Misc. Archives - The Free Financial Advisor

Moving Back to the House

January 27, 2021 by Jacob Sensiba Leave a Comment

For today’s personal reflection, I’m going to talk about moving back to the house that K and I are currently renting.

K is my son’s mother and we are getting back together. I’m excited to grow with her and to make our relationship into something even better than it was before. But that’s not the point of today’s post. Today we’re talking about moving back to the house that’s being rented.

Current living situation

As a result of K and I getting back together, we had a conversation about where we wanted to live and raise our son. My current place that I’m renting was an easy choice because it’s within two minutes of my work and has a large enough basement that our son can play when it’s cold and/or rainy outside.

We’re moving!

After we had a conversation and I had time to reflect, the better choice is to move back into the house we own together. Our renters are moving out at the end of their lease and mine is up at the same time. I feel more at home in that house and in that city than I do currently. The drive is significantly longer, but I enjoy driving. It gives me time to either get into work mode or get out of work mode (depending on the time of day).

At the house, our son has a yard to play in, there are two playgrounds/parks within a few blocks, and we are near some water. What also played a role in the decision is where our son is going to school. We decided to enroll him in a private school, which makes the location of where we live a little less important.

Besides the drive, the only other thing I don’t like about this house is the basement. It’s a very old home. Over 100 years old, so the basement is very short and uneven.

The short-term plan

What we decided to do is to stick it out. We’re going to live in this home for a few years, pay down some outstanding debt, and save for a down payment. When we’re ready, we’ll look for a new home that checks all of our boxes.

There are some big and exciting changes coming down the line, and I’m very excited to take them on with K.

3 Reasons You Can’t Afford to Lose Your Smartphone

November 25, 2020 by Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Don’t lose your smartphone. It is as simple as that. It does not matter how secure your phone happens to be. Yes, some phones are more easily hackable than others. That is true. But all computing devices are vulnerable when a motivated thief has possession of the device.

Major companies don’t even try to recover lost or stolen devices. They just wipe and replace them. Even if they got a lost device back, they couldn’t trust it. The smart hacker will not keep the device, they will return it with some kind of trojan in place so that it continuously feeds them valuable information. The device is actually more valuable to the thief if the owner gets it back because the thief can gain access to secured, private networks and the sensitive information from everyone in the company. That is quite the haul.

Even if you are not a corporate target, you still have a lot to lose when you lose your phone. Without replacement insurance, you are going to have to purchase another one even if that means securing a quick personal loan. These days, no one can go without their main computing device for very long. You are likely not their exception.

Also, regardless of your worthiness as a target, most finders of lost phones try to access personal information. Even if they return your phone for the reward, the damage is already done. If you don’t have a passcode on your phone, they will access your credit card information, passwords, bank accounts, and everything else they can get their hands on. These are just a few reasons why you can’t afford to lose your phone:

Your Phone Is Your Wallet

Before smartphones, we carried fat wallets stuffed with all kinds of personal information, including things we shouldn’t keep in wallets such as social security cards and passports. A wallet is a one-stop shop for identity thieves. And they are surprisingly easy to pluck from a back pocket.

Guess what, smartphones are also surprisingly easy to pluck from back pockets. And people carry them in just that way. Furthermore, they carry all of that information on the phone. If your phone is your only payment source and you happen to lose it while out and about, good luck getting home. You can’t even call an Uber because that requires a smartphone app. Even if you have paper backups of everything at home, you will have to cancel everything and get new ones. In some ways, it was better to lose the wallet than smartphones.

Your Phone Is the Key to All of Your Accounts

If you are thinking that you can just dash home and close all of your accounts, think again. Once a thief has possession of your phone, they also have possession of the treasure-trove of passwords on your phone. The first thing the smart thief will do is log into your accounts and change the passwords so you can’t get back in. You can lose your Twitter account, your Facebook, Your AppleID can be compromised. Your Amazon Prime account is vulnerable. Every account that holds value could be suddenly and irrevocably locked to you because your phone fell into the wrong hands.

Your Photos Are Priceless

One of the great tragedies of modern life is that the best camera we own is the worst place to store the most important photos we take. A shocking percentage of people only have their photos located on their smartphone because that is where they took the picture. And they will not pay for online storage. They will only use free solutions or no solutions.

