How TD Ameritrade Can Help You Make Money

Finance

When you are looking for an online broker that will help your reach your goals as a trader and an investor, you should be looking at TD Ameritrade. It is a long time brokerage house that got into the online game in the mid to late 1990s, making it one of the most lasting institutions in online brokers and Internet trading.

In the late 1980s, TD Ameritrade began a quote and order entry system over the phone, which established the companies bonafides with modern technology. Then in 1996, TD Ameritrade merged with TransTerra, which owned Accutrade, which was one of the first online brokers in the very early days of the World Wide Web. That knowledge of the industry and early entry into the world of online investing makes TD Ameritrade a great place to start investing online.

When you take control of your financial future, you take control of your freedom. You can create a whole new reality for yourself, when you take money that you make and put it to work making more money for you. The way that capitalism works is that the ones that control the capital can create new worlds for themselves, where they don’t have to answer to the old way of doing things.

But to become a successful investor, you need to stay disciplined and smart. You need to be able to read the market and understand how to move from one trade to another with the company’s fundamentals in mind. Doing your research is very important when you need to be on top of your investments. TD Ameritrade has third party research and in-depth tools that help you make sense of the market.

For more frequent traders, TD Ameritrade offers a platform called thinkorswim that allows traders to make lightening fast trades on their desktop or their mobile devices. There are chat rooms where you can interact with other traders and swap tips or advice. For beginning traders, there are a plethora of learning tools that allow you to learn about the market while you are in the platform, trying out trades and learning as you go.

TD Ameritrade also offers great educational videos and CNBC streaming news that allow you to stay on top of the market throughout the day. Watching breaking news is very important when you want to be an effective frequent trader. There is no substitute for staying informed about the market. And then there is the paperMoney feature.

That is TD Ameritrade’s paper trading platform, which allows you to trade virtual currency  and learn how to trade without risking any real money. That is one of the more valuable tools for day traders that are just starting out. It allows you to game out trades in real time and project what they might start to do without risking real cash. Paper trading is a great way to get good at trading before you start really risking real actual money.

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Should You Give up on Gold and Invest through Your Bitcoin Wallet Android App Instead?

Finance

Did you think that gold is a dead commodity that you shouldn’t invest in anymore? If so, you would be wrong. In 2013, Germany started to repatriate gold to it, and at least 50% of it is now stored in Frankfurt. Other parts are stored in Paris and in New York and around 13% is stored in London. But what does this have to do with the bitcoin wallet android app?

The Bitcoin Wallet Android App and Other Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies and digital cash services are becoming increasingly popular. What this also means is that gold seems a bit archaic nowadays. However, gold has a status that it will never be able to lose, and it will always be valuable simply because people want to have it. No other fiat currency, not the Euro, not the Dollar, has this type of security.

The Link between Gold and Bitcoin

You cannot get away from bitcoin and cryptocurrency anymore, but gold isn’t going anywhere either. Both also see quite significant price fluctuations, but they are rising overall and rising a lot. Then, there is the fact that other forms of economy, such as stocks and bonds, are problematic, not in the least because they are so strongly affected by geopolitical events. Consider:

  • There has been an overvaluation of stocks. So much so, in fact, that they must come crashing down soon.
  • President Trump is causing major ripples around the world, and no matter how much he would like to call every negative report about him and his policies “fake news”, the reality is that the world is not happy with his administration.
  • Europe is in turmoil. The United Kingdom has voted to leave the EU, a process known as “Brexit”, and other countries are seeing a popular opinion swaying towards the same thing. Meanwhile, there is a serious swing towards right-winged politics in almost every European country.
  • Nobody can keep track of derivatives anymore, which is precisely what the five biggest banks in this country have tied their interests to, making it very dangerous.
  • The Federal Reserve has now agreed to start rising interest rates again, which has a significant impact on people’s disposable income.

