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THE ADVISOR
NOVEM
Overcome Your Challenges
BER/DE
CEMBE
R 2022
By Gaining a New Perspective
Working as a Social Security disability lawyer, I work with many people that Social Security and the government consider disabled. Social Security legally considers someone disabled if they have an impairment or set of impairments that prevents them from working 12 months or more in a row. When you meet and talk with many of my clients, you wouldn’t always associate the word disabled with them, and that’s because many of us grow up with a more traditional view of disabilities. When you hear the word disabled, your mind immediately jumps to someone born with the odds stacked against them or someone who experienced a severe tragedy. That’s not to say that those considered disabled by Social Security are not dealing with challenges. They are. I see it every day. My clients are dealing with physical, emotional, and mental struggles as they cannot work due to an injury, illness, or other health condition. When you face a difficult obstacle, I’ve found that it can help to compare your situation to those that have it even worse. In early December, we recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It’s a day focused on promoting the rights and well-being of those born with specific issues that will never improve. These issues make their lives challenging in every respect, and it’s something I’ve seen firsthand. Growing up, my family would spend every Sunday at my grandparents’ house with all of our aunts, uncles, and cousins. Two of my cousins were born with a unique form of cerebral palsy. My cousin Randy was four years younger than me, and his cerebral palsy was very severe. He could never walk, talk, feed himself, or do just about anything. My aunt and uncle had two boys after Randy before having another child named Anthony, who also had cerebral palsy. This case was much less intense than Randy’s, as this cousin has lived a fairly normal life. He has a college education and works a regular job.
When Randy was born, the doctor informed his parents that he only had a few years
to live due to his condition. Randy’s parents kept him alive until he was 19 years old through hard work, care, and love, greatly exceeding the doctor’s expectations. He never weighed more than 40 pounds, but he didn’t let that take away from his happiness. He was always smiling and laughing. Randy had to be the happiest person I have ever known. My grandmother was a fantastic pianist; when the family gathered on Sunday, she would play for hours. She wasn’t doing it for herself; she was doing it for Randy. She would pull Randy’s wheelchair right up to the piano and play for him while he smiled and laughed the entire time. My grandmother wasn’t in great health, as she was in her 70s at the time, but she didn’t let that stop her from trying to bring more enjoyment and happiness to Randy’s life. Whenever we gathered together, the entire family would shower Randy with love. Whenever things go wrong in my life, as cliché as it might sound, I think about how it could be worse. I could be in a worse position, more pain, or even more limited. I think of my cousins, especially Randy, and all of the challenges he faced. It gives me a sense of perspective and helps me to move forward. Everyone has someone in their life who has it worse than them — even my clients who are going through a rough patch. Think about them and place yourself in their shoes. It will give you a greater perspective on the situation and help you stay afloat. Remember that we’re also here for you whenever you need us. We may not understand everything you’re going through, but we will try our best to help.
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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989
DON’T GO BROKE FOR THE HOLIDAYS 4 STEPS TO CREATING A CHRISTMAS BUDGET
4. Plan out how much you want to spend on Christmas gifts: Write out whom you want to get gifts for and how much you want to spend. Track your spending as you go to ensure you don’t overspend or forget to buy someone a gift.
Before you head to the mall or add items to your shopping cart online, you want to ensure you have enough money to cover your monthly expenses and buy your loved ones Christmas presents. You may feel overwhelmed about your finances and how you will manage to buy gifts. But if you create a Christmas budget, you won’t break the bank! How do you create a Christmas budget? 1. Write down your monthly income: The first thing you want to do is tally up how much money you bring in each month. This lets you know how much money you have before you take out your expenses. 2. Write down your monthly expenses: You want to tally up the total amount of regular monthly costs, including housing, utilities, groceries, and internet. This also includes cars, credit cards, insurance, and other monthly payments. Be sure to add any streaming or subscription fees to this total. 3. Find out how much money you have left over: Subtract your total expenses from your monthly income. The number you get will be the money you have left over for discretionary spending, such as dinner out, a concert, or Christmas presents. But make sure you leave some wiggle room for any unexpected costs.
Shop for Christmas on a budget. 1. Look at last-minute sales: Tons of retailers will offer holiday sales as we get closer to Christmas. So be on the lookout for stores that mark prices down as St. Nick prepares for his journey. 2. Recycle gift cards: If you received a gift card to a store that you never used (or forgot about), re-gift it this year! Just be sure the card hasn’t expired.
3. Go thrifting: You can find great gifts at your local thrift store. Depending on where you go, you can get clothes, books, silverware, furniture, gadgets, and more.
