Keith DaShawn McLean, Licensed Agent with New York Life

05/16/2026

Fast-rising gas prices lifted the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge to 3.5% in March, its highest rate in almost three years, new data showed Thursday.

05/15/2026

From sickness to injuries, a disabling event can take many forms. That's why we offer customized solutions to better protect what matters most to you. From length of coverage to partial disability riders, reach out today to learn how you can be better protected with New York Life.

Read about what individual disability insurance is, and how this private coverage from NYL can offer personal income protection in the event of a disability.

04/18/2026

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

04/17/2026

04/17/2026

Ever considered if your employee benefits could do more? What if your coverage stayed with you for life, and not just while you’re at your job? With employee benefit products from New York Life, you’re in control. If you’re seeking a simple, straightforward application process—with no questions asked—watch this video and get in touch today.

04/16/2026

There’s a moment that many families don’t anticipate.

It’s not the moment of loss.

It’s the moment right after—when someone has to take the lead.

I recently spoke with an adult daughter who found herself in that position unexpectedly.

No formal discussion had ever taken place.

No clear roles had been assigned.

But within hours, she became the point person.

• Fielding calls
• Making arrangements
• Trying to keep everyone informed
• Managing decisions she didn’t feel fully prepared for

She told me:

“I wasn’t chosen… I just happened to be the one who stepped up first.”

That happens more often than people realize.

In many families, responsibility isn’t assigned—it’s assumed in real time.

And while people do their best, it can come with added pressure, especially when expectations aren’t clearly defined ahead of time.

Final expense planning is often viewed through a financial lens.

But it also plays a role in defining structure—who does what, what matters most, and what direction to follow when timing is limited.

No preparation removes the emotional difficulty of loss.

And no plan guarantees everything will feel simple.

But even a few intentional conversations can help ensure that when someone steps up, they’re not stepping into the unknown.

Sometimes, clarity is one of the most meaningful things we can leave behind.

04/15/2026

What if you could keep your employee benefits when you left your job? With employee benefit protection products from New York Life Insurance Company, you can.
If you’re seeking a simple, straightforward application process and want to learn more, watch this video and get in touch today.

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/4t4nqpp

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.

04/08/2026

Not every challenge families face is emotional.

Some are… procedural.

I remember speaking with an adult son who described the days after his mother passed as “a constant stream of decisions.”

Not big, dramatic moments.

Just one decision after another.

• Forms to complete
• Calls to return
• Costs to understand
• Timelines that couldn’t be delayed

He told me:

“It felt like we were learning a process we were already expected to know.”

What stood out wasn’t confusion about grief.

It was confusion about responsibility.

Who handles what?
What comes first?
What had already been taken care of—if anything?

Final expense planning is often framed as a financial safeguard.

But for many families, it also serves as a form of guidance.

A way to reduce the number of unknowns when everything starts moving quickly.

No plan removes the emotional weight of loss, and no preparation guarantees simplicity.

But having conversations ahead of time—about roles, expectations, and general preferences—can make that “process” feel a little less overwhelming.

Sometimes, it’s not about having all the answers.

It’s about not having to figure everything out in real time.