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Why San Diego? Sawyer Winston Says “It is becoming a hot spot for real estate investing”

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San Diego is known for its world-class beaches, popular attractions, and vibrant food scene. But you may not know that San Diego is also known in the investing world as a new hot spot for real estate investing, and savvy investors are starting to take note of the budding market.

Sawyer Winston, a San Diego based entrepreneur and real estate investor in his own right, is weighing in on the San Diego real estate game. I called up Winston to hear why he thinks San Diego is so popular among real estate investors, how the market is doing now, and where he thinks it’s going.

Sawyer, tell us a bit about how you got to where you are today.

I’ve always liked to take chances, and to create new things. From the time I was 17, I was working in some pretty big organizations in San Diego, and handling much more responsibility than some other peers my age.

I was flying around California for some of my jobs, and when I was in college, I created some of my biggest businesses. At this point, I’ve bought or managed around ten different businesses, spanning on several different countries.

What fields do you have experience in?

Some of my bigger projects have involved technical systems and coding, but I’m involved in a lot of entrepreneurial projects and different kinds of businesses. I also have experience in real estate.

I’m currently launching a pretty big project which I’m excited about, which is basically mixing my love for entrepreneurship with real estate. I’m focusing on one community, and my goal is to revitalize its economy using real estate investments.

Once this community reaches its goals, I plan to expand the project to more places.

What is the state of the San Diego real estate market?

San Diego has been popular for a while, of course, and we know that’s nothing new. But many people may not realize exactly how much of a hot spot San Diego is becoming, or exactly how competitive.

Since the pandemic began, San Diego home prices have been skyrocketing, and inventory has been very low. This definitely makes it more difficult if you’re looking to buy, especially on a budget.

What do investors need to know about San Diego?

Investing in San Diego can definitely be profitable, because there is such a demand for housing. The prices of homes have risen a lot, and all facts point to continued pricing increases. There is also something else to be aware of: the California rent control law.

This law went into effect just last year, limiting the amount you can increase rent, and includes a “just cause” for evictions.” So, it’s important to research the local laws and upcoming changes if you want to get into the San Diego market.

What are your predictions for San Diego as an investment location?

I think that the interest in San Diego isn’t going to slow down any time soon. And while housing stock is low and prices are rising, mortgages rates are also quite low at the moment.

This is definitely an appealing fact for investors looking to get some skin in the game with financing. But I think it’s important to note that San Diego is really a special place, with a thriving economy, and that it will definitely benefit most from investors who care about the community itself.

 

3 Ways To Prepare For Purchasing Your First Home

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If you’ve been dreaming about owning your own home but have yet to make this big purchase yet in your life, you may be nervous and excited for the moment to finally happen. And while buying your own home can definitely be something to look forward to, it’s also something that you need to carefully prepare for.

To help you in making these preparations, here are three ways you should be preparing to purchase your first home.

Make Sure Buying A Home Is What You Really Want

If you don’t own your own home, you’ve likely been renting property from another homeowner. And although you might think that being a homeowner would solve any problems that you might have as a renter, it’s important that you really understand all the ins and outs of homeownership and that you’re ready for them before you take on this big responsibility.

According to David Weliver, a contributor to Money Under 30, one thing you should be sure to think about before buying your first home is how your first home shouldn’t necessarily be thought of as an investment. Rather, you should only be buying a home if the numbers make more sense than continuing to rent. So if this is the case, then buying a home could be the right option for you. Otherwise, you might want to wait until you’re sure that buying is the right move for you.

Get Your Finances In Good Shape

Once you’ve decided that buying a home is what you want to do, you then need to make sure that your finances are going to allow this to happen.

As part of getting your finances in order to buy your first home, Amy Fontinelle, a contributor to Investopedia.com, recommends that you do things like build up your savings, boost your credit as much as possible, and prepare your budget for the constraints of homeownership. If you’re able to get all of these things in order before applying for a home loan and looking for a home, you should be in a good spot financially.

Choose The Right Home Loan For Your Exact Situation

As you get nearer and nearer actually buying your first home, you’ll want to do a lot of research into finding the right home loan for your situation. This is arguably even more important than the research you do on the home you end up buying.