If you don’t have some sort of cloud backup of every photo you take, all those baby pictures, wedding pictures, and vacation pictures are lost to you forever when you lose your phone. This is just one of the reasons you need to do whatever it takes to keep up with it.

Smartphones serve the function of our external brain. Losing it is like getting a digital lobotomy. We lose our wallet, our accounts, and our photos along with the device. None of us can afford that loss.

Time is Finite. We Must Understand That

September 23, 2020 by Jacob Sensiba Leave a Comment

This week, we’re going to change things up a bit, and today’s post will get heavy so bear with me.

I’ve been reading a lot over the past year or two about Stoicism, as I’ve mentioned before. The basic teachings of this philosophy are as follows:

Controlling your response and your emotions, not outside forces and events
Amor fati – “Love of fate”. Accepting everything that happens in life and using it (events, etc.) as a catalyst or a resource.
Memento mori – Meditating on your mortality. Realizing that time is finite and that you must make the most of it while you have it.

The last point is what I would like to focus on in this post.

Memento Mori

Marcus Aurelius said, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”

On September 21th, 2020, my best friend, Samuel Profeta, passed away tragically in a car accident.

Sam was such a beautiful soul. He had an enormous heart and he was as loyal as they come. Thankfully, we spent some time together the day before. I only wish I would have told him I loved him one last time.

One of my favorite things about Sam is how much he loved life. How much he lived in the moment. And how he lived life to the fullest.

You go through life assuming that your friends, your family, your living situation, and/or your job will be there tomorrow or next week. You put things off, saying, “I’ll get to it later” or “I’ll call them tomorrow”.

If it’s important, don’t put it off until tomorrow. Tell those dearest to you that you love them. Don’t wait until later, because you don’t know if later will come, for you or for the people you love.

You can’t forget someone like Sam. His personality was big and his heart was full. He was with me through my high points and low points, as well as I for his.

Sometimes you need a lesson pounded into you several times until it changes your behavior. After this terrible experience, I’ll hug a little longer, love a little harder, and tell my people that I love them every time I have the chance.

Time is our most precious commodity. We mustn’t waste it.

How To Protect Yourself When Betting Online

February 20, 2020 by Susan Paige Leave a Comment

So this article is a bit of a departure from our regular topics. Its about gambling. The Free Financial Advisor does not advocate gambling, but if you’re going to do it online, you might want to do it safely. Here are some thoughts that will help you navigate the online gaming waters.

So assuming that you’ve got your betting budget all worked out, here are a few tips on protecting your money when betting online.

Choose the right provider

This should go without saying, but we’ll just remind you that every time you spend money online, you must first do your research. The internet can be a little scary especially when handing over your credit card details, but with the security protocols that are now in place, you shouldn’t have to worry. However, your money is only secure if you choose the right provider.

This is where Google is your friend. Look for the top names in the industry and then look to see what options they provide. They should have odds for all your favorite sports and payment options that suit your needs. This is where a good comparison site comes in handy.

For example, a comparison site such as Oddschecker recommends trusted platforms and will even go so far as to let you know which ones offer the best welcome bonuses and free bets. Checking out providers side by side will give you an overview of what’s on offer without having to visit tons of sites and navigate your way through their pages.

Once you have found one that seems reputable and has the options you’re looking for, it’s time to start digging a little deeper.

Terms and conditions are for reading

We’ve become pre-conditioned to simply accepting terms and conditions without even reading the first line. But when it comes to matters of money you really need to read those Ts&Cs.

What you’re on the lookout for here is how long it will take the provider to pay out your wins. While some will pay back quite quickly, from time to time you may come across a provider who likes to hold onto money for a little longer. You should also pay close attention to any fees that they may charge that are not stated clearly on the pages of the website. If the provider is hiding these charges in the terms and conditions, then you might want to ask yourself why they are doing so.

Take your money out regularly

Assuming that you’re winning, you should take the money out of your account on a regular basis. There are two reasons for this. The first is that it’s always good to know that your money is safe in the bank. The provider you are using might be the most reputable site on the internet but you can’t access that money immediately in the case of an emergency. Best to have it where you can get to it instantly.

