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OVERRULED
New Orleans Covington Injury & Estate Lawyers
September 2024
(504) 384-7978
www.ScottVicknair.com
Labor Day Reset PRIORITIZE YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Labor Day has been celebrated since Sept. 5, 1882, to highlight the social and economic accomplishments of all American workers. It came about at a time when workers’ rights were at an all-time low, and things desperately needed to change. But despite all of the advancements since then, many of us still do not strike a healthy work-life balance. Life is about more than just work. We all need to remember how important it is to get enough rest and relaxation. In his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Franklin Covey says, “We must never be too busy to take time to sharpen the saw.” Here are some of the tips I recommend for retaining a healthy work-life balance. Set Aside Time This is my top tip for maintaining a work-life balance and one that I personally employ. The way I operate is, if something is not on my calendar, it doesn’t get done. We all have goals and aspirations, but until we take those as seriously as we do our work obligations, we can’t expect to accomplish them. After all, you never rise to the level of your goals, you always sink to the level of your systems and your habits. The best way to incorporate some of that “life” into the work-life balance is to actually block out time for it on your calendar. Whether that is setting aside time for reading a book, going to the gym, or doing meal prep, having it on your calendar makes a world of difference. Start Small Every New Year’s resolution is a grand, almost unattainable goal. People tell themselves they are going to work out for an hour, four times a week, or that they are going to maintain a perfect, carb- and sugar-free diet. The problem is that willpower only gets us so far, and when our ambitions are too grandiose, we often fall well short and give up. Instead, I recommend people start small. Maybe work out for 15 minutes, twice a week. That small commitment can help you build a routine. And, odds are, when you hold yourself accountable for just 15 minutes, you will often end up doing a lot more once you are at the gym. It is better to surprise yourself than disappoint yourself. Micro Vacations We all make plans for that “big” vacation each year. Whether it be a week or two spent amid nature, abroad, or visiting sites you have always wanted to, these plans are often difficult and time-consuming to make. However, you don’t need a lot of time off to earn some
much-needed rest. Even taking a half-day off on a Friday to get a head start on your weekend, or a Monday off to extend the weekend, can go a long way to helping you recharge. It does wonders for your ability to stay productive and be more successful because it allows your brain a much-needed reset. Live in the Moment We always hear the expression, “Live in the moment,” but often, I think it’s hard to realize just how bombarded we are by distractions in today’s world. Whether it’s emails, streaming services, or social media, there is no shortage of platforms aimed at getting our attention. People don’t have to be bored anymore, and being bored can be a good thing. When you don’t have distractions, you can capture important moments in your life. I tend to see people at inopportune times, like their kids’ sporting events, worrying about what happened at the office that day, going through their email, or stressing about an appointment coming up next week. We are always living, but it seems we are often stuck in the past or the future. I encourage you to be where your feet are at all times — it does wonders for your mental health.
–Brad Scott
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Breadlines, tent cities, people struggling to find work — the Great Depression was a national struggle. Reflecting on this historic time offers invaluable lessons on survival, community building, and resilience. What can we learn from such a tumultuous period? Let’s explore four enduring life lessons from this era. Be Flexible Adaptability is critical to surviving tough times. If and when those situations arise, learning to live within our means is crucial, which requires a lot of flexibility. During the Great Depression, people knew odd jobs were better than no job at all, and these days, several apps like Uber, Instacart, and more help people earn enough to make ends meet. If all else fails, be open to moving to a cheaper area, like some families chose to do during the 1930s. Get in the Kitchen The cost of dining out continues to rise, meaning cooking at home is an easy and fun way to save money and connect with your family. Even if you lack culinary skills, you can find many inexpensive and satisfying Depression-era recipes online or in your grandmother’s recipe box. Not everyone enjoys cooking, but knowing your way around a kitchen will dramatically decrease your monthly food bill. Don’t Replace — Repair! What do you usually do when an appliance breaks down? Do you call someone to repair it or just get a new one? Both options are costly, and neither were feasible during the Great Depression. What did they do back then? They fixed it themselves — a practice that’s even easier in modern times thanks to the internet. YouTube is an excellent resource for DIY tutorials for THESE FINANCIAL TIPS STILL WORK! Life Lessons From the Great Depression
Brad and David recently enjoyed an insightful chat with Mike Alder, a Louisiana-born, California-based trial lawyer who has found success through mentorship, giving, and humility. Mike discusses lessons learned from trial verdicts, including how embracing failure as an event, not an identity, can be the key to success, along with a strong belief in the power of mentorship and consistency. These lessons have also spread from his professional life to his personal as he and his wife have recently undertaken the development of a beautiful ranch in the heart of Louisiana to use as an event space. OVERRULED next took a deep dive into the controversy surrounding the Federal Trade Commission’s recent decision to ban noncompete agreements. With over 30 million employees affected, the implications are vast for both employers and workers. Join Brad and David CHECK OUT THE LATEST ON ‘OVERRULED’!
for an in-depth discussion on the legal, business, and philosophical perspectives of noncompetes, including the potential constitutional challenges and what this means for the future of employment contracts.
various products, and you can often find step-by-step instructions for specific models! Watch Those Pennies A famous quote during the
Great Depression is still relevant even after more than eight decades. It goes, “If you watch your pennies,
Scan the QR code to learn how you can download our Probate Process eBook!
the dollars will take care of themselves.” In other
words, spare change adds up. Whether you’re putting away 20 bucks or 20 cents, it’ll add up to big savings in time.
During the Great Depression, people came together to support their communities, knowing there was strength in numbers, especially regarding survival. Despite being so far in the past, you can leverage the wisdom of the era to climb toward a brighter financial future tomorrow.