According to Barbara Marquand, a contributor to NerdWallet.com, many first-time homebuyers can get an FHA or conventional loan for about 3 percent down. But if you have more that you can devote to a down payment, you may want to see what type of loan you can qualify for that might give you better terms on your loan.

If you’re wanting to buy your first home in the near future, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this purchase.

Avoid Making These 5 Mistakes When Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer

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If you are involved in a personal injury case, hiring the best lawyer should be your top priority at all costs. It is because paying unexpected costs due to someone else’s negligence is not truly required in your workplace.

However, there are some mistakes that you must avoid while hiring the best personal injury lawyer to represent your case. It is because hiring an incorrect lawyer can decrease your chances of success even if you truly deserve the compensation. Every year, thousands of people fall into personal injury incidents varying from minor to life-threatening cases.

If you are involved in the injury cases due to someone else’s negligence, then as a victim, you deserve compensation from your employer. Besides, choosing the best lawyer can seem to be a daunting task but believe me, it is not so difficult.

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer

Choosing the best lawyer is not everyone’s cup of tea. New victims of personal injury cases are not aware of the common mistakes that are described below.

1. Not Researching About Lawyers

This is the first mistake that most employees make, i.e., not researching about lawyers. If you are a newcomer in the field of legal, then you must research different types of personal injury cases and the best lawyers regarding the same.

You can also ask for referrals from your family and friends if needed. They can help you to provide the best lawyer out of all. Make a list of all the lawyers with their experience levels. This will help you to choose the best one.

2. Hiring An Inexperienced Lawyer

Another major mistake that most victims make is by hiring an inexperienced lawyer to represent their case. A lawyer who is new in this field will help you to guide well and make the most out of your injury case.

Therefore, make sure that the lawyer is experienced in personal injury cases and has years of experience in dealing with this type of issue. An experienced lawyer knows pretty well what steps should be taken at the hit of the moment.

3. Not Knowing The Exact Fees

I consider that you become successful in choosing the best personal injury lawyer, but what about fees? The fees of every lawyer differ, and you need to understand this at any cost.

So, before hiring a lawyer to represent your personal injury case, you must ask the exact fees as a whole that he/she is going to charge. Also, know whether your lawyer will ask for some amount of fees at every interval of time.

4. Not Asking Questions From Personal Injury Lawyer

Before hiring any lawyer, you need to explain your case in detail to the lawyer. This should be done at first to know the response of the lawyer.

Also, ask questions to your lawyer as much as possible to avoid every issue that can arise afterward. On the other hand, it is very important to know the strategies that your lawyer will follow to represent your case.

5. Hiring A Lawyer Who Has No Successful Records In The Past

Hiring a lawyer who has no successful records in the past is one of the most common mistakes that most personal injury victims make. Make sure that the lawyer you are hiring has various successful records in the past.

Besides, you can also view the social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter of the personal injury lawyer that you are going to hire for your case. You can see the reviews of the past customers that your lawyer already dealt with.

The Bottom Line

If you are searching for the best personal injury lawyer, then you can go for Brooklyn personal injury lawyer. However, the above listed are the top five mistakes that you must avoid when choosing a personal injury lawyer.

Can your personal injury settlement affect your SSDI benefits?

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In most personal injury cases, a settlement won’t impact Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. However, in some cases, SSDI may impact a settlement amount and lead the defense to argue that an injury was a pre-existing condition. To determine how a settlement may impact Social Security benefits and vice versa, it’s important to understand the dynamics of each.

How Personal Injury Cases Can Affect Different Types of Social Security Benefits

Individuals who sustained injuries because of another party’s negligence may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. In any case, injury victims may pursue compensation for monetary damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Victims may also be able to recover compensation for non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering.

Personal injury cases can lead to a settlement that’s awarded to the claimant. However, matters can become complicated if the claimant is receiving Social Security benefits.

SSI vs. SSDI

If an individual is wondering how a personal injury case and settlement may affect his or her Social Security benefits, the answer ultimately depends on the types of benefits involved. Some people may receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, while others receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Typically, personal injury awards won’t impact SSDI benefits, but there are certain exceptions. On the other hand, individuals on SSI may see a decrease or even cessation of benefits, depending on the case.

Why Is SSDI Normally Unaffected?

Regardless of the settlement amount in a personal injury case, individuals shouldn’t see any impact on benefits if they receive SSDI. The reason for this is that SSDI benefits are determined based on a recipient’s work history as opposed to present financial status, unlike SSI.

Individuals enrolled in the SSDI program become eligible based on the number of work credits collected while employed. Work credits have no role in a personal injury case.

When SSDI May Affect a Personal Injury Case

Although a personal injury settlement won’t affect SSDI benefits, there are some cases when SSDI may impact the settlement.

When the Defendant May Argue That an Injury Was a Pre-Existing Condition

Whenever an individual is injured and files a claim, the defendant may try to argue that an injury was related to a pre-existing condition as opposed to the accident that resulted in the case. If an injury is found to be the result of a pre-existing condition, it could lead to a lower settlement amount.

Compensation for Lost Wages May Not Be Awarded Due to a Disability

If people are receiving SSD benefits at the time of an injury, this is indicative of a person suffering from a condition that prevents him or her from working. As such, individuals who weren’t working when or after an accident took place wouldn’t receive compensation for any lost wages, which may otherwise result from time taken off from work to recover.

If an SSDI recipient wishes to file a personal injury claim following an accident, he or she can do so without worrying about any reduction or elimination of those benefits.

Coparenting During Covid-19

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Since the spread of COVID-19 and the restrictions resulting from it, many parents going through a separation or divorce are now uncertain about how to approach co-parenting. The following are some things to consider for co-parenting during these uncertain times.

Applying Public Health Recommendations to the Home

It’s important for parents to stay up to date on the latest public health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local restrictions in place. Based on the information found, parents should apply the recommendations within homes to keep family members safe.

Parents can inform children of the local restrictions and what they’ll mean for daily life, including the inability to play with other children, eat out at local restaurants, or attend large gatherings that increase the risk of contracting an infection or infecting others. It’s important to carefully explain these details to help children understand how the pandemic will impact them.

Create an Effective Plan to Prepare for Any Unexpected Developments

Parents should also do what they can to develop a good co-parenting plan that accounts for any potential complications that may arise. It’s important for both parents to communicate with each other as often as necessary to come up with an effective plan.

Planning could include details about childcare in the event a child or parent becomes ill with COVID-19. With a good plan in place, both parents can more effectively cooperate if anything unexpected develops.

Keep in Mind the Differences Between Homes

If both parents are living in different households, it’s important to remember that the rules in place for COVID-19 may differ between the homes. For instance, one parent may be working remotely and in an area with stay-at-home orders, while the other may be in a different state that isn’t as restrictive, with the parent going to work on a daily basis. In the home where the parent travels to and from work, there may be stricter rules regarding washing hands and other aspects of sanitation.

Safety measures taken in either home could be unique, so both parents and children should understand the differences. It’s in the parent and child’s best interest to know how to approach the living situation in each home.

Practice Good Parenting

Compassion and understanding are the keys to helping children cope emotionally with the transition as parents separate or divorce, especially among the uncertainty of the pandemic. Part of being a good parent means setting a good example and showing strength when possible, as parents should try to keep track of emotions and work to manage them.

With the introduction of COVID-19 and the accompanying restrictions, parents and children are faced with new challenges, particularly due to social limitations. Children may also express concerns about the virus and how it will affect them. Parents can speak with children about what to expect and provide reassurance. Meanwhile, parents can be practical, stick to the existing co-parenting plan, and do what is needed to do to keep the children safe and healthy.

5 Benefits of using a recruitment agency in 2021

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Already starting to think about how you are going to manage everything that you have to do to get your business back on track and kicking goals in 2021? Reaching out to specialist Consultants just may be the answer to freeing up some much needed time and focussing on your core business requirements.

Here are 5 reasons that you might like to use a recruitment agency in 2021:

1. 2020 has been challenging for most organisations – to say the least. With so many restructures and changes to business plans and the staff there are enough HR issues to be managed in 2021 without having to look after recruitment as well. The beginning of the year will bring more competition for quality staff as many businesses recover and look to bring people back into their businesses which will make recruitment an even more challenging task.

2. Throughout 2020, savvy and professional job recruitment agencies spent a lot of time developing, reconnecting and maintaining relationships with their candidate networks. Many of these people would have been very happy to stay in their current roles even if they weren’t happy at the time, as job security was a prime motivator. Leading into 2021 as the economy recovers and people feel more confident about making a move, they will most likely reach out to the Consultants they trust – those that connected with them throughout 2020. If you don’t want your recruitment process to be long and drawn out, working with an Australian leading recruitment agency can help speed up the process.

3. Recruitment agencies were hard hit in 2020. Many will be working to recover their losses from 2020 and looking to develop new client relationships that they can build upon for not only the short but long term. So recruitment agencies will be working harder than ever before to impress by finding you high-quality staff that fit your brief in an efficient manner.

4. Generally when the recruitment industry is affected by the economy it is the more experienced and seasoned Consultants that are able to thrive and survive and push their way through to better times. Many recruitment agencies have downsized and have their most experienced Consultants representing them right now and will do so in 2021. The benefits of working with an experienced recruitment Consultant are many, including the fact that they are well networked and are able to pick out the difference between a candidate that wants a job and a candidate that wants your job! Which is massive and results in better longevity.

5. 2021 is a time to be savvier about the way you do business. Many experts say that the best way to run a business is to do the things that you do really well and hire professionals (internal or external) to do the things that you don’t do so well. There is a particular skill set to recruiting staff – remaining objective, not making emotional decisions, building trust and gaining honest information, rapport building, reading body language, negotiating etc. etc. the list goes on. Hiring a job recruitment agency Australia to manage something as important and imperative as hiring your staff and building your culture is a great investment for the New year.

Want to learn more about an Australian leading job agency that specialises in office support and HR recruitment – call MJD Executive on 02 8042 1840.

 

Why You Should Still Send Out Xmas Cards After A Divorce

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You need to make this festive holiday brighter. During Christmas, it becomes the best time to keep visiting your mailbox. There are other junk mails and bills, but something that motivates you are the bright and cheery holiday cards from relatives, colleagues, and friends. Some of these have photos of their families. The moment you receive these cards, you will have a smile on your face.

However, even when you get a divorce, some benefits or reasons should enable you to send Xmas cards to your ex-husband or ex-wife. However, it is a tough decision for many people. If it’s your first holiday season, it will be an even stricter decision as a newly divorced or newly separated person.

Some of the reasons to send holiday pics cards to such people include:

  • It shows your kindness

When you get a divorce, it means you’re not compatible with living together with your partner. Besides, you might be having children together. This means that you should not hate your ex-partner because if you bore children, then the children will be a burden to both of you.

Sending or receiving a card from your ex-lover tells a lot about them. It means when you were together; the other person used to appreciate the thoughtfulness and kindness of the holidays you spent together. So, you should not consider divorce as the center of the universe. Make all happy – especially during this challenging time of the pandemic.

  • It Makes Them Happy

Sending a Christmas gift card shows grace and confidence to the people you once married or had a relationship with. Everyone would feel appreciated to receive a card written Happy Festive Holidays & Happy New Year.

Sending a card, like all other people, divorced or not, enables your recipient to feel happy during the holiday.

  • It Makes You Feel Stronger

Sending a Christmas card during the holiday will make you feel independent, strong, and self-assured. Moreover, if your kids are living with your ex-partner, it adds a strong bond to your kid and makes you feel as if you have a “normal” family.

The strong bond created makes you feel good like any other family would like to feel. Also, it will bring good cheer to you and the recipient of the card. Therefore, a Christmas card is empowering, and sending the holiday message shouldn’t go away only because you are divorced.

The Bottom Line

During the holiday season, it is the time to have fun, and most you get in your mailbox. The reason is that you have friends and family who are likely to send cheering and beautiful Christmas and holiday cards. Some of these card designs come with their family photo to see how the kids have grown and put a smiling happy face.

Sending holiday cards after divorce can help you send good cheer and make your ex-husband or ex-wife feel you still care. The best reason for you to send the Christmas card is especially when you have kids together. That makes these kids feel appreciated and loved.

 

Coverage You Can Get with Business Insurance in Massachusetts

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A business is prone to losses due to various reasons like industrial fires, natural disasters, and human-made disasters. A business insurance plan protects you from losses due to unfortunate and unexpected events. In the absence of business insurance coverage, the business owners would be required to pay all costs and expenses of rebuilding the business from their own pockets. This article discusses what kind of coverage you can get with business insurance in Massachusetts.

Types of Business Insurance

Insurance coverage depends on the type of insurance. There are different kinds of business insurance in Massachusetts that include:

Business Owner Policy

The business owner policy is a necessity for businesses of all sizes. It combines property and general liability insurance into one. Do you know Massachusetts ranks at 5th position in the US for Natural disasters? Every year the Bay state experiences substantial economic losses due to flash floods caused by torrential rains, storms, and other natural calamities.

A business owner policy protects businesses against perils, property damage, business interruption, and liability. The coverage changes with insurance providers. You need to take a detailed look at the things covered in the insurance plan. You might be required to get add-ons for fidelity, forgery, crime, and spoilage of merchandise.

Commercial Liability Insurance

Every business in Massachusetts needs to get commercial liability insurance. Commercial liability insurance offers compensation to cover injuries and damages that occur on business premises. According to the latest statistics, 220 people were injured in Massachusetts in 2016-2017. The injured people included 21 women and 119 men.

Commercial liability insurance can be categorized as general liability and professional liability. The risks covered in general liability and professional liability are different. The general liability insurance plan is recommended for small businesses in Massachusetts that includes common business risks. Its coverage includes medical payments for the injured and legal expenditure for lawsuits.

Professional liability insurance is recommended for MA businesses that offer specialized services. The coverage includes compensation for work mistakes, negligence, incorrect or incomplete work that may cause loss to their clients. Companies operating in medicine, construction, finance, and real estate need to opt for professional liability insurance.

Commercial Property Insurance

According to a Washington Post report, Essex County in Massachusetts witnessed 34 declared natural disasters in recent years. The state of Massachusetts is prone to natural disasters. The statewide hazard assessment, the flooding incidents, including Ice Jam, are relatively high in Massachusetts. The probability level for such an event occurrence is increased in Massachusetts.

Every business has physical assets that are required to run the business smoothly. In a natural disaster, the business assets can suffer extensive damage causing business interruptions for long periods. The commercial property insurance offers coverage to your physical assets, including office buildings, equipment, furniture, and other valuables.

When buying business insurance in Massachusetts, you need to mention the perils against which you seek protection. You need to specify the losses that need to be covered in the insurance plan. Commercial property insurance covered can be extensive and expensive.

Employee Disability Insurance

Massachusetts has around 599,389 small businesses, out of which 175,217 businesses have employees. Companies employing people need to have employee disability insurance. It provides extended protection to your employees. Employee disability insurance provides income to employees who cannot work for a long time due to non-work-related injuries or illnesses.

To sum up, when taking business insurance, you need to assess the level and kind of coverage your business needs. Since there is no standard related to insurance coverage, you need to get a clear idea of what coverage you will get against the insurance fees. You need to ensure the insurance coverage meets the industry compliance set by the state laws. Getting business insurance might not look easy, but you can secure your business from losses incurred by unexpected events with the right guidance.

 

How Divorce Affects Adopted Children

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When parents enter the divorce process, the courts will consider the best interests of the children when making decisions regarding custody and child support. This does not change if the children are adopted. Parents with adopted children need to be fully informed about the children’s rights and needs as the divorce process begins.

Legal Challenges of Adopted Children in Divorce

When a family goes through a divorce, the courts view the adopted children in the same way as biological children. Adopted children have the same rights and protections as biological children. Because of this, the courts make decisions in the divorce for children who are adopted based on what is in the best interests of the child, just as is done for biological children. While this may look different from one state to the next, the fundamental focus is the same.

The adopted child’s biological parents do not have special rights in this process, with one exception. If the biological parent signs away parental rights with the understanding that the child will be going to a two-parent home, and the biological parent learns that the adoptive parents were planning divorce before the adoption, then the biological parent may be able to challenge the adoption. The biological parent could argue that the adoptive parents were guilty of fraud by failing to disclose the divorce during the adoption process. In some cases, this can even cause the child to be returned to the biological parents.

Financial Considerations with Adopted Children During Divorce

Adopted children have the same right to receive child support as biological children. If the child receives a federal subsidy because of the adoption, this does not affect the amount of child support. It is not considered income because the funds are designed to be used to pay for the child’s special needs. When a parent legally adopts a child, he or she assumes the financial responsibility to care for that child, and that responsibility can include child support following a divorce.

Emotional Considerations for Adopted Children in Divorce

Though treated legally the same as biological children, adopted children may have unique emotional and psychological considerations during a divorce. Because an adopted child may have suffered a previous loss when leaving his or her biological parents, the divorce process can be more emotionally challenging. As a result, these children may have a greater need for family or individual counseling through the divorce process.

Adopted children are more likely to experience feelings of guilt for the divorce. The child may feel that his or her presence in the family and any accompanying challenges were the reason for the separation. The child may also feel additional abandonment during the divorce process that biological children are not prone to feel.

Like all parents, those who are entering divorce with adopted children in the home may need a divorce lawyer to help understand the process ahead. By partnering with a skilled divorce lawyer, parents can be certain that the right steps are taken to protect parental rights and the best interests of the children.

How will your personal injury settlement affect estate planning

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Estate planning becomes more complex when the estate’s owner has a personal injury settlement to add to the mix because this increases the individual’s wealth and the overall value of the estate. Whether the settlement is pending and the case is still open, or the settlement has been completed and the money is in the bank, these realities have a direct impact on an individual’s estate planning.

Understanding the Goal of Estate Planning

The primary goal of estate planning is determining how a person chooses to allocate financial assets after dying. A secondary goal, especially with larger estates, is protecting the money from estate taxes. For most people, the money in an estate comes from individual investments and work. When someone receives a personal injury settlement, that amount can increase quickly and change how the individual plans for the estate.

Taxes Change After a Settlement

The federal government charges taxes on estates, but only after the estate reaches $5.45 million in value. Before that, the estate is exempt from federal taxes. Many states have similar rules. When someone receives a personal injury settlement, the estate can quickly exceed that amount. The estate plan should get adjusted to provide protection against estate taxes. Often, using a trust can create this protection against state and federal estate taxes.

Calculating Medical Expenses

While personal injury settlements often leave some money in the bank, especially if the attorney pushes for punitive damages, the main purpose of the settlement is to take care of medical needs as the person heals. Sometimes, medical problems can pop up after an injury that were not anticipated early on. For example, if the person needs chiropractic care, he or she may have latent problems that develop years after the initial accident. Before placing the settlement into the overall estate, the individual needs to consider all potential medical expenses. Keeping money available to meet those needs ensures the injured party can heal and have financial support for medical needs in the future. Additionally, the individual needs to be careful not to over-report worth since some of the settlement money will get used for medical needs. This is where a personal injury lawyer or an estate planning lawyer can help.

The Need for Proper Documentation

Throughout the process, both when receiving the settlement and when planning for the estate, proper documentation is essential. Knowing what money is coming in, what it will be used for, and what the individual’s medical needs are, helps appropriately plan for the estate and the settlement.

A Sound Investment Plan Is Needed

Finally, after all of the medical expenses are considered, the family should work with someone to invest any remaining money from the personal injury settlement. Keeping the money accessible is important because of the risk of unanticipated medical needs. However, investing the money to allow it to grow is beneficial for the individual’s financial security and estate planning needs. By investing wisely, the award recipient can increase the value of the settlement over time, growing the estate and adding more money to bank accounts to cover potential medical expenses.