Secondly, taking the money out of your betting account leaves less money in there for betting. Remember, you’re planning to stick to a budget for betting so there’s really no need to leave additional cash in the account. Take any extra out so you don’t use it for bets outside your budget.

Always change your passwords

Okay, maybe not every time you log in, but at least once every 3-6 months. Some might even advise that you do it once a month, but that might be a bit much. And once again, regardless of how reputable a site is, it’s plain common sense to change your password to keep security tight.

We would also advise you to use unique passwords each and every time. Don’t just change a number in your password or keep using a variation of the same password or phrase. Use truly unique passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols.

Only use your own computer

The public library, internet cafes, hotels – these are the publicly used computers that you want to avoid at all costs. With so many people using them, you don’t know what kind of malware might be on the drive or how secure the network is.

When betting online or making any financial transactions, use your own computer or your own mobile device. And don’t use it on a public network. You never know who might be trying to nab your password.

Use antivirus software

Yes, it really is there for a reason you know. AV software has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and it no longer slows down your PC or device. Find one that fits your budget (there are tons of free ones), and start using it. This really is a no-brainer as it can protect your device from becoming infected with spyware that is designed to find your password. Scary, isn’t it?

We’re not trying to scare you but even if you’re not using betting online, you should still use a solid antivirus software. It’s just plain common sense. No one wants a keylogger virus recording all your keystrokes.

And that in a nutshell is how to stay safe when betting online. Once you have found that trusted provider, read the terms and conditions, and installed that antivirus software, you should be safe as houses. Just remember that this is just a hobby and keep your spending under control. Oh, and if you win big, do let us know and maybe we can give you a few ideas on how to look after your new found wealth.

For more great Free Financial Advisor articles, read these:

How Long Should You Keep Financial Records After A Death

Advantages and Disadvantages of Keeping Money In The Bank

Financial Planning Basics: The Financial Pyramid

Image source: Pexels.com

An Update About My Habits

January 15, 2020 by Jacob Sensiba Leave a Comment

Over the past few weeks, I’ve tried implementing habits that would make a positive impact on my life.

In the following article, I’m going to review those habits, what I’ve learned since then, and how I’ve adapted to make them work for me.

What I was doing

I have to tell you, I wasn’t doing much. I had every intention of exercising, meditating, and journaling.

Exercising took place here and there. I have a pull-up bar in the doorway to my bedroom, so I’d do 5 every time I walked by, but there was nothing consistent.

I didn’t have a regular regimen that I followed.

Honestly, meditation didn’t happen much either. There were two things I did that may or may not count. They had meditative properties, but it wasn’t something I consciously thought of as meditation.

I hung in my inversion table for 5-10 minutes. There was no intention of focusing on the breath or anything like that. I sort of just let my mind wander.

I laid on my “neck tension relief” device for 5 minutes. I was more intentional about keeping a steady breath but wasn’t particular about going back to the breath when my mind wandered.

I journaled very inconsistently. Again, nothing regular.

What I found out

I stink at establishing habits, but I also figured out a system that can work for me. Having a two-year-old makes it a little more challenging, but this goes back to my point about being intentional.

I wanted to exercise, journal, and read in the evening, and meditate in the morning. That schedule didn’t work for me. At the end of the day, I a) didn’t have enough time to fit those things in and b) was too tired to do so.

All of these habits are beneficial; I know they are. However, they all take different shapes and forms, and you need to make adjustments based on what will work best for your personality and your schedule.

What I’m doing now

I made a few adjustments to my schedule and in my practice.

Exercise and meditation take place in the morning – I exercise first, wind down for 5 minutes, and then meditate. Additionally, while I meditate, I have a journaling app open (Journey). If something comes to mind that I would like to explore more, I make a note in that app and then bring my focus back to the breath. Doing both of these activities in the morning holds me accountable and makes sure I get them taken care of. Incorporating the notes provides me with prompts that I can journal on later.
Journaling and reading in the evening – when I journal, I go through my day. I recount the good and the bad and try to find lessons hidden in everything. Once I’ve gone through the day, I go to those prompts I created that morning and write at length about those. After I journal, I read. Typically it’s for 15-20 minutes. It really all depends on how tired I am.

