EFS Advisors: The Stillwater Group

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.

06/02/2026

Your tax refund can be a great opportunity to put extra money to work.

Consider using it to pay down high-interest debt, grow your savings or investments, adjust your withholding if the refund was large, give intentionally, or set aside a small portion to enjoy as a reward.

05/28/2026

Financial habits often begin at home, long before someone manages money on their own. Talking with children or grandchildren about saving, spending, and planning can help build them confidence and understanding over time.

The lessons we learn early on often guide our financial habits in the long run.

05/26/2026

For many first-time homebuyers carrying student loan debt, the financial path forward can feel like a balancing act.

Should you focus on paying down student loans faster, prioritize saving for a down payment, or work
toward both at the same time?

Read about smart ways to juggle these demands:

Explore Guardian’s 2025 mental, physical, and financial wellness study. Discover what drives well-being — and how to improve it.

05/21/2026

Thinking about selling your home? A great sale starts long before it hits the market.

From understanding your home’s value and planning for costs to tackling repairs, staging, and pricing, a little preparation upfront can make the whole process feel a lot smoother and more confident.

For helpful tips, see NAR’s guide on preparing to sell your home:

Once you decide to sell your home, you might have questions about how to prepare it for listing and viewing by potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can guide you through this process. Here are some common considerations as you prepare your home to sell.

05/19/2026

Estate planning is easy to delay, but it becomes really important when life takes an unexpected turn. Having things clearly written down can help make things easier for the people who may need to step in.

It’s also worth revisiting over time as things change.

05/14/2026

Market movements are a normal part of investing, but they don’t need to pull you away from your long-term goals. A steady financial plan can help provide clarity and consistency through changing conditions, and periods of volatility can sometimes be a chance to reassess your approach.

Learn more about strategies for navigating market volatility here:

https://mgstn.ly/4cQyIXb

Market volatility, while unsettling, is a normal part of investing. Here are five strategies to help you navigate through it.

05/12/2026

A financial plan is more like something you grow into, not something you lock in place. As life changes, it’s natural for your plan to shift with it. Whether that’s your goals, your income, or what’s happening in the market.

Checking in from time to time can help keep everything feeling on point, and your advisor can help you
make sure it all continues to come together in a way that makes sense for you.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today we recognize the strength, care, and guidance of mothers and caregivers everywhere. The lessons you pass down often go far beyond everyday life…including how we think about money, planning, and the future.

Read Mom’s 10 tips for financial success:

Learn more about these tips that will help you find more financial success.

05/05/2026

On Teacher’s Day this year, we’re taking a moment to recognize and thank educators for their hard work, dedication and lasting impact.

Your commitment to shaping future generations is truly invaluable, and we appreciate everything you do… Today and every day!