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Homespire Mortgage Honored at Maryland Mortgage Program Awards

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Homespire Mortgage Honored at Maryland Mortgage Program Awards

Homespire Mortgage Honored at Maryland Mortgage Program Awards

Homespire Mortgage is honored to be recognized as a Silver Tier Lender by The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) at their 2023 Maryland Mortgage Program annual awards event. This acknowledgment reflects our mission to help homebuyers responsibly and affordably finance their dream of homeownership and our dedication to helping more Maryland residents achieve that goal.

We are proud to partner with a program that provides valuable assistance for homebuyers, primarily first-time homebuyers, by helping to make homeownership more affordable and attainable. We look forward to continuing to work with the Maryland DHCD to deliver exceptional mortgage experiences and open the doors to homeownership for more people in Maryland communities.

To learn more, read the official MD DHCH press release here.

Subdued pre-Budget market could give way to pent-up demand – Mortgage Strategy

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Subdued pre-Budget market could give way to pent-up demand – Mortgage Strategy

Subdued pre-Budget market could give way to pent-up demand – Mortgage Strategy
To say that October is going to be a big month for the UK economy, and more specifically the personal finances of every single person in the country, would be something of an understatement.
It might be the start of the month, but I suspect we are all, to some extent, looking towards the end, specifically the 30th October when this new Labour Government will deliver its first, and perhaps most consequential, Budget of the next five years.
Without doubt it has felt like a long time coming and part of me can’t help but feel that the long wait has potentially impacted on transaction levels. More people than normal have decided to ‘wait it out’ and see what the Budget holds for them before committing to a property buying or selling decision.
While not indicative of the entire UK market, recent data out of Knight Frank for the London market suggests this is exactly what has happened, albeit in a super-prime space rather than anything we might deem to be an average UK property transaction.
According to Knight Frank, there were 22% fewer transactions over the course of the year to July 2023 than in the previous 12 months and it put this down to the recent level of uncertainty amongst those who might ordinarily be active in this space.
Tax changes
While this demographic is perhaps concerned about changes to CGT, inheritance tax, pension tax relief, etc, others across the country might simply be waiting to see where Rachel Reeves feels the need to go in order to make up for the £19bn black hole apparently found in the UK’s finances.
It’s likely that a Labour Government will look first to those with deeper pockets, but as we’ve seen with the decision to cut the winter fuel payment for pensioners, it may also go for more universal cuts and tax rises – if it can find them.
Now, part of me believes that – for the average person in the UK and certainly for those who are looking to be active in the property market – the Budget might not necessarily be the big game-changer that some are expecting.
In fact, my belief is that post-Budget the necessity to ‘sit on hands’ will be gone, and there will be a significant element of pent-up demand that will be unleashed, which has simply been watching and waiting for two months or so.
It is after all a much better market to delve into than it was at this time last year. For example, August residential transactions, were up on the same month in 2023, and only marginally down on July 2024, according to HMRC. And you can guarantee the Bank base rate cut in August plus of course the anticipation that rates will fall further, will be generating much more consumer confidence, interest and demand.
I’ve read the words ‘rate war’ a number of times in recent weeks, and it’s hard not to agree with this assessment. If lenders have seen subdued activity, then they are certainly doing their darndest to generate interest via their pricing. This seems particularly pertinent in the lower LTV residential space, where there appears to have been a vaulting competition amongst lenders in order to get the cheapest product into the market.
Constant reviews
Of course, being able to offer cheaper products to clients is good news to tell, but if there are constant changes then I suspect advisers’ work rate on individual cases will be up, as they have to review what is on offer now, but also on an ongoing basis before the completion date.
We know this is a lot of work in itself but, for the most part, the procuration fee stays the same regardless and therefore it is absolutely vital advisers are supplementing this income by covering off other adviser needs such as conveyancing, protection, GI and the like.
For all types of clients, the opportunity to provide conveyancing advice is there, and not only does this deliver a positive consumer outcome, but it can significantly add to the profitability of each client interaction. This is particularly true when for the most part, few clients know where to turn to for conveyancing services and would much rather take the advice of a trusted professional.
Overall, providing that all-important Budget doesn’t throw the entire market off course, I think we’re in for a strong end to the year, and into 2025, and advisers can clearly benefit from this by securing the increased business out there and making sure they maximise it in all ancillary areas.
Mark Tosetti is chief executive of Broker Conveyancing