I am very pleased with this new set up, but it’s still new to me, so I will provide an update in about a month for my next “Personal Reflection” piece.

Conclusion

When we set goals and/or set out to make positive changes in our lives, it’s important to stay malleable.

Just because this thing worked for so and so, doesn’t mean it’ll work the same for you. We are all different, so we need to approach habits with the same attitude. Find out what works for you and stick with it, but don’t be afraid to make adjustments as life changes.

A Systematic Approach to Goals

December 25, 2019 by Jacob Sensiba Leave a Comment

With 2020 staring us in the face, it’s time to review goal setting and the systems you can put in place in order to reach those goals.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

That said, let’s look at systematic ways to approach goal setting and actionable tools you can use to smash those goals.

How to begin

Large/Lifetime goals – These are things you want to accomplish throughout your life. They can be philanthropic, health, financial, etc. Figure these out first.
Short-term – Now that you have your long-term/lifetime goals determined, you can break them down into shorter-term goals. Consider these stepping stones, and a lot of these will change as you age. For example, your philanthropic goals. There may be causes you care deeply about now, but that can change.
Actionable steps – Once you have your lifetime goals broken down into manageable targets, it’s time to create steps to get there and I’ll illustrate that using the three examples above.
1. Philanthropic – Research causes and charities. Pick the ones you most identify with. Review your budget to find out how much you can give. Do a little more research to find out if your donations are tax-deductible (most, if not all, should be).
2. Health – Establish the specific reason you want to be healthier (for yourself, your partner, your kids, grandkids, etc.). Research a diet that could work for you. Research an exercise regimen that could work for you. Consult experts (i.e. nutritionist and personal trainer).
3. Financial – Create a budget/spending plan. Cut expenses. Save for emergencies. Insure you and your belongings. Save for retirement.

Here are a few articles I’ve written in the past about financial goals:

Worthy Goals For You To Set And Crush

How Do You Set Financial Goals?

Systems

We can think of systems as the sub-category of actionable steps. A routine is another word for it. When it comes to goals and habits, you can’t rely on will power. You have put a plan in place to do the work for you.

Take exercising for example. You need to create low barriers for yourself. Wear your gym clothes to bed or have your bag packed the night before.

If you go to the gym, put your bag and your keys in a place where you have to pass them to get to your car.

If you exercise at home, have your routine and your equipment laid out and ready for you.

Habits

When it comes to creating habits, James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, likes to break down the habit into bite-sized pieces.

For example, if your saving for a down payment, go to your banking app and transfer $1 from checking to savings every morning (or whatever amount is realistic for you).

When that becomes second nature, bump it up a dollar a day.

Another thing that James says is, “People ask me all of the time, how many days does it take to create a habit? My answer, all of them because if you stop doing it for one day, it’s no longer a habit.”

External versus Internal

This section is speaking specifically to mental health versus other goals. You could also consider physical health as an internal goal, but for this article internal relates to mental health.

There are several things you can do to work on your mental health. See a therapist, exercise, and start a journal. Those three are low-barrier, easy things you can implement into your day to help.

Meditation, medication, and other forms of mindfulness training/practice can also help. There’s a podcast that I listen to regularly called “10% Happier” that will help you with establishing a meditation practice.

Do some research about this. Meditation can and will take many different forms, and not each modality will be right for you. Reading has also proven to have meditative benefits.

Financial Goals

It really is up to the individual as to what they consider, short, medium, and long-term, but my definitions are as follows: Short-term – less than 3 years. Medium-term – 3-15. Long-term – 15+.

My definitions are almost entirely based on the investability of those assets for that specific time period.

Short-term – Emergencies, a new car, what have you. This is money you will need soon, so risking it in the stock market is out of the question. High-yield savings accounts should be your go-to in this scenario.
Medium-term – Things like down payments for a house or sending your kid to college. What you’re saving for will dictate the vehicle that you use. If it’s saving for college, a 529 or a Coverdell ESA should do the trick. If it’s for a down payment, your best bet is usually a taxable brokerage account, as there are no fees for early withdrawal.
Long-term – This should be strictly focused on retirement. Assets should be in a retirement account(s) and invested (investment selection should be based on risk tolerance and time horizon).

Once you’ve established your short, medium, and long-term goals you can break them down into actionable steps as we talked about earlier.

Wrapping it up

Each New Year brings about resolutions that we hope to achieve. Whether it’s getting in shape or paying down debt, your barometer for success should be progress and consistency.

Are you in a better place than you were on January 1st? Do you have more saved? Are you still committed to the goals you set in the first place?

Yes. It feels great to set a target and hit it, but as far as I’m concerned, if you’re better than you were yesterday, that’s all that matters.

Take it one day at a time and keep your eyes on the prize. You got this!

In Tough Times Put Your Head Down and Keep Going

September 11, 2019 by Jacob Sensiba

Since this site is primarily geared towards finances, I wanted to write a reflection about my own personal struggles with financial matters.

I might toss a few other non-finance related items in there as well, but we’ll see.

I’ve been duped

There are two instances that come to mind, where I learned the hard way about investing/handling money.

The first is from early childhood when Pokemon was all the rage. This one day, a kid from the neighborhood wanted to sell me some cards of his. I ran home, opened my piggy bank and took out $5.

I ran back to the kid and bought one card with that $5 bill. I later found out that you can get a big deck of cards for that much. I’d be swindled.

Fast forward several years. I’m in high school now. This infomercial came on with a guy raving about how much money he made using Google search. Specifically, Google Adwords.

All you had to do was pay for the program. Said program would walk you through the steps to setting up a website (I now know the site was to be an affiliated sales rep).

A $90 lesson. But mistakes are made so we can learn from them.

Young and dumb

Before I begin this section, you need to know that I did not know I was going to be a financial advisor, and financial education was limited in my household and was not taught in schools (unfortunately, very common).

That said, I made pretty typical mistakes. Got a credit card, and another, and another. I had spent too much money that I didn’t have and I’m still paying the price for it.

So when I talk about getting out of debt and using a credit card wisely, it’s because I learned first hand the negatives of using it irresponsibly.

More often than not, when individuals make financial mistakes, it’s on the personal finance side of things. Things like saving money, debt management, budgets, etc. Get those things down, the rest takes care of itself.

Budget item

One part of my finances where I continually struggle is my budget. Very specifically, it’s one particular item, and that’s eating out. I am a sucker, no doubt, for restaurants. Whether that’s drive-thru or a sit-down place. It just takes all the hassle out of preparing a meal.

As good as it is sometimes, it’s also costly. My resolution was to actually include restaurant spending on my budget. I gave myself $50 for the month for take-out. This limits how much I actually spend and also scratches my itch for eating food outside of my home.

If there is an item you know you’ll spend money on, put it in your budget.

Related reading: Your Go-To Budget Guide

Personal Reflection

On the more personal side of things, it’s been a pretty challenging year for me. Had a mental health diagnosis that created some hurdles for me to jump through. As I write, I’m still jumping through these hurdles, but I’m starting to see the benefits of doing so.

By hurdles, I’m referring to medications and therapy. As well as things I can do on my own time, like exercise, journaling, and meditation.

Those last three items have been difficult for me to do consistently, but when I actually do them, I feel much better.

Another challenge of mine is that I am in the middle of a divorce. This has been incredibly difficult. It’s caused a lot of anger, sadness, doubt, among many other emotions.

What it did, however, was it forced me to turn the microscope inward and figure out the parts of me I don’t like, the parts of me I do like, and the past experiences that shaped me and the lessons to take away from those experiences to continue to grow.

Reflection Benefits

With all of the battles I’ve fought this year and as taxing as this year has been, it’s also been one of the more life-changing periods in my life.

For me, it was extremely difficult to look inside myself and analyze what makes me, me, but I’m glad I did it. It’s given me a better understanding of who I am, how I function, and what I can do to continue to grow and improve.

It’s given me the tools I never thought I would have. It’s helped me be a better parent. I’ve been able to focus more on the things that matter. And I’ve been able to be more present and limit the amount of forecasting I do for the future. (Don’t worry. On the finance side, I’m still looking ahead).

Takeaway

My advice to you is to just keep moving forward. At times, life is stuff. Navigating your finances can be challenging, but we, as humans, are resilient creatures.

Inexpensive Fall Activities

August 28, 2019 by Jacob Sensiba Leave a Comment

With Fall quickly approaching I thought it’s fitting to write an article about the (inexpensive) activities you can partake in that won’t break the bank.

Below you’ll find a large number of fun things you can do when the leaves start to change.

Go for a hike – Depending on where you go, this can be free! If the hike takes place in a state park, there might be a small fee. Regardless, a hike is a great way to spend time, get exercise, and experience nature.
Pick pumpkins – This is an autumn staple! Go to your local pumpkin patch and pick out your favorite pumpkin. Then figure out what design, pattern, or face you’ll carve into it and go to town!
Have a picnic – Ingredients for sandwiches, potato salad, chips, and a dessert item. What else could you need? Through in an item from below (scenic drive) and a nice spot to set up, and you’re good to go! Inexpensive and relaxing.
Apple orchard – Go apple picking! Gives you a great excuse to go outside, walk, and hand-pick some healthy food for yourself. A typical orchard operation will charge you $1.25-$2.00 per pound.
Local festivals – Most of these are free or cheap to attend, with most of the cost coming from the games and events you participate.
Maze – Many of the fall festivals will have a maze. These are typically made from hay bales. Additionally, farms that have pumpkins to be picked sometimes have a corn maze and/or hayrides. I have one of those near me and it was a ton of fun, and cheap too.
Football games – Local high school games are really exciting to watch. They’re inexpensive to go to, they usually have good food, and you get to show off some hometown pride. Added bonus, you could have a promising player on your team or one on a visiting team to watch. I don’t know about you, but watching a special talent is…well..special!
Haunted house – I’m partial to the scary stuff because I’m into things that frighten me, but haunted houses are awesome. Yes, some are quite lame, but when they’re done right, it’s exhilarating!
Sit around the campfire – This is an incredibly relaxing activity. Sitting around a fire with your family and/or friends, roasting marshmallows, and making smores – can’t get much better. Costs nothing more than marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate!
Scenic drive – For me, there aren’t many things that can beat a scenic car ride (the previous item does). Especially in the fall. Trees change colors, there’s a slight nip in the air, and it just smells like autumn.
Scary movie marathon – I understand that scary movies aren’t for everyone, but if you have a few and invite people over that bring additional movies, you can make a long and scary evening out of it. If you don’t have scary movies, go to your local library and check some out. It’s free!
Make collages with leaves – This could be a nice, little craft you can do as a family. Especially if you have young kids. They love getting messy and creating with their hands. They can also have a ton of fun jumping in leaf piles before you pick the leaves out for your collage.
Ghost hunting – Seriously. In doing research for this post, this actually came up, and it surprisingly checks out. There are a number of apps available.

All-in-all, autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the weather, the leaves changing, and all of the fun things you can do. I recommend doing at least one of these activities in the next few months!

Accidents Can Affect Everything: Know What Steps to Take from the Start

September 29, 2017 by Ashley Leave a Comment

No one plants to get hurt. When the unexpected occurs, it’s important to know what to do from the beginning in order to preserve your right to recovery and maximize your claim. Here are things that you can do in order to build your case from the start of an accident:

Seek Medical Attention

Not only do you need to get medical care for your own safety, but it’s important in order to document your losses. Securing emergency treatment should be your first step after an accident. Everything else comes next.

Gather Evidence

You’re the first person to serve as detective on your case. The more information you can gather on the scene, the easier it’s going to be for your lawyer to pick up the ball and prove the other side acted negligently or intentionally in violation of Kentucky law. If you’re hurt in a car accident, call the police. If you’re hurt in some other kind of accident, take photos of the scene. If you can gather names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses, this can be a great way to begin building a strong case.

