Paul Crookston, Financial Services Professional with Nylife Securities LLC

08/13/2026

There's more financial advice out there for young people than ever—and somehow, that's making things harder, not easier. Trends like ""girl math"" and ""no-spend"" months turn budgeting into a game or a punishment, when what most young people actually need is a plan.
I'm sharing an article that gets into why all this noise is landing the way it is—and what actually helps cut through it.
https://bit.ly/4hsBm9J
Whether you’re thinking about how to build a stronger financial foundation for you or someone you care about, reach out. I’m always here to talk.

07/30/2026

Many people assume the worst about the future of Social Security, and the concern is valid. But the full picture is more complicated than “it’s running out.”
This piece from Yahoo Finance breaks down what’s actually happening and what it could mean for your retirement:
https://yhoo.it/4fNsDwt
If it gets you thinking about your own situation, I’d love to connect about financial strategies to help you meet your retirement goals.

07/21/2026

Inflation fatigue is real—and it goes deeper than the price of groceries. It’s the exhaustion that sets in when you’ve been managing rising costs for so long that even thinking about it feels like too much.
This piece from NerdWallet names what so many people are feeling right now, and offers some realistic ways to make things a little easier:
https://bit.ly/4wVCgjh
If it resonates, I’d love to connect on how the current environment is impacting your financial goals and strategies.

06/25/2026

Life insurance has a reputation for being complicated. There are a lot of options, and thinking through the decisions behind them isn't always comfortable.

But understanding what's out there is a lot easier than most people expect. We put together a really clear breakdown of the main policy types—what they are, how they differ, and what's worth considering depending on where you are in life:

https://nyl.co/4ewm7e6

If it raises any questions or you'd like to talk through what makes sense for your situation, I'm here. Just send me a message.

06/11/2026

Between vacations, camps, and all the little extras that come with summer, it's easy to lose track of where the money is going—especially when you're the only one keeping an eye on it.

I came across this genuinely useful roundup of the best budgeting apps for families. It breaks down which ones let multiple people share access, set goals together, and keep kids in the loop too.

Worth a read if summer expenses are starting to feel like a lot to manage:

https://bit.ly/49UzUIE

And if it gets you thinking about your bigger financial picture, send me a message. I'm always happy to talk.

Article is for informational purposes only. New York Life does not endorse any specific app.

06/11/2026

A business partnership without a plan can get messy fast. Just ask the famous couple who once bought a home and winery together… then split up, skipped the paperwork, and watched the whole thing spiral into a legal tug-of-war. One even ended up sharing his personal residence with a stranger tied to the sale. Not exactly the happily-ever-after they expected.
All of it could have been avoided with a simple buy-sell agreement to lay out what happens if an owner leaves – through death, divorce, disability, retirement, or simply wanting out – so the business keeps running smoothly and everyone knows their rights. Watch this video to learn more about how a buy-sell agreement works, and then let’s make sure your business interests are protected.

In this brief video, you will explore the crucial importance of buy-sell agreements for your business. These agreements are like insurance policies for your company, ensuring its stability and protecting the interests of co-owners. Don't wait until it's too late – watch now to secure your business...

05/28/2026

Debt relief can feel like the answer when bills are piling up, but it comes with a cost. Depending on the route you take, your credit score could drop significantly. This article from CNBC breaks down what each option actually does to your credit and how long the damage lasts:

https://cnb.cx/4e9YDuR

Do you know someone who would like to work with a Financial Professional on their financial goals? I'd love to connect and talk through how I can support them.


The article is provided for informational purposes only. Any actions you take regarding debt repayment and credit cards are made at your own discretion. Paying off debt, opening or closing credit cards, or changing your credit utilization may impact your credit score and profile. There is no guarantee of specific outcomes related to credit score changes.

04/09/2026

Tax season can feel overwhelming, but a few simple organizational strategies can go a long way. This article from the Associated Press covers the key steps to take before you finish filing:

https://bit.ly/41nMkEc

And if tax season has you thinking about your broader financial picture, feel free to reach out. I’m here.

I do not provide tax advice. Please consult with your own tax advisor for tax advice.

03/20/2026

Assumable mortgages let buyers take over a seller’s home loan. Learn how they work, who qualifies and when assuming a mortgage makes sense in 2026.

With mortgage rates still elevated, taking over a seller’s existing home loan could lower monthly payments — if the numbers work.

03/16/2026

The new senior tax deduction ushered in by the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' is worth up to $6,000 per qualified filer.