EFS Advisors: The Wendland Group

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’...

09/17/2026

An emergency fund should be accessible when you need it, but that doesn’t mean it has to sit in an account earning little or no interest.

Depending on your needs and timeline, a high-yield savings account, money market account, or certain CDs may be worth considering. Kiplinger recently explored some of the options and considerations for putting savings to work.

Read about them here:

These are the moves to make now while rates remain higher.

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

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

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.