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STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773 | FEBRUARY 2026
The Platforms That Help Us Network Are Also Wearing Us Down BALANCING LIKES, LEADS, AND LOSING TRACK OF TIME
I recently read a book called “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt that explored the impact of social media on children. It discusses how childhood has shifted from play-based, real-world experiences into a space dominated by social media and smartphones that inevitably strip kids of critical life skills such as resilience and independence. With time, these behaviors can lead to mental health struggles. It encourages parents to avoid giving smartphones to children until they turn 16 and to keep them off social media until they reach adulthood. Now that I have a child, this is something I’m giving much more thought to. We don’t often realize how much social media has taken over our lives until we take a step back and look at its evolution. Facebook was created over 20 years ago as a way for college students to connect. From there, it expanded to the general public and has grown into a platform that provides entertainment in addition to its original intention. Now, we have X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and countless other social media platforms vying for our attention. These days, many Americans spend hours on their smartphones scrolling through their preferred platforms. While social media has many drawbacks, there’s a reason it’s remained so popular over the past two decades, and that’s because it does bring benefits to our lives. It’s undeniable that social media is advantageous from a business perspective. It gives you a chance to promote your message and brand, connect with potential customers, and network with other business owners. By using social media effectively, you can easily gain referrals from your connections while remaining top of mind for customers and potential clients. These days, most of us don’t have time to meet with people and have social lunches, so social media has effectively filled that gap. For all the good that social media can bring to our businesses, it can have negative effects if used too often when away from the office. I didn’t grow up with social media, and by no means do I consider myself an active scroller, but even still, there are times when I go to check an account and 20 minutes have quickly passed after I scroll through a few posts.
It’s dangerous. No matter how hard you try, it seems like there is always something there that can suck you in and steal your focus. This has led me to develop some strategies to ensure I don’t get lost in my phone. One of the most beneficial things I’ve done is keep specific social media applications off my personal device. Facebook and LinkedIn are not easily accessible, so I don’t spend much time on them. Instagram, on the other hand, is a different story. You must have the app to post pictures, so I need to keep it in order to share photos from networking events or update people about what’s happening at our office. I have to be intentional when I hop on Instagram for a business need, or else I can fall into the endless cycle of scrolling. I limit my access. If I’m going to use it, I make sure to dedicate a set amount of time to post pictures or check in on my feed. If only I could figure out how to stop checking my email every few minutes! Social media has evolved immensely in recent years and isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. Make smart decisions and keep your mental health in mind whenever you hop on an app. Scrolling may feel “Scrolling may feel entertaining at the time, but its long-term effects could be detrimental to your happiness and overall well-being.”
entertaining at the time, but its long-term effects could be detrimental to your happiness and overall well-being.
–Justin B. Stivers JD, CFP ®
TURNING LEGAL WINS INTO LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SECURITY
THE HIDDEN RISKS AFTER A SETTLEMENT HOW DUE DILIGENCE PROTECTS CLIENTS WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
Whenever someone comes into a large amount of money, there is always some concern about making it last. This becomes even more critical when medical bills are involved, and the individual is unable to work anymore, which happens far too often in personal injury cases. We want to put our clients in the best position possible, which is why we take our due diligence as seriously as possible. Since Justin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® and a fiduciary, everything he does has to be in the best interest of the client. This includes a range of responsibilities, so clients can rest assured knowing that everything is being handled properly. One of the first things we’ll do is investigate whether a client is receiving government benefits. This is often the baseline decision
that determines the path forward, because the last thing we want is someone losing needed benefits after winning a settlement. From there, we explore their present needs. What do their medical bills look like right now and in the foreseeable future? If they’re going to be out of work, what will their living expenses look like? By asking these questions, we can determine their financial needs now and in the future. We’ll then do an analysis and a projection to create the perfect plan, which is a vital part of the process. While a structured settlement annuity can be a great tool for the right person, it can tie up their money. It’s not liquid, so if there is a need for immediate cash, we can explore other options such as an investment portfolio. This is something that is unique to our business.
Our efforts don’t stop there. We will also investigate a client’s family dynamics. Like professional athletes after receiving a huge contract, family and friends will usually come out of the woodwork to get a slice of a loved one’s settlement. We do what we can to protect them through education and personalized strategies. Due diligence is not simply a suggestion; it’s at the core of every decision we make for our clients.
TURN UP THE TUNES, TURN DOWN THE STRESS THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR SANITY
Have you ever noticed that stress melts away when you tap your foot to a favorite tune or do a little “happy dance”? Music is more than just a soundtrack in our lives; it’s a form of therapy that can help us heal by tuning in and turning up soothing sounds. Your playlist is a science-backed mood booster that can bring calm and balance to your body and mind. Tuning Out the Tension Music can have a considerable impact on how we feel and act. If you are stressed, slow- tempo songs can help quiet the noise in your mind, lift your spirits, and release tension. The power of audio over anxiety is scientifically proven and corresponds with actual physical changes in your body. Research suggests
that music around 60 beats per minute can cause your brain to sync with the rhythm and produce the brainwaves needed for relaxation. Other studies have found that listening to music can lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Calming tunes can even decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. Soundtracks for Sweet Sleep A lack of proper sleep is linked to numerous mental and physical health issues, and for many people, reaching for their headphones can send them right into dreamland. Listening to calming music with repetitive patterns and simple elements for at least 45 minutes can help you achieve deep sleep. It triggers your body to rest, slowing your breathing and increasing the production
of feel-good hormones. The trick to finding the right snooze song is avoiding anything unpredictable, loud, or distracting. Too many complex chord changes or guitar solos can keep your brain on alert.
