Tricia B. Branch, Agent with New York Life

06/02/2026

How would you cover a $1,000 bill for urgent costs? Use a credit card? Get a family loan? Far better to have an emergency fund. Here's how to set it up quickly.

05/26/2026

Too much free time in retirement can come as a shock after decades of working. How can you ensure you don't overfill your days or let too many drift by?

An abundance of free time in retirement can come as a shock after decades of working. How can you ensure you don't overfill your days or let too many drift by?

05/19/2026

With borrowing costs still elevated and economic uncertainty in play, tapping your home equity requires a clear strategy, not just available equity.

With borrowing costs still elevated and economic uncertainty in play, tapping your home equity requires a clear plan, not just available equity.

05/12/2026

For a long time, the goal of retirement planning felt pretty straightforward: Save diligently, spend carefully and leave something meaningful behind for your kids. How is that changing today?

For many retirees, the focus is shifting from what they will leave behind to how they want to live now.

05/05/2026

A recent Kiplinger article cites cumulative Medicare Advantage payments could exceed traditional Medicare benchmarks by approximately $1.2 trillion through 2036, Policymakers continue to debate these payment levels, and future regulatory changes could affect plan premiums costs and coverage.

With private insurers set to receive $1.2 trillion in excess payments by 2036, retirees may soon face a reckoning over costs and coverage.

04/30/2026

I just wanted to remind parents of little dreamers that there's still time to apply for the New York Life Golden Futures Awards and Scholarships. Apply today and turn their passion into possibilities. Contact me to learn more!

04/28/2026

People aged 70½ or older now have a way to support the causes they love while also creating a reliable stream of lifetime income, thanks to recent law changes that allow a once-in-a-lifetime transfer directly from an IRA to fund a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust. When structured correctly, this transfer can be excluded from taxable income, and for those 73 or older, it may even count toward required minimum distributions. Read more about this strategy and then let’s explore whether this fits into your retirement or giving plans.

04/21/2026

Here’s what you should know about the hidden economic value of unpaid work.

04/14/2026

Most people will never face federal estate tax, but thoughtful planning still matters. Coordinating lifetime gifts, protecting assets, and understanding how taxes really work can help your family receive more of what you intend. This article from Winstead PC partner Jeff Chadwick highlights simple strategies that can make a meaningful difference, from tax-smart gifting to preserving step-up opportunities. If you would like to talk through how these ideas could apply to your situation, I am here to help make sure your plans support what matters most.