~I DO~

We all know what those two words mean put together… or at least what it sounds like. I am dealing with a life changing process, just thinking about those two words…

So I too can relate, in a way to something new happening in the world as you know it. That will never be the same. My life changing process (if you have not figured it out, it is marriage).

Everyday I deal with people who are going through a life changing process, dealing with car accidents, workers compensation claims, and many other personal injury lawsuits.

It is common for anyone experiencing something new to have a tense overwhelming feeling when you do not know what to do or what to expect. Therefore, it can be hectic if you don’t have anyone you can turn to…

So the 1st step should be finding someone to provide that support for you, just like I did consulting an expert, a WEDDING PLANNER. You can call a Lawsuit Advance Company, like Prosperity Partners, and like a wedding planner to make things comfortable, understandable & complete! You can worry about your bumps & bruises knowing they have the Band-Aids. In my case it’s the last minute Aqua decorations I had her purchase!

Yes, I want my wedding plans to flow smoothly but when I face things like my bridesmaids dresses are no longer in stock, or the shoes the cashier gave me were both two left shoes a size smaller. My first instinct is to blow a gasket! But what I choose to do is breathe, think of a solution, consult an expert, write out a plan, and keep going.

Prosperity Partners celebrates the first 15 and prepares for the next 15 years.

looking aheadWe have built relationships with many lottery winners through the years. We have seen money make dreams come true and we have seen people deal with the challenges of a sudden cash windfall. We are proud of our history of service, growth and innovation in such a challenging industry. It has been rewarding to meet and support so many winners and their dreams.

Over the years we have expanded our services to meet the needs of structured settlement holders, note holders, and annuity recipients. We help pre-settlement clients with advances, buy and sell real estate, and many other services are available under our roof.

Now as we celebrate our 15th year in business we are building momentum for the next 15 years. We are having a great time looking back and remembering all the experiences and people during the first 15 years, but our thoughts as a company are mostly on the future.

Personal growth is a foundation at Prosperity Partners. Enhancing our personal talents through continuing training and education not only enriches our work productivity but our personal lives as well. If we are to continue to grow and thrive as technology advances and consumer needs change, we need to stay on the cutting edge both personally and professionally

Prosperity Partners is a learning company and an entrepreneur incubator. Many of our co-workers have taken the skills they learned here, and with financial and professional support from the leadership at PPI, started a new business. Some of those businesses are right here in our building, and others spread across the United States.

The classes and training at our company are diverse. Financial classes, grammar, customer service, blogging, and personal development seminars are just some of the offerings for continued development in the Prosperity Partners family. Anyone who is willing can take advantage of the opportunities to learn and grow personally and professionally at Prosperity Partners. As the people here grow, so will our company.

Gas Prices Blinding

I have begun to blindly fill my gas tank. I do not mean I am filling it while blind-folded (that could be messy and well, someone could get hurt, probably me because as those who know me will tell you - I am a little accident prone).

gas pricesI have just begun filling it without looking at the cost per gallon. The price of gas has skyrocketed. I still can not help but look at the total when I am done … *gasp* did I just spend $44 to fill my tank? I suddenly feel like the owner of the station just walked up to me and slapped me across the face … ouch!

I am not too keen on spending $3.45/gallon when I remember my mom filling up her 1981 Chevette for $10.00! Looking back, I remember when we used to drive to Massachusetts to get gas for $.99/gallon. $.99/gallon!

Think on that for a while.

$10 dollars filled her tank in 1992 but it’s likely to only give you a ΒΌ of a tank today.

The next time you fill your gas tank take a few seconds and think of what you will be paying to fill it 10-15 years from now. Unfortunately, it is pretty upsetting but … it is the reality. How much gas will $40 buy 10 years from now? Maybe half a tank.

A structured settlement payment worth $500 today will not have the same buying power in 10 years. Your money in the future will buy less. If you had your money now instead of waiting, you could put your money to work to keep up with inflation and rising costs.

I know people who drive 5 miles to save 3 cents a gallon. How much money could you save by using the buying power of your settlement payments now instead of waiting?

If you sell future monthly or lump sum payments now, you will get more in your gas tank at the end of the day.

~Have It Forever and Ever~

It Changes everything! It can not buy you friends, however It could rent some. It can not buy you happiness but It can make the places you search more enjoyable. This is a simplistic and light hearted way to look at It, “money.” Well it is money after all, let’s have some fun. We have all heard that Money changes everything; Money can not buy you friends or happiness. Is that true? Why then are state lotteries and casinos growing everyday? Many lottery and casino players are taking chances to win big lump sums of cash. To what end?

I say that there is a myth that many believe is the truth, that a large lump sum of money will provide freedom from financial worries. money pyramidThere are many stories of someone getting a financial windfall and then a few weeks, months or a year later they were worse off. I know what you are saying, “I would never be like that.” What do you think these people said about themselves before they squandered their Lottery Payments, Casino Jackpot, or Structured Settlement? How can you make it last forever and ever?

Here are five small steps to take that will give you a strong start on your journey;

1. Slow down, wait for the frenzied mind to calm down

2. Pick one big purchase (not too big)

3. Be peaceful about your good fortune

4. Hire an Attorney

5. Hire an expert on financial planning

Keep It simple, keep It between you and your closest confidants, keep track of It, keep on top of It, and you will have a great opportunity to keep IT forever and ever.

My Annuity Adventure Part V-Designing a Financial Plan to Manage Your Cash.

Well, I get really nervous when I get a good bit of money at one time. I am so ultra worried I will spend it poorly that I make lists of my priorities before I get the money. I am naturally a list person and a planner. I have lists of things I need and want to buy so when money does come in, I know exactly what I am spending it on. The thing is keeping my priorities straight.

annuity adventure plan

Even though something is on my list does not mean it is what is the most important thing for me right now. I mean, a new car is higher on my list of important next purchases than that new bedroom set I really, really, really want. The one that I already picked out and can imagine in my bedroom looking so good. That one. So I have the urge to buy that bedroom set over a reliable car or some minor debts that ironically, probably add up to what the bed set costs.

Doing the mature and sensible thing isn’t always fun and easy. I tell you, being grown up is a learned process, it does not come naturally. I am always incorporating new sound financial ideas into my routine. I believe personal finance is a state of mind that can be changed slowly over time. Years ago I started by writing down every single thing I spent for three months, including money in the parking meter or gum. This activity has continued to help me be mindful of what I am spending.

Now I know you are saying, what does this have to do with you cashing out your annuity. Well as I said:

  • money management
  • budgeting finances

They are all a mind set, an idea, a feeling and an attitude about budgeting incoming and outgoing money. They are all decisions about where to allocate YOUR money. So being clear and staying clear as to what you are spending your lump sum on and why is important. It better be an important purchase if you are going to cash out all or part of your annuity in the first place! Keeping to your original financial intention for the money will make it worth it!