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STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773 | DECEMBER 2025
Protect the Win Many attorneys choose their field because they want to help others going through difficult situations. They may have watched a loved one face challenges after an accident or during legal proceedings. They want to ensure those in a similar situation get the representation and assistance they need and deserve. You have likely helped countless individuals with their legal needs, even procuring a lump sum in their settlement that can change their lives forever. Once the cases are resolved, you hand over a check and wish them well, but how can you ensure the settlement money supports their future, needs, and goals? That’s where I come into play! planning to structured settlement annuities. Most attorneys don’t know of the many options available for their clients! You’ve probably helped a client in the past who received a large amount BE THE HERO LONG AFTER WINNING THE CASE Having a background as an attorney and working in a role that deals with financial planning, I can offer so much to attorneys and their clients, from comprehensive
of money, which they quickly blew. I want to help make sure this never happens again. I want to
For those I haven’t met yet, my name is Justin Stivers, and I own and operate Stivers Settlement Consultants. I’ve always been interested in financial planning, as my dad has worked as a financial planner, running his own firm since 1992. However, my journey did not take me straight here. I decided to go to law school and become an estate planning attorney, where I worked diligently to help individuals with their wills, trusts, and other vital documents. I mainly worked with personal injury and plaintiff attorneys whose clients had recently received large settlements from a verdict. They would bring me in to draft trusts and put together plans to ensure the clients had a plan to protect them and their loved ones after a recent windfall. After years in this role, I realized I wanted to do more. A lot of attorney-client interactions are inherently transactional. The client hires the attorney to represent and fight for them, but once the case is over, the two sides part ways and may never communicate again. Growing up, I watched my dad and other advisors talk regularly with clients, even getting invited to birthday parties. It was much more of a lifelong relationship, sometimes going as far as working with multiple generations. I wanted something more like that, building ongoing relationships where I could be a true partner instead of a transactional one-off. I haven’t looked back since I made the shift!
be a resource, to educate and talk your clients through each unique scenario. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® and am still an active, non-practicing, licensed attorney in Tennessee and Florida, so I can help you find solutions for your clients! While I love my work, I’m also a family man who loves spending time with my wife, Alexandra, and my beautiful daughter, Sofia. We moved back to Knoxville around a year and a half ago to be near my parents, my three younger sisters, and their 10 children. You’ll likely hear much more about them in future newsletter editions! If you have any questions about my role or want to set your clients up for success, don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you and helping your clients prepare for the future!
–Justin B. Stivers JD, CFP ®
TURNING LEGAL WINS INTO LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SECURITY
Less Scrolling, More Strolling THE CASE FOR A DAILY WALK
As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner in the evenings, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into the routine of indoor comfort with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp.
thus increasing the calorie burn of even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for most of the day.
Create a cozy routine you look forward to. One of the best ways to stay consistent
Fall and winter are nature’s underrated workout months.
during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. Make it social, rewarding, or both. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink, or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.
There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one indoor task to the next.
The science of seasonal movement is real.
Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm,
When the Case Ends, Our Work Begins THE PARTNER YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED
Most Americans do not think they will experience a potentially life- changing accident or incident that leaves them injured. They don’t imagine they’ll have to go through a lengthy court process to work out the details of their situation. They also don’t expect to receive a large sum of money. However, if they do, they may need help managing it properly. Thankfully, settlement consultants are here to help! Most people don’t know what settlement consultants do because they don’t even know we exist until they need our expertise. Even attorneys tend to think we only have one or two uses, but in reality, we can help with various finance-related tasks and responsibilities, making life infinitely easier for your clients. After you receive a verdict or settlement on a case, you likely give your client their money and move on. You like to think they’ll invest or save the funds, but too often, people spend it as soon as they get it. As settlement consultants and planners, we can help develop a plan that works for their goals, whether it’s assisting them in finding investment opportunities or receiving a structured settlement annuity. By analyzing their situation, we can optimize their path
forward without jeopardizing government benefits or negatively impacting other areas of life. We are here whenever our clients need us and we can find solutions to their concerns. We bring in attorneys to draft trusts or help them with estate planning.
We ask various questions to ensure we build the right plan for them, determining whether they want the settlement to be legacy money for their kids or need it for immediate needs.
We find the best way for them to receive money without experiencing a tax burden. We can even meet during mediation to ensure the defense’s offers are enough for long-term care and other needs.
