EFS Advisors: The Wendland Group

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.

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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.

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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.

08/06/2026

Markets rarely move in a straight line, and periods of uncertainty are part of the investing experience.

This article from Vanguard explores why maintaining a long-term perspective has remained an important part of investing through changing market conditions and what history can teach us about staying the course.

Read the full article here: https://vgi.vg/4g1BQlW

If recent market activity has prompted questions about your investment strategy, your advisor can help you review your plan and discuss any concerns.

Achieve financial freedom by mastering investment strategies in volatile markets. Gain insights into effective investment tactics tailored for aspiring investors.

08/04/2026

The biggest financial decisions often deserve more than a quick Google search or a gut feeling.

Taking time to talk through your options can uncover opportunities, answer important questions, and help you understand how one decision may affect other parts of your financial plan.

If you're facing a decision like a major purchase or an investment move that's too important to leave to guesswork, reach out to your EFS advisor to schedule a conversation and explore your options together.

07/30/2026

When it comes to paying down debt, having a strategy can make a meaningful difference.

One approach, known as the debt avalanche method, focuses on paying off balances with the highest interest rates first while continuing to make minimum payments on other debts. Over time, this approach may help reduce the total amount of interest paid.

This article from NerdWallet provides an overview of how the debt avalanche method works and key considerations for those exploring debt repayment strategies.

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With debt avalanche, you prioritize high-interest rate debt and work your way down the financial mountain.

07/28/2026

Before making a major financial decision, it can be helpful to pause and ask a few key questions.

What’s the long-term impact?

Does this align with your current priorities?

How might it affect other financial goals?

Before moving forward, consider how the decision may affect your long-term goals, current priorities, and overall financial picture. Sometimes, a conversation with your advisor can provide additional perspective and help you evaluate options before taking the next step.