Flourish Financially by Nurturing Money Wellness

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Flourish Financially by Nurturing Money Wellness

Flourish Financially by Nurturing Money WellnessFlourish Financially by Nurturing Money Wellness

The significance of nurturing a healthy relationship with money cannot be overstated. It profoundly impacts your well-being and financial stability. Acknowledging the direct link between your financial habits and overall life satisfaction sets a solid foundation for improvement. By adopting a series of strategic actions aimed at enhancing your financial health, you can unlock the door to a more secure and fulfilling life. This America’s Loan Company article explores practical strategies to achieve financial wellness.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Many hold onto negative perceptions of money that can hinder their financial growth. Recognizing and challenging these beliefs is crucial, replacing them with a mindset of abundance and opportunities. Viewing financial success as a tangible outcome of growth and effort rather than luck or external factors encourages a more proactive approach to money management. By shifting your perspective, you unlock your potential for achieving greater wealth.

Setting Financial Goals

Having clear financial objectives is pivotal for both immediate and future prosperity. Goals act as a beacon, guiding your financial decisions and ensuring you remain disciplined and focused. Celebrating each milestone motivates continued effort and reinforces the value of your achievements. This practice encourages a structured approach to financial planning, making your aspirations more attainable.

Creating a Comprehensive Budget

Learning to budget is an essential life skill that can help you take control of your finances and achieve your financial goals. By creating a budget and sticking to it, you can track your income and expenses, identify areas where you may be overspending, and make informed decisions about how to allocate your money. To simplify the process of creating a budget, consider using a free budget template that fits your specific circumstances and can be easily customized to suit your needs.

Continuous Financial Education

Investing time and resources into expanding your financial literacy pays dividends in the long run. Keeping abreast of new investment strategies and opportunities can significantly impact your economic growth. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning enables you to navigate the complexities of the financial world with confidence and agility. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions that bolster your financial security.

Start a Business

Starting a business can be a powerful way to generate additional income and build wealth. To start, you need to research your market, create a business plan, and secure the necessary permits and licenses. You must also decide on a business structure. One of the key benefits of choosing an LLC is that it provides limited liability protection, separating your personal assets from your business liabilities. Instead of hiring an attorney, you can use a formation service, which is more cost-effective and efficient. For instance, https://www.zenbusiness.com/ offers a streamlined process to help you set up your LLC quickly and affordably.

Prioritizing Savings

Consistent saving is a cornerstone of sound financial health. Automating your savings can help ensure you regularly set aside a portion of your income, fostering a habit of saving without thinking about it consciously. An emergency fund acts as a financial buffer, providing peace of mind and security in uncertain times. This practice lays the groundwork for a stable financial future.

Managing Debts Wisely

Addressing high-interest debt is a critical step toward financial freedom. You can alleviate the debt burden by prioritizing repayment and exploring ways to reduce interest rates, such as consolidation or negotiation. A strategic approach to debt management accelerates your progress toward financial independence, freeing up resources for investment in your future. This strategy underscores the importance of wise debt management in achieving financial health.

Practicing Mindful Spending

Mindfulness in spending ensures that your financial decisions align with your values and long-term goals. By focusing on meaningful experiences and investments rather than succumbing to impulse purchases, you enhance your life’s quality without compromising your financial stability. This approach promotes sustained happiness and satisfaction, highlighting the benefits of intentional spending.

Cultivating a healthy relationship with money is pivotal for achieving lasting financial wellness. Taking proactive steps to address economic challenges and work toward your goals lays the foundation for a prosperous future. The empowerment from managing your finances with intention and skill enriches your life beyond measure, offering a sense of security, freedom, and satisfaction.

America’s Loan Company is a trusted Ohio direct lender that provides affordable Personal Loans in Columbus, Ohio, and throughout Ohio to people with Good Credit or Bad Credit scores. Visit our website to learn more!

New Data Shows Federal Student Loan Borrowers Face Confusion in Resumption of Payment

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New Survey Data from Embold Research, Sponsored by SoFi, Shows Federal Student Loan Borrower Confusion and Misconceptions Around Resumed Payments

Understanding the current state of federal student loan repayment

In October 2023, federal student loan borrowers received their first bill in nearly three-and-a-half-years, following the end of the student loan moratorium. Throughout the payment pause, significant dialogue and updates to student loan-related policy took place, including various loan forgiveness initiatives, new income-driven repayment plans, and forbearance extensions.

To gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape for student loan borrowers following the resumption of their bills, Embold Research conducted a study, sponsored by SoFi, that surveyed 1,006 federal student loan borrowers nationwide from February 29 – March 11, 2024. Notably, the research was completed before the Biden Administration proposed a new set of rules aimed at providing student loan debt relief for certain borrower groups on April 16, 2024.

Key insights from the survey showed the following:

•  Nearly 40% of federal student loan borrowers have not resumed payments since the end of the moratorium in October 2023. Borrowers report a variety of challenges to repayment including: financial strain, confusion over government policy (especially, related to broad-based loan forgiveness), the need to adjust their budgets, and feelings of anxiety or stress.

•  Nearly half of borrowers report that they have changed their plans for repayment due to public discourse on loan forgiveness.

•  A majority of borrowers believe that the federal government has not been effective in communicating about the end of the moratorium and their repayment options.

•  This belief is particularly pronounced among borrowers without a Bachelor’s degree and those from lower-income households. These borrowers are less likely to feel they understand the details associated with their loans and are much less likely to be aware of alternative repayment programs, such as income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, intended to help those from lower-income households.

What does the data tell us?

First and foremost, borrowers are facing numerous challenges in paying their loans, with some not submitting a payment at all.

Importantly, the data shows that public discourse surrounding student loans and the guidance and communication borrowers receive are leaving them confused and influencing their payment trajectories. This heightens the already stressful burden of student debt, leaving some borrowers without the information they need to make informed decisions or not take any actions to pay down debt.

Finding a path forward

Without clearer guidance, borrowers can miss out on repayment programs that may help them effectively navigate loan repayment, like income-driven repayment plans, refinancing options and more. Failure to manage these payments effectively can have long-lasting repercussions, impacting credit scores, financial stability, and future ability to borrow for other important life purchases like a home or car.

At SoFi, we understand that many of our members are facing these same challenges. SoFi’s mission is to help our members get their money right and that includes educating borrowers about fundamental details associated with student loans.

If you have questions about federal student loans or repayment options, visit SoFi’s Student Loan Debt Guide for more information or SoFi members can work with a certified financial planner at no additional cost.

For more details on the survey, visit https://emboldresearch.com

Long-Term Disability for L3 Technologies Employees

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L3 Technologies is a major player in the aerospace and defense industry, providing advanced communications, electronics, and sensor systems for military, commercial, and government markets. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense and its prime contractors, U.S. government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Justice, allied foreign governments, domestic and foreign commercial customers, and select other U.S. federal, state and local government agencies.

L3 Technologies employees work in a variety of highly specialized roles, ranging from engineering and IT to manufacturing and project management. These positions often require precision, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under high-pressure conditions. Unfortunately, a physical or mental disability can make it incredibly difficult to continue performing these tasks effectively, leaving many employees unable to work.

L-3 Technologies offers long-term disability (LTD) benefits to its employees as an employee benefit. The last client I represented who worked at L-3 had a disability policy underwritten by New York Life Group Benefits Solutions (formerly Cigna). If you’re an L3 Technologies employee facing a disabling condition, you may be considering applying for long-term disability benefits. Below, we’ll discuss how your job affects your claim, the challenges you may face, and what you can do to improve your chances of being approved, and how a long-term disability attorney can help if your claim is denied.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities of L3 Technologies Employees

Depending on your role at L3 Technologies, your job may include some of the following responsibilities:

  • Engineers and Technicians: Design, develop, and test cutting-edge systems and technologies, often requiring fine motor skills, mental clarity, and intense concentration.
  • Project Managers: Oversee large-scale projects, including managing budgets and schedules and coordinating teams. This work requires a high level of cognitive function and decision-making.
  • Manufacturing and Assembly Workers: Build and assemble delicate, complex parts, often requiring repetitive motions, manual dexterity, and physical stamina.
  • IT Specialists: Develop and maintain secure systems for defense and aerospace customers, requiring advanced technical knowledge and quick problem-solving skills.
  • Aircraft Modernization and Maintenance Workers: Inspect, upgrade, repair, and overhaul military and commercial aircraft, often involving heavy lifting, working in confined spaces, and adhering to detailed safety standards.

Workers are expected to perform at high levels under stressful and sometimes dangerous conditions in all of these roles. Disabilities that affect cognitive function, motor skills, or stamina can significantly impact an employee’s ability to continue working in these positions.

Challenges for L3 Technologies Employees in Securing Long-Term Disability Benefits

While long-term disability benefits are designed to support you if you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition, many employees face challenges when applying for benefits. Here are some of the top reasons L3 Technologies employees may experience problems:

  • Physically Demanding Positions: Many positions, particularly in manufacturing and engineering, require physical labor and the ability to perform precise tasks. Even a relatively minor disability can make it impossible to meet these requirements, but insurance companies may downplay the impact of physical limitations.
  • Highly Specialized Skills: Jobs at L3 Technologies often require a unique set of skills, from programming to operating complex machinery. A disability may make it impossible to perform these tasks, but insurers may argue that employees can still perform another type of work that doesn’t require such specialized skills.
  • Pressure and Stress: The aerospace and defense industries are fast-paced, and stress-related mental health conditions (such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression) can be particularly difficult to prove in an LTD claim. Insurers often require extensive medical documentation and evidence showing how these conditions directly prevent you from performing your job duties.
  • Subjective Symptoms: Many disabling conditions—especially mental disorders, chronic pain, or conditions like fibromyalgia—can be more difficult to prove. Insurers tend to be skeptical of claims where symptoms are subjective and not easily documented by medical tests.

Tips for a Successful Long-Term Disability Claim

  1. Get Comprehensive Medical Documentation: Be sure to provide thorough medical documentation that clearly explains your diagnosis, symptoms, and limitations. This is especially important for conditions that may not show up on traditional tests, such as mental illness or chronic pain disorders.
  2. Be Clear About Job Requirements: Your insurance company may not fully understand the demands of your job. It’s important to clearly outline your daily responsibilities and explain how your condition affects your ability to perform them. For example, if your job requires you to lift heavy equipment or maintain intense concentration for long periods, make sure these specifics are documented in your claim.
  3. Stay Consistent: Any inconsistencies in your claim—whether in medical records, statements to your insurer, or with your employer—can raise red flags and lead to a denial. Be consistent in explaining how your condition affects your ability to work.
  4. Follow Your Treatment Plan: Insurers often deny claims if they feel you aren’t following a prescribed treatment plan. Make sure you attend all doctor’s appointments, follow prescribed treatments, and keep records of your efforts to manage your condition.

How a Long-Term Disability Lawyer Can Help

The long-term disability claims process can be daunting, especially if your claim is wrongfully denied. This is where a long-term disability attorney like Nick Ortiz can step in. With experience handling complex disability cases, an attorney can help:

  • Gather Evidence: An attorney can help you gather the right medical records and other evidence to strengthen your case.
  • Communicate with Your Insurer: An attorney will handle communication with the insurance company, eliminating the back-and-forth delays that often occur with LTD claims.
  • Appealing Denied Claims: If your claim is denied, an attorney can help you navigate the appeals process, which often requires building an even stronger case to get your benefits approved.

At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand how difficult it can be to get the disability benefits you deserve, especially in specialized fields like those at L3 Technologies. If your long-term disability claim has been denied or cut off, contact us for a free case evaluation. We’re here to help you through the appeals process, so you can focus on your health and well-being. Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Broker reaction   – Mortgage Strategy

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Broker reaction   – Mortgage Strategy

Broker reaction   – Mortgage Strategy

Repricing and product withdrawals from a range of lenders may be a signal that weeks of rate cuts may have come to an “abrupt halt” due to economic uncertainty and rising oil prices.

Coventry for intermediaries, Co-operative bank for intermediaries, Molo and LiveMore all said today they will either withdraw products or raise rates by the end of the week.

The moves by the lenders follow mixed messages from the Bank of England where last week central bank governor Andrew Bailey said that there was room for its rate cuts to become “more aggressive”.

But a day later the Bank’s chief economist Huw Pill warned against cutting the price of borrowing “too far or too fast”.

Traders have been betting that the Bank of England will cut rates by a total of 0.5% in two of its final three rate-setting meetings this year to bring the base rate down to 4.50%.

This comes despite the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voting to hold the rate at 5%, following a 0.25% cut in August. Its first reduction in four years.

Inflation came in at 2.2% in August, unchanged from July, just above the BoE’s 2% target.

Heighten fighting in the Middle East between Israel and Arab militias has pushed up oil prices over the last month, which could in turn push up inflation and limit rate cuts.

Brent crude has risen 7.4% over the last four weeks to $77.18 in mid-morning trading today.

This comes as Chancellor Rachael Reeves prepares to deliver the Labour government’s Budget on 30 October, where she will have to plug a £22bn black hole in the public finances left by the previous Conservative administration.

Reeves has said it will not increase income tax, VAT or National Insurance in its first Budget for 14 years.

But has not ruled out rises to capital gains, inheritance tax and other levies surrounding pensions.

L&C Mortgages associate director David Hollingworth says: “The mortgage market has seen rates falling in recent months but that may be coming to an abrupt halt.

“Fixed-rate pricing depends on what the market anticipates may happen to interest rates and uncertainty over the forthcoming Budget, mixed messages from the Bank of England and global unrest is pushing costs back up for lenders.”

The move comes as swap rates, on which mortgage rates are based, have risen over the last month.

Two-year Sonia swaps were 4.067% on 7 October up from 3.918% a month ago, according to Chatham Financial. Five-year rates were 3.814% up from 3.560% over the same period.

John Charcol mortgage technical manager Nicholas Mendes adds: “In recent days, a range of factors has unsettled market expectations, leading to a rise in gilt yields and swap rates.”

Mendes points out: “Markets had been pricing in rate cuts for November and December, but expectations for December have softened slightly, reflecting this uncertainty.

“Additionally, geopolitical tensions, particularly concerns about the Middle East conflict and its potential impact on oil prices, have added to market volatility.

“Given these factors, we expect to see some lenders begin to reprice their products, particularly among specialist lenders and smaller building societies.

“If swap rates continue to rise, it’s likely that the lower loan-to-value best mortgage deals which are already slim in margins for lenders will start to reprice with slight adjustment upwards, with more widespread repricing if competitors do the same.”

The 2023 Ultimate Guide to Personal Finance: Tips and Strategies for Financial Success

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The 2023 Ultimate Guide to Personal Finance: Tips and Strategies for Financial Success

The 2023 Ultimate Guide to Personal Finance: Tips and Strategies for Financial Success
Personal finance is an essential aspect of our lives that requires attention and discipline. It involves managing your money, investments, and debt to achieve financial stability and success. In this article, we will discuss the ultimate guide to personal finance, with tips and strategies to help you achieve your financial goals.

SoFi Lands a Spot on Forbes’ List of Americas’ Best Workplaces for Women

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We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: SoFi has been named on Forbes’ Best Workplaces for Women! A true testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all employees, this recognition is especially meaningful to me, not just as SoFi’s Chief People Officer – but on a personal level, too.

This recognition, conducted annually by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista, celebrates the top 400 companies in the nation that excel in creating equitable environments for women in the workforce. This exciting acknowledgment is a testament to our ongoing efforts at SoFi to empower women and cultivate a culture that’s dedicated to the success, growth, and overall well-being of everyone. In other words: the best part of my job at SoFi!

But the reason I feel particularly proud of this is not just about my current role at SoFi. As a woman who’s spent 20+ years working in tech, finance, and healthcare, I am genuinely proud of the collective “us.” In addition to the progress we’ve made at SoFi, I’m deeply inspired by how far the broader workforce has come since I started my career, which is right around the same time I started my journey as a mom. This intersection of life milestones – though not easy at the time – has truly fueled my ambition to give all that I can as a mom while also bringing my best self to work each day.

In addition to reflecting on my own journey, today’s recognition from Forbes gave me a chance to reflect on the ways we’ve evolved – and are continuing to evolve – at SoFi to be part of the solution. Here are a couple of recent highlights that stood out to me and helped us secure a place on the coveted list:

Employee Resource Groups
SoFi proudly sponsors nine Employee Resource Groups, known internally as SoFi Circles. These groups build high-trust, functional connections that help our organization thrive. They also foster a sense of belonging, drive innovation and help create bridges of connection and intersectionality. The SoFi Circles and their defined missions and while all employees are encouraged to join any Circle they feel aligned to, we see our female employees engaging most with two in particular:

•   Women@SoFi— Mission is to build a safe space for female-identifying employees and allies to connect across SoFi to promote the advancement and inclusion of women. We’re looking forward to taking this engagement to an even deeper level in the coming months as we plan to offer smaller group sessions – based on various levels within the organization to create space for meaningful conversations at specific levels (e.g. senior leaders, people managers, etc.).

•   Parents@SoFi— the mission of Parents@SoFi is to support current and future parents at SoFi. This is something I would’ve loved to have had access to when I was starting my journey as a working mom, which is part of the reason I stepped into the role of executive sponsor for this group which aims to create an environment where people with shared experiences can connect and help each other have both a successful career at SoFi and a rewarding family life.

Face of Finance
In addition to building internal programs to support women, we’ve dedicated resources to external initiatives that aim to empower all women, as well. Our Face of Finance campaign was launched in an effort to bring attention to AI bias and present a new narrative around women’s financial successes. Our talented in-house team created a video revealing the bias that exists in current algorithms and successfully recast women in a more accurate light, depicting the image of wealth and fiscal responsibility that so many women work so hard to achieve. But our video was just the beginning. We enlisted the help of some of social media’s most influential women to help us retrain AI by using their images, so that it could better reflect the truth about women and money. In addition to having a positive external impact – with more than 81M impressions and a 42% surge in unaided awareness – the Face of Finance video also served as an excellent source of engagement internally as well, bringing employees together around a concept we all feel passionate about.

Looking Ahead
As I look to the future – both as a SoFi leader and a woman in the workforce – I know the best is yet to come. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our team to bring solutions that empower women – and all employees – to collaborate across our organization in a way that allows them to unlock their potential and offers both clarity and purpose in the work they do everyday.

You Still Have Time to Make the Most of 2024

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You Still Have Time to Make the Most of 2024

There are 93 days left in 2024. Can you believe it? As we head into the final stretch, it’s a great time to reflect on what you set out to achieve this year. Whether it’s improving your fitness habits, reading more books, or achieving the investment goals you set out for yourself.

The good news is that you still have time to make those resolutions a reality. So, how can you make the most of this time? Let’s dive into a few practical strategies to maximize the remaining months and end the year on a high note.

You Still Have Time to Make the Most of 2024
Three months left: You still have time to make the most of 2024.

1. Review your 2024 financial goals

We recently mentioned this point in another recent article, and it is worth mentioning again. The first step to achieving your goals is to look back on them. Did you set a savings goal back in January? Are you trying to reduce debt or build an emergency fund? Now is the time to revisit those goals and evaluate your progress.

Tip: Write down your current progress and compare it to your original goal. This will give you a clearer picture of where adjustments may be needed. If you’re close to reaching your target, it might just take a few extra steps to get there. If you’re further behind, don’t worry—there are still three months to make significant progress.

2. Focus on small, impactful changes

When you’re in the final quarter of the year, small but consistent actions can make a big difference. This could be anything from cutting back on non-essential spending to automating a portion of your pay check into a savings account or investment. By making these small changes now, you’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve by year-end.

Tip: Prioritize high-impact changes, like reducing unnecessary expenses or setting up an automatic transfer into a savings or investment account, which can give your progress a quick boost.

You still have time: Focus on small, impactful changes
You still have time: Focus on small, impactful changes

3. Maximize your savings potential

Even with just a few months left, there’s still time to make your money work harder for you. Consider options that allow you to increase your savings with minimal effort. If you’ve been maintaining a savings plan throughout the year, now’s the time to give it a final push. Look for opportunities to save more or invest in ways that provide stronger returns without locking your money away for too long.

Tip: If you’re already using investment platforms like Go & Grow, this could be the time to leverage the increased return rate to push toward your goals.

4. Plan for unexpected expenses

One of the biggest barriers to achieving financial goals is the inevitable appearance of unexpected expenses. These can derail even the most carefully laid plans. In fact, Americans tend to spend a quarter more than what they make.

Tip: Set aside a small ‘rainy day’ emergency fund for these surprise expenses so that they don’t interrupt your broader financial plans. It doesn’t have to be large, but having a cushion for unexpected events can give you peace of mind as you work towards your year-end goals.

You have three months left. Make them count.
You have three months left. Make them count.

5. Stay consistent and positive

Finally, consistency is key. With only 93 days left of 2024, it’s easy to feel like you’re running out of time. But staying consistent, even with small efforts, will help you finish strong. Whether it’s checking in on your budget once a week or making regular contributions to your savings, every little bit helps.

Tip: Celebrate small wins along the way. Achieving a goal is a journey, and even incremental progress is worth recognizing.

Make 2024 a year to remember

The year isn’t over yet. With 93 days to go, you can break the limits holding you back and reach the goals you set for yourself. Make 2024 your most successful financial year ever!

You can still break the limits and reach your goals!
You can still break the limits and reach your goals!

Physician Wins Disability Battle Against Unum

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In a David versus Goliath battle with Unum, one of the nation’s largest disability insurance providers, our client, a 59-year-old physician, achieved a landmark victory, securing her rightful long-term disability benefits. Our client’s journey exemplifies resilience in the face of formidable challenges posed by her debilitating condition, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Our client’s struggle began when the debilitating symptoms of ME/CFS severely compromised her ability to practice medicine safely. Experiencing excruciating pain and profound cognitive deficits, she was forced to confront the reality that her medical career, built on decades of dedication and expertise, was abruptly halted.

The battle intensified when Unum, employing aggressive tactics typical of insurance companies, sought to terminate her disability benefits. They initiated surveillance operations, hoping to “catch” her in any activity that could discredit her claim. Despite their efforts, which included multiple in-house medical reviews and the deployment of a biased “hired gun” through a pro-insurance vendor, DaneStreet, Unum never bothered to conduct an in-person examination of her, despite the complexities of ME/CFS. Their decisions were based solely on superficial paper reviews performed by its in-house staff and biased paid consultants who never personally interacted with, treated, or examined her.

Central to their strategy was a flawed vocational assessment that grossly underestimated the profound physical and cognitive impairments caused by ME/CFS. Unum unjustly asserted that our client could somehow resume her demanding occupation as a physician, dismissing the reality of her condition and the advice of her treating physicians who specifically opined that she was unable to practice medicine safely or reliably.

Faced with these daunting challenges, our client turned to the Law Office of Justin C. Frankel, P.C. With meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to justice, we embarked on a comprehensive legal strategy to counter Unum’s baseless allegations and secure the disability benefits our client rightfully deserved. Working closely with her physicians, we were able to gather exhaustive medical evidence, including detailed narrative reports from her treating physicians and specialists who intimately understood the complexities of ME/CFS. We meticulously documented the day-to-day challenges she faced, the limitations imposed by her condition, and the devastating impact on her ability to perform even the most basic tasks required for her profession. Our firm championed the results of her CPET testing, the Gold Standard of functional testing for ME/CFS.

Armed with compelling evidence and a relentless advocacy for our client’s rights, the Law Office of Justin C. Frankel confronted Unum’s assertions head-on. Through rigorous legal arguments and strategic attacks, we debunked their baseless and outrageous assessments and exposed the inadequacies of Unum’s entire review process. We highlighted the absence of a genuine vocational assessment and challenged their flawed methodology in relying on paper only reviews of medical records, which failed to account for the true nature and severity of our client’s disability.
Ultimately, after preparing an indestructible appeal, coupled with the Law Office of Justin C. Frankel’s perseverance and determination, we prevailed. Unum’s overturned its decision and reinstated our client’s claim, acknowledging the indisputable evidence of her debilitating condition and overall inability to return to work as a physician.

Today, our client can now focus on her health and well-being without the burden of financial uncertainty.

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