Mark A. Vasquez, Agent with New York Life

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/4oqdXqT

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.

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/4uCeWXh

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.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
We are grateful for their sacrifice and hold their families in our thoughts today.

04/18/2026

Whether it's finances or freedom, here's why being divorced can potentially be a positive life change once the dust settles.

Having gone through a divorce myself, I know my friend is having a hard time. Still, it can be positive in the long run.

04/17/2026

You’ve always been their biggest supporter — cheering them on through every dream and milestone.
Now it’s time to give their future the same encouragement you’ve always given their hearts.
Let’s build a strategy that helps their dreams shine bright for years to come.
Message me today to learn how.
"

04/16/2026

If you own a business, your estate plan has to do more than list who gets what. It needs to protect the company you’ve built, keep operations running smoothly if something happens to you, and give your family clarity instead of chaos. This article describes how the right trust can support privacy, continuity, and long-term planning for business owners. If you would like to explore how a trust can support your succession goals or safeguard your business for the future, let’s get together and walk through your options.

04/15/2026

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...

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.

04/13/2026

Money questions every couple should ask. Learn how honest financial conversations can reduce stress, prevent conflict and build shared goals.

Honest financial conversations can reduce stress, strengthen trust and help couples align long-term goals.

04/12/2026

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.