With over 20 years of experience and a reputation for genuine client care, Tricia Marchand brings both expertise and compassion to Kore Financial Group’s new Baton Rouge office. In this month’s blog, we discuss what motivates her, what she wants families to understand about planning, and the moments that have stayed with her throughout her career.
Q: You’ve been in this industry for over two decades. What keeps you passionate after all these years?
Tricia: Honestly? The people. I love getting to know my clients personally — hearing what’s happening in their lives, understanding their concerns, and being someone they can confide in. It means a lot to me when clients feel they’re not just being “managed” financially but are genuinely cared for. That loyalty, to and from clients, is what keeps me excited to come to work every day.
Q: What made you choose Kore Financial Group at this stage in your career?
Tricia: I wanted to be part of a close-knit team where advisors support each other, not only professionally but in ways that benefit clients long-term. If something unexpected ever prevented me from continuing my work, I wanted to know my clients would still be cared for by people who share my values. That’s exactly what I found here.
Q: You work extensively in estate, legacy, and family planning. What’s one thing you wish more families understood?
Tricia: Beneficiaries — especially contingent beneficiaries. People often assign only one primary beneficiary and assume that person will handle everything for everyone else. Retirement accounts don’t work that way, and taxes can lead to uneven distributions even when everything appears evenly split on paper. My best advice: list both primary and contingent beneficiaries and review your plan every year. Things change; your plan should change, too.
Q: How do you help clients navigate emotional or complicated family situations?
Tricia: Most family situations are emotional and complicated. I start by listening — really listening — to what’s weighing on them. I also share personal experiences when it’s helpful. I may not have the perfect answer for every scenario, but I’ve learned that sometimes clients just need someone to walk through the situation with them. Sometimes, the solution comes from talking it out. Other times, it comes from simply being heard.
Q: How do you help clients feel more confident in their financial decisions?
Tricia: I want my clients to know that I always prioritize their interests. Trust is everything. One question clients often ask me is, “Would you recommend this for your mother?” I love that question. It shows they trust me and expect honesty, and I give it to them. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes I’ll say, “Actually, this is something I invest in personally.” And of course, everything is tailored to their goals, risk tolerance, and cash-flow needs.
Q: What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
Tricia: I didn’t start out intending to be a financial advisor! I began college as a nursing major. Eventually, I realized nursing wasn’t the right fit, so I switched to Business Management with a minor in Biology. It’s a unique combination, and I believe the compassion of nursing and the problem-solving skills of business complement each other in the work I do now.
Q: As you look toward 2026, what planning opportunities should clients be paying attention to?
Tricia: A few stand out: ROTH conversions when the timing is right, Qualified Charitable Donations (QCDs) for anyone 70½+, stock donations for appreciated assets outside of retirement accounts, and contributing to a ROTH retirement plan if you have access to one. Inflation, market movement, and life changes all play into these strategies. The key is to review your plan regularly and take advantage of opportunities that fit your situation.
Q: What strategies matter most for building financial resilience right now?
Tricia: It depends on your time horizon. If you need the money in the next few years, shorter-term cash options or money markets can help. For longer timelines, having some stock exposure is important. Diversification varies for everyone, but the right mix, with a trusted advisor who focuses on your goals, can make a big difference in managing uncertainty.
Q: After so many years of helping families, what moments have been most meaningful to you?
Tricia: Helping clients set up charitable gifts through their IRAs is always meaningful. Supporting clients through retirement transitions in a way that is tax-efficient and intentional is also rewarding. But honestly, what touches me most is when clients see me as more than just their advisor—someone who genuinely cares about their lives, not only their accounts. Those relationships mean more to me than anything.
If you’d like to meet Tricia, ask a question, or see how her approach to planning can support your goals, she would love to connect with you. You can reach her directly at tricia@korefg.com.