Josephine Alexandra Barbot, Partner with New York Life

03/25/2026

The Great Wealth Transfer often arrives as a house, not cash, leaving many heirs with maintenance, mismatch, and downsizing costs before inheritance, which can become overwhelming.

The Great Wealth Transfer often arrives as a house, not cash, leaving many heirs with maintenance, mismatch, and downsizing costs before inheritance becomes wealth.

03/24/2026

While most parents dream of stability for their children, for some it's an all-in quest for generational riches, pushing boundaries and taking extreme measures to build a legacy.

You don't have to go to these extremes, but you do have to make sacrifices to save.

03/23/2026

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.

03/22/2026

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,…

03/21/2026

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.

03/20/2026

Here is how to help keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals.

Here is how to keep your Social Security number private in an age of aggressive cybercriminals.

03/19/2026

Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats, but National Employee Appreciation Day is a perfect reminder that you don't do it alone. Your employees show up and keep things moving every single day. Take a moment today to say thank you. If you're thinking about ways to invest in your people for the long haul, let's connect.

03/18/2026

“Poisoned” artificial intelligence can give untrustworthy advice about finance, health and lots more. Here’s how you may be able to fend off the growing threat.

“Poisoned” artificial intelligence can give untrustworthy advice about finance, health and lots more. Here’s how to fend off the growing threat.

03/18/2026

Even modest changes in retirement income can raise Medicare premiums under IRMAA. Here's how even a small increase can affect your retirement costs.

Even modest changes in retirement income can raise Medicare premiums under IRMAA. Here’s how a small increase can affect your retirement costs.

03/18/2026

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.

02/16/2026

Today is a moment to reflect on leadership, responsibility, and service — values that matter in every community and every generation.
Happy Presidents’ Day!