet of the Milky Way’s crowded center.The im...
07/06/2026

The Euclid space telescope has captured the largest and most detailed image yet of the Milky Way’s crowded center.

The image includes about 60 million stars and is made from nine photographs, each covering an area of the sky larger than the Moon.

While the image is visually stunning, scientists say it is also useful for research. It may help them study planets beyond our solar system through a process called microlensing, sometimes described as a “cosmic magnifying glass.”

That happens when the gravity of one star bends and brightens the light from another star behind it. If a planet orbits the closer star, its gravity can cause a small change in brightness that helps scientists learn more.

The image includes 51 known planetary systems and may help researchers conduct further studies.

It is a reminder that scientific progress often comes from combining advanced technology, patient observation, and the ability to see familiar places in entirely new ways.

Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.

A bipartisan housing bill is drawing attention for its potential impact on home prices and housing supply.The 21st Centu...
06/29/2026

A bipartisan housing bill is drawing attention for its potential impact on home prices and housing supply.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would aim to boost housing availability by reducing certain construction barriers, encouraging zoning reforms, supporting factory-built homes, and creating incentives for localities that increase housing supply.

It would also restrict large institutional investors from buying additional existing single-family homes once they exceed certain ownership limits.

Housing affordability has become a major challenge in many communities. One reason is that the U.S. has built fewer homes than needed for years, helping push prices and rents higher.

Experts say the bill could help support new construction over time, especially for townhomes, multifamily housing, and smaller condo buildings.

However, any impact on prices would likely take time, and the legislation was still awaiting final action after a scheduled signing ceremony was canceled.

For buyers, sellers, and homeowners, the broader takeaway is that housing affordability often depends on more than mortgage rates. Supply, construction costs, local rules, investor activity, and policy decisions can all shape the market.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which has rare bipartisan support, would make it harder for major investors to hoard homes.

Consumers continued spending in May, even as higher prices and gas costs remained part of the picture.Retail sales rose ...
06/22/2026

Consumers continued spending in May, even as higher prices and gas costs remained part of the picture.

Retail sales rose 0.9% in May, up from a revised 0.4% increase in April. Excluding gas station sales, retail sales rose 0.7%.

The gains were broad-based, with clothing, accessories, furniture, and online sales all moving higher. Online sales rose 1.5% during the month.

The data suggests consumers are still spending, supported in part by tax refunds and steady hiring. However, economists noted that the boost from tax refunds may fade, and higher gas prices could still affect household behavior.

Some shoppers appear to be adjusting by looking for discounts, changing where they fill up, or becoming more selective with purchases.

For the broader economy, retail sales offer a useful snapshot of consumer strength — and how households respond when prices, fuel costs, and confidence all shift at once.

Shoppers stepped up their spending in May, surpassing economists’ expectations, as temperatures warmed and gasoline prices leveled off.

Saving for retirement gets a lot of attention. Spending those savings can be just as important.A recent survey found tha...
06/17/2026

Saving for retirement gets a lot of attention. Spending those savings can be just as important.

A recent survey found that only 31% of Americans know what “decumulation” means — the process of drawing down retirement assets over time.

That uncertainty may help explain why some retirees spend far less than they could. One report found that about one-third of retirees still had 100% or more of their initial retirement assets by their mid-80s.

For many people, the concern is not just having enough saved. It is knowing how to use those savings while accounting for healthcare costs, inflation, taxes, market changes, and longevity.

Common withdrawal guidelines, such as the 4% rule, may provide a starting point, but they do not account for every personal circumstance.

The transition from saving to spending can be both emotional and financial. After decades of building retirement assets, using them thoughtfully can take a different kind of confidence.

Many Americans spend decades saving for retirement, but lack a plan for using that money once they stop working, a new survey finds. Here's what to know.

Address

3 Lear Jet Lane; Suite 200
Latham, NY
12110

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+15186081115

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when EFS Financial Advisors posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to EFS Financial Advisors:

Shortcuts

Share