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Baby showers are entertaining, but nesting parties are fun and functional! This viral trend has been all over social media for good reason! Essentially, you invite over friends and work together to tackle tasks for the baby’s arrival. If this sounds like a good idea, here are four tips to keep your nesting party productive and enjoyable. Make a list of tasks and gather supplies beforehand. Does the nursery need to be painted or decorated? Does furniture need to be assembled? Do you have equipment that needs to be installed or tested? What about sanitizing bottles, washing and folding baby clothes or linens, and organizing the baby’s room? Figure out the priority tasks, then collect all the necessary supplies to complete the jobs at the party. Carefully select your guest list. Who is the most helpful amongst your inner circle? Skip the Baby Shower — Throw a Nesting Party! THIS VIRAL TREND SPOTLIGHTS A MOM’S NEEDS
Scott | Vicknair Law Firm Gets Ready for Disaster Preparedness Month September is Disaster Preparedness Month, a crucial reminder for individuals and businesses to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. With hurricane season in full swing, now is the time to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared. From creating a family emergency plan to stocking up on essential supplies like water, non-perishable food (for people AND pets!), as well as medications, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in staying safe. Stay informed
by monitoring weather updates and evacuation notices, secure your home by reinforcing doors and windows, and have a backup power source ready.
At Scott | Vicknair Law, we understand the devastating
impacts that disasters can have on lives. By being prepared, you can lessen risks and protect not only your physical well-being but also
your legal rights. We urge everyone to prioritize safety measures this month. Preparedness now can make all the difference in safeguarding your future. Stay safe, stay prepared.
If you have friends notorious for hiding when a chore comes up, they probably wouldn’t be a good
What Our Clients Are Saying “I recently consulted this law firm regarding a Special Needs Trust. After explaining my situation, they clearly laid out my options. Each option was explained in detail, ensuring I understood everything. They patiently answered all my questions and concerns without rushing through the consultation. Remarkably, the advice and options provided were free of charge, saving me a significant amount of money. It was evident that the firm prioritized my best interests over financial gain. I will definitely keep their contact information for future business. Thank you!” – John F.
guest for your nesting party. But don’t invite too many people! As the saying goes, “Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the soup.” Delegate jobs based on individual strengths. As guests arrive, dole out tasks
based on their strengths. Is your cousin great at organizing? Put them in charge of the baby’s room. Is your bestie an excellent cook? Have them work on meal prepping some freezer options for those post-partum days when you need to fuel your recovery but don’t have the energy to feed yourself. Is your brother a gym rat? Assign him to rearrange furniture and other tasks requiring muscle. Aligning the tasks with everyone’s preferences or skills keeps frustrations to a minimum so you can enjoy this time with your loved ones. Keep it simple. Order takeout from a favorite local spot, provide beverages, and use disposable options for tableware. Remember, while fun is sure to be a byproduct of spending time with loved ones, the goal is to be productive, so the more manageable the party is to clean up and take down, the better.
Thank You for Your Referrals!
This month, we’d like to thank Gary B., Kristy, Shelley V., Sandra B., Scott S., Suzette D., Steve G., Ava A., and Dudley J. for believing we are the right firm to help their friends and family. Your continued support gives us the ability to reach more individuals
and make a positive difference in their lives. Call us, if we cannot handle your case, we will work on finding someone who can assist you. CALL NOW – OPEN 24/7 (504) 384-7978
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Injury & Estate Lawyers
(504) 384-7978 www.ScottVicknair.com 909 Poydras St., Suite 1225 New Orleans, LA 70112
Inside This Issue
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Mastering Work-Life Balance This Labor Day
Time-Tested Financial Tips Check Out the Latest Episode of ‘OVERRULED’
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Scott | Vicknair Law Firm Gets Ready for Disaster Preparedness Month What’s a Nesting Party? Plus, How to Throw One!
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‘Survivor’s’ Erik Huffman Arrested for Domestic Violence GETTING VOTED OFF THE ISLAND?
This ‘Survivor’ Couple’s Marriage Might Be on the Rocks!
Reality star Erik Huffman was arrested for domestic violence charges following an alleged public altercation with his wife, Jaime Dugan, another alum of “Survivor.” The couple met while filming the show in 2007 and have been together since — however, new information hints at trouble in paradise for the pair. According to police reports, authorities responded to reports of a disturbance at a local convenience store in Spartanburg, South Carolina, this past January. They found Huffman, who told officers he was looking for his wife, claiming she had left him in the parking lot after the pair argued. Huffman seemed to imply that his wife might be thinking of harming herself, telling authorities that he wanted to make sure she was safe and medically okay. When police caught up with Dugan and got her side of the story, the plot thickened. According to the police report, she’d discovered while on the way to the store that her husband had a secret second phone, which led to a fight where Huffman broke one of Dugan’s fingernails and left a series of minor scratches on her hands. This incident made her feel unsafe, so she left him and drove away. Officers decided Huffman was the aggressor in the situation and arrested him on domestic violence charges; however, the case was closed the following day.
Married since April 2009, the pair has a child and found common ground in shared values, having both grown up in the South. “We were automatically connected because we grew up in the same town,” said Dugan in 2020. “We felt at peace with each other.” While neither one of them won their season of “Survivor,” Huffman ultimately finished in sixth place. This latest news leaves fans of the show and the couple in limbo as they wait to see how their relationship progresses. Will they be able to repair their marriage? And why does Huffman have a secret phone his wife doesn’t know about? Time will tell whether their union survives.
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