SMART SACRIFICES
MASTERING MILESTONES ON THE ROAD TO RICHES
People who struggle financially cite some common reasons: low pay, credit card debt, high housing costs, inflation, too much retail therapy, etc. Few realize that by setting goals and making the sacrifices required to achieve them, they could join the ranks of those who live comfortably with ample
interest. Another method, the snowball approach, requires paying off the smallest debt first, then redirecting that money to pay off the next largest debt. This method saves less money in interest but offers more immediate gratification.
stocks. Instead, do some research on index funds, exchange-traded funds, bonds, or certificates of deposit with solid track records. INCREASE YOUR EARNINGS. If you don’t have money, you must work to get it. It may not be fair that some people work three or four jobs to meet their goals, but it’s better than staying stuck. You also may have to invest in gaining new skills to increase your income. TAKE CHARGE. Clinging to a victim mentality is self-defeating. Thinking positively isn’t enough to make you rich, but it will open up new opportunities you couldn’t otherwise have imagined and help you stick to your goals. Once you have mastered these secrets of the rich, start working toward your own milestones. The lifelong rewards will be more than worth the effort!
SAVE UP AN EMERGENCY FUND. If you can, set aside $2,000 as a safety net immediately. After paying off any high-interest debt,
savings. Here are five proven steps for making your money work for you. PAY OFF HIGH-INTEREST DEBT. You must stop the bleeding from costly credit card debt. One of the best strategies is the avalanche method, which entails paying off your highest-interest debt first to save the most money on
build that fund to cover 3–6 months of expenses. Stash it in a high-yield savings account so it will keep working for you while you pursue other goals. INVEST YOUR SAVINGS. Start investing any new savings for higher returns.
Avoid speculative plays such as cryptocurrency or individual
At Monast Law Office, we’re privileged to work with incredible individuals like Scott Tatum, who inspire us with their resilience and determination. Scott has become a beloved client and even earned the nickname “Hollywood” from his friends and family after appearing in our website video. He has a story that we believe deserves to be shared. Scott’s journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew up before relocating to Columbus in 1992. A lifelong trucker, Scott’s grandfather and several other family members also took to the road. He loved the freedom of the open road, but in 2011, an injury threatened to take away the career he cherished. After undergoing surgery in 2012, Scott’s doctor told him it would take 2–3 years to fully recover — a timeline that didn’t align with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), which often expects a much faster return to work. Despite this, Scott never lost hope. He was determined to find a way to rebuild his life, even when told he might never drive a truck again. When BWC suggested he pursue a different profession, Scott took an aptitude test and scored so high that the examiner became his advocate, pushing Scott to attend college. Scott’s tenacity paid off, and he earned his Surgical Technician Certification. He went on to work at a large hospital in Columbus, setting a standard for excellence and helping colleagues with their studies. The Road to Recovery SCOTT’S INSPIRING RETURN TO TRUCKING AFTER INJURY
Yet, Scott’s heart remained with trucking. Encouraged by surgeons who saw his strength and resilience, he began doing light trucking on weekends while still working part time at the hospital. Eventually, Scott returned to trucking full time, and today, he owns his own company with two semi- trucks, living a life he once feared he’d lost forever. Scott credits his attorney, our very own Jim Monast, and our team with being his “stress relievers” during those challenging years. He says, “Jim told me, ‘We will take care of this; you just focus on healing.’” That personal touch made all the difference. Now, Scott enjoys life with his three grandchildren, grateful for the journey that brought him back to the work he loves. Scott’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of having a supportive team behind you. At Monast Law Office, we’re honored to have been part of Scott’s journey and proud to share his success with you.
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