CELEBRATE YOUR LOVED ONES WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK SAY YES TO THE CELEBRATION, NOT THE OVERSPENDING
When wedding season rolls around and birthday invites start stacking up, it’s easy to feel like your wallet is under attack. Between flights, gifts, and party attire, the cost of celebrating your loved ones can add up fast . But with planning and savvy spending, you can still show up for the big moments without blowing your budget. PLAN AHEAD LIKE A PRO. Before you say "yes" to every invitation, take a moment to map out your year. Write down weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and graduations you hope to attend. Once you see them all in one place, estimating your total spending is easier. Set a realistic budget for each event, and don’t forget to factor in travel, gifts, and attire. Always do your research and verify prices for flights, hotel rooms, and registry gifts. CUT COSTS WITHOUT CUTTING FUN. Once you have a budget, look for ways to trim expenses without missing out on the fun. Instead
of buying a new outfit for every event, consider re- wearing something you already own or borrowing from a friend. If travel is involved, check if you can split an Airbnb or crash on a friend’s couch. BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR BUDGET. Money can be a tricky subject, but being upfront about your financial situation can help you avoid
unnecessary stress. If an event is out of your budget, have an honest conversation with the host. Most people will be understanding and actually appreciate your transparency. Be sure to express gratitude and excitement for their big day, even if you can’t be there in person. STAY CONNECTED IN CREATIVE WAYS. Just because you can’t attend doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Send a thoughtful gift within your budget, offer to help with planning, or schedule a video call to toast their milestone. Your presence matters more than your presents, and true friends will appreciate any effort you make to share in their joy. Ultimately, celebrating your friends and family shouldn’t come with financial stress. The best memories don’t come from the most expensive gifts or the fanciest flights. They’re built on laughter, love, and the moments you share, no matter what that looks like.
Workers’ Comp at the Work Party
WHAT COUNTS AND WHAT DOESN’T WHEN INJURED AT A COMPANY OUTING
Most of us think of workers' compensation as applying to accidents on the job site — slipping in the warehouse or injuring your back while lifting equipment. But what happens when you’re hurt at a company picnic, holiday party, or charity fundraiser? Can that injury still count as work-related? NOT EVERY WORK EVENT IS ‘WORK.’ Company outings like races, bowling nights, and casual barbecues are often optional, off-the- clock events meant to help coworkers bond and unwind. In Ohio, workers’ compensation generally covers injuries in the course and scope of employment. So, if your weekend volleyball sprain happened at a voluntary team-building event, your claim might not qualify. But there are some key exceptions. WHEN YOUR INJURY MIGHT BE COVERED. You don’t have to be hurt at your usual work location to qualify for benefits, but you do have
to prove that the event was closely connected to your job. Here are a few situations where your injury might be covered:
make the employer liable for your workers’ compensation claim. Clients are present at the event: If the social event includes clients or customers, it can be considered a work-related event due to the pressure to take part.
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You had to attend: If your boss says attendance is required, then the event is considered work. Injuries sustained there may be covered under workers’ compensation laws. You were being paid: Even if the event is labeled as “optional,” if you’re still on the clock or receiving pay during the outing, an injury could be considered job-related. There was a business purpose: If the picnic included formal presentations, company updates, or awards ceremonies, it shows that your employer expected a work-related benefit from your attendance. That makes a difference in determining eligibility for benefits. You were injured on company property: Any outing on company property could
NOT SURE IF YOU’RE COVERED? WE CAN HELP. Injuries at company events can create a lot of confusion when it comes to workers’ compensation. Whether your injury happened on company grounds, during paid time, or under work-related circumstances, it’s worth getting a legal opinion. Contact our team at Monast Law Office, and we’ll review your situation, explain your options, and fight to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Your recovery starts with a conversation — reach out today .
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www.monastlaw.com
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