Gold isn’t impacted by this, nor is cryptocurrency. That is because both are available in finite amounts. Both are also tied to supply and demand, with demand rising significantly. One of the key things about bitcoin, however, is that it is decentralized. This means it is not owned by a country or a bank, but rather by its users, which is known as “open source”.

All financial experts agree, all investment portfolios have to be diversified in order to retain their value. They also all agree that precious metals should be an integral part of an investment portfolio. So why not double protect yourself, and purchase precious metals like gold by using bitcoin? Could it be possible that the two investment underdogs are actually the strongest of them all?

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How to Finance Your Honeymoon Expenses

Finance

Your wedding is probably one of the most memorable experiences in your life. You and your partner have planned for this event for so long and you’re about to spend a lot of money.

Although weddings will always make us happy; it is the honeymoon that will increase that happiness manifold.

Now, weddings are already expensive and during the honeymoon, you will also need to spend some money as well.

Fortunately, there are ways to finance your honeymoon expenses. Here are some tips:

1.    Wedding Loans

Wedding loans- or personal loans that are used for wedding expenses- is a great way to finance your honeymoon.

In this type of loan, you can borrow as much as $35,000, provided that you have a good credit score. Typically, you can get the money within 3-5 days after applying for the loan.

Just remember to pay it promptly since there are financial institutions which have high interest rates.

2.    Crowdfunding

Another great way to earn money for your honeymoon expenses is through crowdfunding. Although some people might not agree with this, most people that do crowdfunding for their weddings actually do not mind. In fact, there are some people who are willing to donate some money for such a momentous event.

When you’re planning for the wedding, you’re also planning for the honeymoon. The money that you can get from crowdfunding can be used for all of the expenses; including your honeymoon vacation.

3.    Credit Card Perks

If you own a credit card, you can make use of the perks. There are some credit card companies that offer frequent flyer miles or points that you can use for travel.

There are also some perks that make use of points in exchange for cash or other things including food, clothing, etc.

4.    Cash Advance Schemes

There are some cash advance methods you can apply for. Cash advance is a way to get some money, especially for your honeymoon.

Fortunately for you, getting money from this method is easier than ever. Aside from your local lenders, you can also apply on the internet as there are cash advance programs online.

If you borrow money from cash advance programs, make sure that the lender you’re going to get money from has a license to operate. This is to ensure your safety when transacting with them.

5.    Book in Advance

This is not financing, per se, but you can save more money when you book your honeymoon plans beforehand.

There are some packages out there that give you amazing discounts if you book way ahead of time.

Furthermore, booking in advance will ensure that you will get a reservation, especially when you’re going to a place where there are a lot of people.

Conclusion

Financing your honeymoon expenses is actually quite easy. You can book in advance so that you can avail of certain discounts.

If you own a credit card, you can make use of the points or avail of the perks. There are also cash advance programs as well. The options you have are limitless.

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How Did I Miss That Trade?

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Are you a Forex trader? Are you “in it to win it?  Are you looking for profits wherever possible? That means you will be examining the results of the trades that you take and learning from both your successes and your failures. But what about “the ones that got away”, the trades that for one reason or another never happened and nearly always would have turned up trumps.

Why do we miss out on trades, especially the ones that will cause us so much heartache subsequently? There are of course loads of different reasons. You could have chosen to “sit this one out” having had a couple of losing trades just previously.  You could have been too preoccupied with another trade or considered that it just didn’t fit into your preconceived trading pattern. You may have had enough for the day having met your daily target or you might not have had enough balance to proceed.

Now these are all good reasons, but the fact remains that a missed opportunity is a missed opportunity which will cost you in the fullness of time.  You might not realise how much money you are actually losing by not taking up those missing trades and all the potential profits that have vanished unless you are honest enough to track everything in a journal.

If you are a mechanical trader, you can well find that your performance will be down and you will not get a full idea of whether the system is working for you.

If you get into the habit of missing trades, especially after a losing streak, you must treat that as a really bad one.  You have to accept losses as an integral part of trading and you shouldn’t have the baggage of previous failure over-influencing your decisions.

Perhaps the most hazardous result of when you miss out on a trade is that your psyche says “hey we made a big error there, let’s make up for it”. This is what is called “looking for revenge” – you go into something that’s a long way short of ideal and trade it aggressively. You lose control of your emotions and at the same time, lose a good deal of money as well.

Missing trades therefore is a bad place to be in. So what can you do to avoid all that?  Firstly you could log all your missing trades which would be an incentive to sticking to your trading plan.  Secondly set your trading style alarm clock – you could fix price alerts or use entry orders; perhaps even design a mechanical system for your platform. We know you can’t be everywhere but you can help yourself!

Are you missing trades through lack of confidence, worried about the dangers that could affect your funds? If you decrease your position size, you will ease up on a great deal of pressure.

Finally if you focus on the process you will accept loss, take care of it but have the courage to carry on trading sensibly and methodically and in the end you will make a lot of money.

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Do You Know How to Spot a Deal?

Finance

Are you someone who can spot a deal a mile away? If not, has the time has come for you to start doing so, yes?

For many consumers, getting a good deal is part and parcel of their life.

When many watch their dollars, finding some good specials can make the difference.

With that being the case, will you sharpen your skills when it comes to spotting a deal moving forward?

Internet is Great Starting Point

One of the best places to begin your quest to find deals is the Internet.

That said too many consumers don’t take advantage of all the worldwide web can offer them. As a result, they miss out on keeping more money in their wallets and purses.

Are you someone who focuses on finding discounted tickets for Universal Studios? If so, you can locate them much easier than you might first think.

With the right online search, you can get deals for Universal Studios and other venues. Once you have your deal, the fun is about to begin.

Keep in mind many companies in the theme park business and similar venues are active online. In fact, their websites are oftentimes tended to on a daily basis.

Among the important areas of interest many of them cover on a regular basis online:

· Blog posts about respective attractions

· Specials and when to collect on them

· Customer testimonials

You should also look for the locations of interest for you and yours on social media.

Sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest are popular with countless business.

Word-of-Mouth

If you have a sizable group of family, friends, and even co-workers that you communicate with, lean on them too.

An example of word-of-mouth marketing is designating people to stay on top of deals for venues.

If you have someone in the group who can’t get enough of amusement parks, let them alert others with a love for such. The same is true for someone who loves sports. Let him or her alert others via text or email about deals on ballgames etc.

Traditional Marketing

Even with the web and word-of-mouth leading the way, traditional marketing is there too.

Do you get your fair share of specials in the regular mail for various activities in and outside of town? If so, do you take advantage of them?

While many such marketing pieces end up in the garbage, others have more shelf life.

Don’t always be so quick to throw those pieces of mail out. You may in fact end up finding some great deals right at your fingertips.

When it comes to spotting the best deal out there, how good is your eyesight?

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How Forex Makes You Better at Making Money

Finance

Forex is an interesting way to make money, but it also gives you money making skills that transfer into other financial endeavors. To understand that, you have to understand how Forex works. We’ll start with a simple explanation.

Forex terms can get a little complicated, so a free trial with a brokerage source like ETX Capital is really the best way to go. When you get there, you’ll see a lot of different currency pairs. The first currency listed in the pair (if you were to bet money on it) is the currency that you think will gain value relative to the other listed currency, over a specific amount of time.

Forex trading allows you to leverage your trades, sometimes as much as 200:1. This was, you might be able to effectively trade one hundred thousand pounds, for example, while only being required to deposit a thousand or so.

The finer points of Forex (and its cousin, spread betting, also available through ETX Capital) are best learned through experience, so try out free accounts with reputable brokers to learn the ropes. Alternately, you can watch plenty of Youtube videos about Forex trading, which use images to convey concepts which are harder to grasp through words alone.