Melodies Mirror the Mind Music is a universal language and an
excellent way to help build your confidence and find your voice. By singing along, playing a drum, or moving to the beat, you can express yourself in a way that lets you stave off stress and remember who you are. Next time you are feeling stressed, put on your headphones and your pick-me- up playlist to give your day a whole new, relaxed rhythm.
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STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773
Beyond the Settlement OUR COMMITMENT TO LONG- TERM CLIENT SUCCESS
One of the things we take the most pride in is establishing and building upon relationships with our clients. Too often, we hear horror stories of people working with other professionals who do the bare minimum. We want to set our clients up for continued success, which means our relationship almost always extends beyond the first consultation or meeting. How long someone will work closely with us truly depends on the route they decide to take with their structured settlement. For many people, we won’t need much action from them after the first consultation. Once they establish their structured settlement, it is essentially permanent, and there won’t be any changes to it. However, we will spend ample time providing education to ensure they keep all their bases covered. Most people have not heard of structured settlement annuities before, so there is often some confusion over how they work.
they will receive the funds. From there, we remain available in case anyone has any questions, but for the most part, they won’t need anything because we’ve established everything and provided thorough, helpful information. If we’re doing investment management and financial planning, the relationship extends far beyond what many expect. It’s not a one- and-done type of thing; it often leads to a lifetime relationship, as we provide in-depth education about our investment philosophy and how we invest. We determine risk tolerance to see how comfortable each client is with the market and develop a plan that accounts for all of their financial planning needs. With these clients, we normally meet quarterly for the first 18–24 months before it becomes an annual or biannual meeting where we review the portfolio and address any new needs.
If you ever have any questions before sending a client our way, do not hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!
A lot of the initial conversation will revolve around education about the rate of return, determining the best route forward, and how
Mouthwatering Mini Cheesecakes
INGREDIENTS •
12 oz package vanilla wafers 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• • •
2 large eggs
• •
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
21 oz can cherry pie filling
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In two 24-cup miniature muffin pans, line each space with a paper liner. 3. Using a food processor or resealable plastic bag, crush vanilla wafers into a fine crumb. 4. Press 1/2 teaspoon of crumbs into each paper liner. 5. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 6. Fill each miniature muffin liner with this mixture, almost to the top. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set. 8. Cool completely in the pan. 9. Top each mini cheesecake with about a teaspoon of cherry pie filling before serving. Enjoy!
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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TURNING LEGAL WINS INTO LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SECURITY
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
135 FOX ROAD, SUITE H KNOXVILLE, TN 37922 (305) 619-9773 STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM
INSIDE
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The Hidden Cost of Staying Connected
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The Critical Role of Due Diligence in Protecting Injury Settlements Peace Is a Playlist Away How We Support Clients Long After the Paperwork Is Done Mouthwatering Mini Cheesecakes
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Turn Cold Nights Into Warm Memories
Create the Ultimate Winter Camping Experience FROM FROST TO FIRELIGHT
Keep your feet dry. Wet socks are the quick route to misery in cold weather. Snow melts, boots get damp, and you sweat while hiking. So, aim to stay dry from the get‑go with waterproof boots, gaiters, and maybe even snowshoes if you’re in deep powder.
There’s something magical about stepping outside into a hush of freshly fallen snow, pitching your tent beneath stars that feel crystal‑clear, and inhaling air so cold it feels pure. Winter camping allows you to experience nature in slow motion. The frozen landscape creates a peaceful stillness you won’t find on summer outings.
for milder temperatures, a liner can extend its comfort zone by several degrees.
Choose your spot wisely. A beautiful winter campsite still requires a smart choice. Avoid the bottom of slopes (cold air settles there) and the top of ridges (wind bites). Instead, look for flat terrain, shelter from the wind, and a nice snow‑bed you can compress by walking on it before you pitch your tent. Your tent door should face away from the prevailing wind. Make the evenings cozy. Once the sun dips and temperatures slide, it’s all about comfort! A warm drink by the campfire, flipping through a good book, chatting quietly while the stars shimmer overhead: These are the moments that make winter camping memorable!
Ground protection matters.
Layer smart to stay cozy. Whether you’re trudging into a snowy clearing or setting up camp under a frosty sky, your number one ally is layering. Start with a snug “base” layer that traps warmth against your body. Next, add something insulating, like a fleece or down. Your
You’ve hauled all this gear out into the cold, so don’t
let the frozen ground steal your warmth. A
solid sleeping pad acts as insulation between you and the ground. Choose one with a decent R‑value (thermal resistance) or layer two simpler pads to block the chill. Then add a sleeping bag appropriate for the low you’re expecting. If your bag is rated
final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Skip cotton because it soaks up moisture, and getting wet accelerates frostbite.
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STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773
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