Christmas shopping can be stressful, but by creating a budget and sticking to it, you will survive this holiday season like a pro.
everything discussed will remain in complete privacy and confidentiality whether or not you decide to proceed with us. We want every person who has ever been sick, injured, or disabled and felt confused about their unique situation to get the facts before deciding if hiring a Social Security disability attorney is right for them. We know what a positive, life-long impact getting your benefits can have on you. Over the years of handling SSD cases like yours, we’ve seen the financial devastation of being unable to work. If you have any questions or need guidance, reach out to our office today. We’re here to help. We’re Here to Help SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS IS
One of the most significant concerns individuals have when hiring a lawyer for legal needs is cost. In most cases, they’re already struggling financially, and the thought of having to pay additional fees to ensure their rights are upheld is worrisome. Thankfully hiring a disability lawyer is much more affordable than one may think. Many of our clients tell us that the results they see from hiring us cannot be seen in dollars, meaning they see positive changes throughout different areas of their lives. They’re gaining more than money by working with us. Imagine having an advocate at your side who has helped thousands of people. We work diligently to protect your rights and do
everything in our power to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of, all while taking the stress and pressure off you, allowing you to get better so you can get your life back. The fact that our services are affordable is just an added bonus! We work on a 25% contingency fee, meaning you only pay if we can collect for you. We’re always available to explain these fees in depth if you give our office a call. Attorney fees are contingent upon winning, and the SSA must approve them. Our out-of-pocket case costs and court fees/expenses are different and are due in addition to any fee that may have been earned. If you need more information, give our office a call. There’s no fee or obligation when you meet with us for a consultation. And
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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989
BEST PORK ROAST
Our team at Hartwig Law Firm is committed to helping each other and our clients with whatever they need. We’re always willing to go above and beyond to help others. We want to create a friendly and encouraging environment for everyone who steps through our doors. One individual who is fully committed to this idea and is always willing to offer a helping hand to whomever needs it is our paralegal, Caitlyn. Caitlyn joined our team this past May after working as a social worker. She was determined to find a job in the legal field after she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and justice studies. More than anything, she wanted a career where she could make a positive difference in people’s lives. She held various jobs caring for children before joining our team, so it’s clear that helping others has always been a part of who Caitlyn is, and her passion hasn’t wavered over the years. Caitlyn is here to assist you when you work with us. She specializes in case management and focuses on bringing our clients through the disability process. She’ll then spend time communicating with both Social Security and our clients to inform them of what’s happening with their cases. Caitlyn truly cares about her work and never misses an opportunity to follow up or see where else she can help. She’s greatly enjoyed working with our team so far and finds it incredibly rewarding when she can help a client with their unique needs. OUR PARALEGAL, CAITLYN Keeping Our Clients at the Forefront of Her Mind
What’s better than slow-roasted pork that’s caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside? Nothing! Enjoy this sweet and savory meal on cold winter nights.
INGREDIENTS
• • • •
4 lbs pork shoulder/butt Salt and pepper, to taste 7 tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 cup brown sugar
• • • •
1/4 cup cider vinegar 4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 320 F. 2. Season pork with salt and pepper and set aside. 3. In a saucepan over medium heat, add butter, sugar, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine ingredients and wait for the sugar to melt completely. Remove from heat. 4. Line roasting pan with foil and then parchment paper. Place pork on top of the parchment. Pour half of the sauce over the pork, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. 5. Remove from oven, remove foil, and flip pork onto the other side. Spoon the rest of the sauce over the pork, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes or until the pork is golden brown.
Inspired by RecipeTinEats.com
Answer on Page 4
When Caitlyn is away from work, you can usually find her volunteering at the local animal shelter. She even has two dogs and a cat that require plenty of attention at home. She also loves spending time out in nature or relaxing with her friends and family. We’re so glad to have Caitlyn as part of our team and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
385 Court St., Suite 210 Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 732-8989 www.HartwigLawFirm.com
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Adopting a Perspective to Overcome Challenges
SHARE YOUR STORY! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Hartwig Law Firm, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at (508) 732-8989 or via email at Patrick@HartwigLawFirm.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
How to Christmas Shop on a Budget
Helping Our Clients Protect Their Rights
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Become Acquainted With Our Paralegal, Caitlyn
Best Pork Roast
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How to Impress Visitors This Holiday Season
The holidays are rapidly approaching, and soon, we’ll share laughs while enjoying the festivities with our loved ones. Before the celebrations begin, you must prepare your home for visitors, especially if they stay overnight. It can be stressful whether it’s your in-laws, best friends, or distant cousins coming to stay with you. You want to leave a good impression, but how do you ensure everyone’s needs are met, including yours? Here are three tips for setting yourself up for a successful holiday, regardless of who stays with you. Stock up on your guests’ favorites. Have you ever stayed with someone who didn’t have extra food for their guests? Don’t put your guests in this situation. Load up your pantry, refrigerator, and cupboards with your guests’ favorite foods and drinks. If you don’t know what they are, ask ahead of their visit! Your guests will appreciate your conscientious gesture and have a much more enjoyable time if they can eat their favorites while visiting. Prepare a guest room. If your guests are staying with you, you need to prepare somewhere for them to sleep. Make sure you make up the bed, have plenty of pillows and blankets on hand, and provide adequate closet space for their clothes. Even if they aren’t staying in a traditional bedroom, their sleeping area Impress the Guests With These Holiday Hosting Tips
should still be ready when they arrive. Clear off a table for them to use as a nightstand and put sheets on the couch or mattress where they’ll sleep.
Use real dishes. When we have company over for a meal, especially a large gathering, it’s usually easier to use plastic or paper options — saves on cleanup, too! The holidays are not necessarily the time for this shortcut. Break out the fine china if you have it, or use regular dishes for your guests. It’s okay for the kids to have paper plates, but if you want to make a good impression on visiting adults, nicer dishes will dress up the table setting and meal.
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Hartwig Law Firm | (508) 732-8989
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