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STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773 | MARCH 2026
When No One’s Watching We all have a set of ethics that guides nearly every decision we make. It’s our moral compass that controls how we respond to difficult situations, how we interact with other people, and so much more. Often, we don’t even realize that our ethics are influencing our decisions since they’re operating from the shadows and have been a part of our mental makeup for as long as we can remember. However, March presents us with a unique opportunity to explore our ethics and what we stand for, as it’s Ethics Awareness Month. OUR ETHICS DEFINE WHO WE REALLY ARE
Like many others, my experience with ethics stems from childhood experiences. There are so many phrases that adults tell us during our formative years that can really influence how we behave throughout our lives. “Always do the right thing,” “treat others the way you want to be treated,” and “take the high road” are all ideologies that have been instilled in me since childhood. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in two of the most highly regulated industries in our country. To become a lawyer, you have to pass an ethics test and undergo background checks. Ethics is a huge deal in law and finance, and just from a practical standpoint, you don’t want to do the wrong thing because you risk your license. Once your license is gone, your livelihood will follow. I developed a belief that it was always best to do right by people, and this was firmly established during my law school experience. One of the most common ideas drilled into us by our law school professors was that it takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but only one bad mistake to ruin it. That always stuck with me and became more real when I saw it in action firsthand. In both of my professions, I’ve worked with well-meaning people trying to do the right thing for others. You learn their names, their backgrounds, and it becomes a small community of professionals. But both professions also have publications that state when someone has been suspended, disbarred, or involved in a fiasco. When others see your name in one of these publications for the wrong reason, they start to question whether they should remain in contact with you. It’s near impossible to recover your reputation once it’s taken a hit.
In my current role, strong ethics continue to be the foundation for nearly everything we do. I’m a fiduciary, which means that I have to put my client’s best interests first. For example, one of the first things we do when speaking with a prospect or client is to determine their risk tolerance score to ensure the plan we create is suitable for them and their needs. If they are risk-averse, we aren’t going to put them 100% in Bitcoin or Apple stock; we’ll make sure they have diversification. We aren’t going to put someone in their 90s into a high-risk plan because it just doesn’t make sense for their needs. It’s the same deal if we’re looking at a structured settlement. Everything I do is in the best interest of the client; it doesn’t matter how it impacts me or anyone else. It is all about them and their unique needs.
Ethics are important and play a role in who we are and what we do in life. Take some time this month to reflect on your own moral compass,
and if you think your ethics need some shaping up, develop some strategies to strengthen them. Doing so will help you become the best version of yourself! –Justin B. Stivers JD, CFP ®
TURNING LEGAL WINS INTO LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SECURITY
BIG CHECK NOW OR STEADY PAYMENTS LATER? THE SETTLEMENT DECISION THAT CAN SHAPE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
After winning a lawsuit and receiving a large settlement, you may wonder what the best path forward is for your new financial situation. This is actually one of the most common situations we deal with. Our clients often ponder whether they should take the lump sum or put the funds into a structured settlement. This is a big decision that could impact the rest of their lives, so it’s important that they make the right choice for their unique circumstances. There are many factors at play that influence this decision. One of the biggest things we consider when looking at the best option for each client is their particular needs. Do they have a lot of debt or financial responsibilities that require a large amount of money up front? Are they on government benefits that could disappear if they receive a lump sum? We want to put our
the right decision for their future. When someone wins a lawsuit and receives a check for $200,000 or more, they may believe that it would be really nice to have all of that money up front. However, it could be possible to turn that $200,000 into $600,000 spread out over many years with the right strategy. That type of money can be a complete game-changer for many Americans. When we meet with clients to discuss their options, it’s all about finding the right one. We’ll provide the financial education and help them think through each option, looking carefully at how it impacts their immediate and future financial needs. From there, we can help them create a budget while looking at the life stage they are in. Then we can collaborate to make the decision that makes the most sense for their needs.
clients in the best position possible for their future, so we have to carefully consider and navigate all of the specifics of their lives to ensure that the plan put in place truly works for them and their family.
We place a large emphasis on educating our clients, so we can be sure that they’re making
SCROLLING INTO STRESS THE HIDDEN COSTS OF CONSTANT SCREEN TIME
Technology is part of almost every moment of our lives, from the instant our alarms buzz to wake us up to late-night
following posts that promote a specific ideal weight can all lead us to feel “less than.” Studies have also found that heavy use of social media increases the risk of depression.
to bedtime. Consider setting those devices aside at least an hour before bed and engaging in a relaxing activity, such as taking a bath or reading a book. Effects on Children Since children’s brains are still developing, young people can experience even more negative effects of technology. Children who look at their screens for more than two hours a day have a greater risk of ADHD and trouble concentrating. Technology can lead to stress, poor social skills, and expose children and teens to harmful adult content. With overexposure to short content like TikTok videos, children can develop a short attention span. Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s crucial to find a balance to avoid the digital downsides.
scrolling before bed. But this connectivity comes at a cost.