How Forex Gives You Money Making Skills in All Disciplines

Now that you understand more or less what Forex trading is, it’s time to explain how trading Forex will give you transferable money making skills for all kinds of purposes.

At its core, this form of trading is all about exploiting opportunities. You’ll quickly learn when you make an account of your own that you won’t have much success if you’re simply guessing about value behaviors. There are so many complexities that influence the relative value fluctuations of global currencies. In order to make money regularly, you’ll have to do some homework. Fortunately, this will yield an education that can make you a very sophisticated investor in disciplines outside of the world of Forex.

Let’s say you do really well at Forex trading and earn $100,000 in your first year. You want to use some of this money in the traditional stock market so that you can earn excellent returns without having to make regular trades as you do in your fast-paced Forex account. Your knowledge of the United States Dollar gives you the inside scoop on companies like Coca-Cola, who are being challenged globally by the strength of the US Dollar.

You knowledge of currency would tell you that because the dollar is so strong, money that Coca-Cola makes outside of the United States (an international market which the soda giant is actively trying to increase its market share within), loses value every time it is brought back into the United States where Coca-Cola does its banking.

You would expect, therefore, that the international brand would be having revenue difficulties in the present (they are), and that any time the Dollar starts to lose some steam, that revenue for Coca-Cola would increase (it will).

Then you hear that President Donald Trump is announcing measures to slow down the progress of the too-strong Dollar, as a way of preventing another market bubble. We’re not recommending that you take action on this hypothetical scenario, but just as an example, what would you do next?

If you thought that Coca-Cola stock would be a good bet based on that information, a lot of investors would agree with you. And you made this insightful decision based solely on your knowledge of the power that global currencies have over consumer brands. This is knowledge that the average investor lacks, and you got it just by trading Forex. Forex is a great way to make money on its own, but it’ll also prepare you for all kinds of other opportunities.

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How to Prepare for Funeral Costs

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It is something that very few of us want to think about or even consider preparing for but the truth of life is that we all must die some day and as much as we can fight this inevitable fact, it is still a fact. After a friend or loved one passes away you will naturally want to give them the best possible send off and give them a funeral that they would be happy with, this can often mean high expenditure and tough decisions in a time of great grief.

It is for these reasons that you ought to start thinking about how you can prepare for your own funeral costs and planning how it will take place. It will certainly check one’s morality to think of such things but should you do so now, you can make the lives of your friends and loved ones much easier after you have passed away. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can prepare.

Paying Up In Advance

If you are in a position to do so then you can prepare and pay for your funeral whilst you are still alive, this will not only ensure that your relations and friends will not be faced with the sadness of planning your funeral, it will also give you the peace of mind that it will be done in the right way. You can decide if you want to be buried or cremated, you can decide on the songs at the service and you could even find yourself buying a headstone which will sit above your grave. This is an option with benefits but it isn’t a nice idea to plan your funeral whilst you are still alive.

Life Insurance

As you get older you should ensure that you are paying into a life insurance plan that will cover the costs of your funeral expenses. Not only will a strong policy give you and your family the money that they need to pay for the funeral, they will also receive either a lump sum or a monthly amount based on your policy.

Establish a Trust

Many banks offer things like Totten Trust which is essentially a savings account that can be controlled by a chosen person should you die. You can start putting money into this trust as early as you want and it will usually have a strong interest rate attached to it. In terms of the Totten Trusts which are available, you which receive a much better interest rate from your bank than from a funeral service and you will also have far more control over your cash such are the complexities of the rules regarding funeral services.

As we mentioned before, nobody wants to think about these kind of things but if you imagine yourself in the position of someone who is grieving and then consider making decisions on things like funerals and planning their costs. You will see that it is much easier for you to prepare now then allow your family to do it in the future.

