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
2
STIVERSSETTLEMENTS.COM | (305) 619-9773
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator