EFS Group Wealth Management

11/02/2026

The Fed held interest rates steady in October, but not everyone agreed with the decision.

After raising rates in September, the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% to 4%. Two officials voted for another quarter-point increase.

What's behind the disagreement?

The economy continues to grow, consumer spending remains strong, and unemployment is relatively low. But inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target, with consumer prices rising 3.7% over the past year.

For consumers, the decision matters because the Fed's benchmark rate influences borrowing costs for credit cards, auto loans, and other types of debt. It can also affect interest earned on savings accounts.

Economists are now watching the Fed's December meeting for signs of another possible increase. For now, rates are holding steady, but the inflation debate is far from over.

The U.S. central bank left borrowing costs unchanged this month after hiking rates in September for the first time in three years.

11/02/2026

Stocks ended last week lower as disappointing Q3 corporate reports led to a tech-led selloff that deepened on Friday. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.00 percent. The...

11/02/2026

There’s 5 phases to changing unhealthy behaviors. Here’s how to do it.

Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.

10/30/2026

Before you start house hunting, find out what you can realistically afford. This calculator factors in your income, debts, and down payment to give you a number.

Estimate how much home may fit within your budget based on income and expenses.

10/30/2026

🎃🐾 Happy Halloween from all of us at EFS Group Wealth Management!
We have a special little visitor spreading some Halloween cheer around the office today! Meet Deere, our tiniest, and cutest, honorary team member. 🧡
Deere may be a Chihuahua, but with a name like hers, we think she could easily pass for a tiny deer on Halloween! 🦌
Whether she's posing for pictures, showing off that adorable little face, or hanging out with her mom, Jessica, she's certainly stolen the spotlight today!
Wishing you a Halloween full of smiles, sweet treats, and a little extra cuteness! 👻🍬

10/28/2026

Talking with your parents about their wishes as they get older isn’t always easy. ❤️
You may worry about making them uncomfortable, or they may not feel ready to discuss it. But understanding what matters to them can make a difference if your family ever faces difficult decisions.
💬 The conversation doesn’t have to cover everything at once. You might start with a couple of simple questions:
▪️“Have you thought about what you’d want if you ever needed help making decisions?”
▪️“Do you have important documents somewhere we could find them if needed?”
Over time, those conversations may cover medical preferences and documents like a will or power of attorney.
And if your parents aren’t ready to talk? That’s okay. Respecting their comfort and independence is part of the conversation, too.
This isn’t about taking over. It’s about listening, so their wishes are understood if they’re ever needed.

End-of-life planning can be difficult to discuss, but the right approach can make the conversation easier.

10/28/2026

It can be difficult to know what to ask when you’re new to Medicare. We have a handy list of questions—and answers—to help you get started. Learn more here:

10/26/2026

Selling an asset? Before you do, get a sense of what the federal capital gains tax could look like. Enter your numbers and see a quick estimate.

10/26/2026

Markets were mixed last week, though persistent pressure on technology stocks made the week feel more challenging for some investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.47 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 0.71...

10/23/2026

Increase worker productivity and motivate your employees with these five simple and inexpensive ideas.