Write a Report of Your Own

Memories fade quickly after an accident. What might seem clear as day after an accident occurs can be hard to remember only a few days or weeks later. As soon as you’re able, sit down and write out everything that you can remember. Even if you think a detail isn’t significant, write it down anyways. Your attorney can help you determine what’s most important later on.

Continue to Get Medical Care

Part of proving your damages after an accident is proving your ongoing medical needs. It’s important to follow your doctor’s care plan and go to your follow up appointments. If your doctor says to return for visits each month and you don’t go, you can bet the other side is going to question whether you’re being honest about your injuries. If your doctor tells you not to work or play sports, you don’t want the other side snapping a photo of you doing these things. Stick to your doctor’s restrictions and make sure that you follow their instructions.

Save Records

Proving fault after an accident requires a lot of paperwork. If you receive paperwork from any of your medical care providers, save it. If your employer prepares an accident report, get a copy. When the police respond to a crash, they prepare an accident report. It’s important to get a copy. These records may contain critical information, and they may also lead you to important evidence.

Lawyer Up

The sooner a lawyer gets involved in your accident case, the sooner they can put their skills and experience to work for you. Attorneys at the Gray and White Law Firm have years of experience helping good people who get hurt. They know how to jump in and secure the information that you need in order to build your case.

Kentucky accident attorneys know the law, so they can help you take the correct steps. If they need to quickly file a case in order to preserve evidence, they can prepare the correct legal documents and get them filed without delay. If there are witnesses that are reluctant to come forward, experienced personal injury lawyers know when to play nice and when to take off the gloves. Having an attorney on board from the beginning helps you make sure that you’re preparing your case in the best possible light at each turn.

Rebuilding Your Life

What you do as the dust settles after an accident matters. Taking the right steps at the beginning can help you build a strong case. On the other hand, missteps can leave valuable evidence untouched. The right legal team can fight for you as you work to protect your interests and plan for your future.

Common Mental Health Issues in The Workplace

September 28, 2017 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Mental health effects as many as 1 in 4 Americans at some point in their lives and a number of studies claim that this rate of incidence is on the rise. For those suffering from mental health issues, the impact on their day to day lives can be debilitating. Unsurprisingly, mental health issues are one of the leading reasons that employees call in sick to work, although owing to the social stigma that still exists, many people feel that they have to lie and hide their mental health issues from their employer.

In the workplace, mental health issues can not only prevent employees from being able to work, they can also reduce individual morale, making it harder for that person to perform their job to the best of their ability. They can also have a knock-on effect on the other employees around them and can seriously impact the business’ overall productivity and profitability. Below are some of the ways that common mental health issues can impact your business and how you can act to minimize the disruption caused.

Anxiety

There are a number of different forms of anxiety disorders. Some people have a generalized anxiety in social situations and may feel uncomfortable outside of situations with which they are familiar. New experiences and people can trigger panic attacks for those that are particularly sensitive. For employees who have a generalized anxiety disorder, you should encourage them to seek professional help from BetterHelp. Research shows that counseling and other psychological therapies are the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Some doctors prefer to treat patients with both medication and cognitive therapies.

Other people have anxieties about specific places, situations, or things and for these individuals all that is usually needed is little bit of accommodation so that they can keep away from their specific triggers.

Depression

Many people equate depression with feelings of sadness but this is not entirely accurate; depression is actually described as the absence of emotion and motivation. The feeling of depressed individuals is closer to persistent boredom than sadness but the inability to enjoy activities which are usually pleasurable can soon have a detrimental impact on an individual’s overall mood.

There are a few different types of depression; the most common is known as unipolar, or major, depression and consists of a persistent low mood and lack of motivation.

It might be worth paying for someone on your team to study an online masters in counseling. Studying a masters in counseling online will equip them to help deal with mental health issues in the workplace and they can do so while continuing to work their current job.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar, or manic, depression is interspersed with periods of mania. Mania involves a ‘high’ or greatly elevated mood and from the outside it can sound or even look like a welcome respite for depressed individuals but in fact manic episodes can be just as damaging as depressive ones.

Mental health issues are something that any business owner is likely to have to face at some point. Statistically, any business employing a reasonable number of people will have to help some of them through mental health problems at some point. Educating yourself and your team about these issues will minimize the disruption they cause.