As you can see, we wear many hats, but overall, we’re here to help your clients with any finance-related questions or concerns.
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STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773
REDUCE YOUR RISK, INCREASE YOUR REFERRALS
Settlement consultants and financial planners can be an invaluable asset to individuals who have recently won a large amount of money from a settlement or verdict. We can do so many things to help your clients, but you may wonder how our services benefit you and your firm. Referring your clients to us and utilizing our services can actually provide a huge boost to your business!
They may have family members or friends asking for money now, or they could make multiple large purchases that jeopardize their finances. Think about how happy and grateful they would be if you went the extra mile to put them in a promising financial position. That gratitude will quickly become more referrals if they have friends or family in need.
Utilizing our services will also help you protect yourself and your business. Let’s say one of your clients receives a lump sum while on government benefits. They could lose their benefits by having so much money in their bank account. If you didn’t advise them properly, and they lose their benefits, precedent exists for them to sue you. It’s never worth the risk! Settlement consultants can be a valuable resource and a massive stress reliever for attorneys. Once you see how beneficial we can be for your clients and your business, you’ll wonder why you didn’t contact us sooner!
Where do you get most of your clients? Some probably contact you after seeing advertisements or even read about one of your recent cases, but in most instances, they likely come from referrals. When you help clients receive a significant settlement or win their case, they will be incredibly grateful for your services. However, you can still go above and beyond by bringing in someone to help them manage their new financial situation.
After you finish a case and hand a check to your clients, that could be the end of your role, but this might not be in their best interests.
Baked Pineapple Salmon
INGREDIENTS •
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
1 can pineapple slices, drained, reserving 1/4 cup of juice 2 1/2 lb side of salmon Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 4 tbsp hoisin sauce 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 3. Place pineapple slices on baking sheet. 4. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and lay over pineapple. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic cloves, lemon, and pineapple juice. Pour over salmon. 6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. 7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime slices.
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TAKE A BREAK
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Lime slices
Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.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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Avoid the Tragedy of a Blown Settlement
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Bundle Up and Step Out
What Does a Settlement Consultant Do?
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Be the Attorney They Recommend Again and Again
Baked Pineapple Salmon
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Are Budgeting Apps Making Us Smarter or More Stressed?
categories fill up, and savings goals progress. That kind of visibility makes it easier to spot patterns, adjust habits, and make smarter financial choices day to day, often leading to better savings or faster debt payoff. Behavioral Change Made Easier Many apps teach a mindset and help users understand and align spending with values. They work on embracing true expenses, letting money age, and teaching individuals how to roll with the punches of stocks and other investments. Motivation Through Goal-Setting Whether you’re saving $1,000 or planning a vacation, watching progress visually in an app keeps you motivated. Like fitness trackers, financial apps reward steady efforts with reports and nudges that reinforce positive habits. But are you just getting busier? Time Sink or Digital Chore? Digging into your budget with an app can feel like opening a can of worms. There’s always another category to adjust, a mislabeled
transaction to fix, or settings to fine-tune. While many users appreciate the flexibility apps offer compared to traditional spreadsheets, the constant need to review and manage the details can still drain your focus and energy. Subscription Costs and Privacy Fears Premium features aren’t free. Apps like YNAB, Simplifi, or PocketGuard cost upward of $3–$15 a month. Some free apps monetize via data sharing or ads. Even with encryption, there’s always a risk when sensitive financial data is stored digitally. Restrictive Mindsets and Stress Budgeting tools that rigidly enforce every dollar allocated can sometimes foster anxiety around spending. Users may feel guilty even for small wants, or experience friction in social settings when budget limits feel oppressive rather than helpful. The choice is yours! Many users find the sweet spot: Use an app for automatic tracking, but limit deep interaction to weekly reviews. This approach combines insight without turning your budget into a marathon slog.
Keeping track of your money used to mean balancing checkbooks or jotting down expenses in a notebook. Today, it’s as simple as downloading an app. Budgeting tools like YNAB and Monarch promise clarity, control, and smarter spending from your phone. But as more people use these digital money managers, a fair question arises: Are these apps helping us take control of our finances, or are they just another thing to manage in an already busy life? The case for ‘You’re better with apps.’ Instant Awareness and Insight Connect your accounts, and your entire spending picture comes into focus. You’ll see real-time updates as purchases roll in, budget Do Budgeting Apps Actually Help, Or Just Feel Productive?
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