Excessive use of social media and devices can
People may feel as if they’re missing out or have wasted time; they also may be exposed to cyberbullying.
cause problems, from eye strain and physical pain to lower self-confidence and increased mental health issues. Our gadgets and tech tools are here to stay, but avoiding overuse is crucial.
Physical Effects The small screens of tablets, smartphones, and even laptops we stare at for hours every day can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and a feeling of fatigue. If you work a desk job or use the computer frequently, try the 20-20-20 rule. After 20 minutes of screen time, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. Technology can also interfere with sleep if we look at our phones too close
Psychological Effects Social media, in particular, can have detrimental effects on our mental health, instilling poor body image and other negative feelings. Editing selfies to perfection, receiving mean comments, and
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STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773
Your Settlement, Your Plan HOW STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS CAN FIT YOUR NEEDS
Most people in our country do not have experience with structured settlements. They may have seen a catchy commercial talking about one or heard characters on a TV show discussing the idea, but they don’t have that firsthand experience, which can lead to confusion and misconceptions about the specifics. One common concern people have when debating whether to get a structured settlement or a lump sum is how they will receive the money. They may think that it’s better to get all of the money at once rather than spread it out over monthly or annual payments. In reality, you actually have much more control over your payout than you think.
Whenever an attorney sends a client our way, we’ll initially run a few scenarios before ever speaking with them, just to give them some quotes to see the different options. They may be monthly, annual, or entirely unique, depending on the circumstances. If it’s for a minor, it may be set up so there’s money earmarked for four years of college, and may give them lump sums once they reach particular ages. Once we speak with the client and learn more about their needs, we can adjust the options until we find one that is perfect for them. It could be monthly payments, every
other year, or even lump sums at set dates. It’s very flexible, and you have a lot of control over your structured settlement plan. At the end of the day, this is a collaborative process. We will not make decisions without your input or on your behalf. If a client and their attorney have already decided on the path they want to go with, we can run with that while providing some additional options, just in case something we come up with works better than what they originally planned. If you ever have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us! We are here to help!
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
INGREDIENTS •
1 loaf frozen bread dough
• • • •
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese
•
2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese
7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped Several handfuls of fresh spinach
•
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.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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Integrity Is a Daily Decision
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The Critical Role of Due Diligence in Protecting Injury Settlements The Downside of Digital Overload
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Flexible Options for Your Settlement Spinach Artichoke Pizza
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Simple Ways to Homestead in Small Spaces
Homesteading Tips for Apartments and Tiny Homes SMALL SPACE, BIG HARVEST
Harvesting and Water Conservation One of the most oft-overlooked homesteading moves is water-conscious gardening. If you have a balcony or usable rooftop, consider collecting rainwater. Even a small barrel under a downspout or balcony rail can help. Collected rainwater is often gentler on plants than treated tap water, and it helps the planet (and your water bill). Even in small-scale urban gardens, water harvesting is a sustainable step worth considering. Smart Planning The beauty of apartment or small-house homesteading is that it doesn’t require massive ambition, but it does need a smart strategy. Start with just a couple of containers or planters, choose easy-to- grow herbs or greens, and learn as you go. Especially in the beginning, many successful small-space homesteaders recommend this gentle approach.
If you live in an apartment or a small house and dream of a homestead lifestyle (growing your own food, cutting waste, and reconnecting with nature), you should know that you don’t need a sprawling backyard. With creativity and a handful of smart strategies, even a balcony or a sunny windowsill can become a green oasis.
coir, or compost to encourage drainage and prevent root rot.
If space is tight, vertical gardening is your best friend. Hanging planters, wall shelves, and stackable containers allow your garden to grow upward, making them ideal for herbs, microgreens, strawberries, and compact lettuces.
Container and Indoor Gardening One of the easiest first steps is growing herbs, salad greens, or small veggies in containers. Herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and thyme can thrive in pots on a windowsill or balcony. If you have a balcony or even just a sunny corner, larger containers can support cherry tomatoes, peppers, radishes, or lettuce, all of which require a fair amount of space. For soil, choose a light potting mix or mix in perlite,
Composting and Soil Building Don’t overlook composting just because you don’t have a garden. Small-scale compost systems, such as worm bins or indoor compost containers, can recycle kitchen scraps, including vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, into nutrient-rich compost. That compost becomes valuable soil food for your container plants, helping to boost fertility and keep your garden flourishing.
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