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When You Should and Shouldn’t Take Out a Loan

Finance

There are many reasons why people apply for a loan. Sometimes people apply for loans out of necessity. Sometimes people apply for loans to buy products or services that are not really needed. It is important for people to understand the cost of taking a loan. There are many factors affecting the cost of getting a loan, such as your credit score, your assets and your job. The size of a loan varies from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. There are many reasons why someone should take a loan or should not take a loan.

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Why you should take a loan

1. Buying your first home

This is one of the good reasons for you to apply for a loan. A home loan allows you to own a home instead of renting an apartment. The loan can be repaid in 15 or 30 years and you will get the lowest interest rates if your credit history is good. A home loan also gives you tax benefits, and can be easily calculated with a no charge tax tool!.

2. Student loan

If you are a student, then applying for a student loan is a good choice, as it allows you to get a degree in an area that offers good job opportunities. The government backs most of the student loans and the payment terms are very generous. The loan offers a way of funding your future.

3. Loans for Investments

If you are financially independent and responsible, then you can take loans to fund your investments. For example, you can borrow money to buy investment properties. These kind of loans are not suitable for regular folks. You must have the necessary financial knowledge and assets to apply for such loans.

Why you should not take out a loan

1. Bad credit history

If your credit history is not good, then you will not get the best loan terms. You must work on increasing your credit score before you applying for a loan. Typically, banks and lenders will charge you higher rates if your credit is not good. If you are someone with a poor credit history, then you should refrain from taking a loan.

2. Purchasing assets that are depreciating

If you are planning to buy assets such as automobiles, which are depreciating over periods of time, then you should not consider taking a loan. It is always recommended to take a loan to purchase items such as a home, which are appreciating in value and act as a hedge against inflation. Most people are in the habit of purchasing depreciating assets such as furniture, TV, smart phones, and automobiles by taking high interest loans. This is not a good idea.

3. Private loans

There are many private loans available today. These are very expensive. You will end up paying very high interest rates. It is always recommended to get a loan from major banking institutions and lenders. If your credit is not good, then you may be tempted to get private loans. You should not consider this option unless it is for an emergency situation.

4. Borrowing from credit cards

Credit card companies offer balance transfers. However, after the initial period of lower interest rates, the interest rates will increase drastically. Your monthly payments will go up. Do not fall for high interest balance transfer offers from credit card companies.

There are many reasons why people take out loans. However, there are not many good reasons why people should take a loan or should not take a loan. Some of the reasons listed above are helpful if you are a would-be borrower planning to take a loan. Taking a loan is a financial burden and should be avoided unless it helps you to accumulate real assets, which are appreciating and lead to financial independence.

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How to Become a Top Financial Advisor

Finance

Today we are going to take a look at one of the World’s top financial advisors and what skills you are going to need if you wish to be a financial advisor. Being skilled with numbers and finance is a skill that you can of course learn but in order to be able to give advice to people you are going to need far more than this. Financial advisors need to have a firm understanding of the financial markets and how people can wisely invest their cash in stocks, shares, bonds, bank accounts and property. Let’s take a look at an example of a great financial advisor, Patrick Dwyer Merrill Lynch wealth manager and what skills you are going to need to replicate his success.

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Patrick Dwyer

Dwyer is currently managing over $2 billion worth of assets for wealth management giant Merrill Lynch and is considered one of their key advisors. After gaining his MBA from the University of Miami, Dwyer went straight into the MBA program with Merrill Lynch and has been with the company for over two decades. During his time with the financial services company he has been regularly featured in the Barron’s list of top 100 advisers as well as being featured as one of the best advisors in the World by the Financial Times In 1999 he joined Merrill Lynch’s elite group of professionals who would solely advise the ultra-rich in managing their finances which is where he currently plies his trade.

Here are Some of the Skills You Need

If you want to be a top advisor like Patrick then you are going to need to be an industry expert, this involves you constantly keeping an eye on market trends and global positions as well as new industries. You will never stop becoming a student of the financial world and the moment that you think you know all that there is to know, is the moment that the industry will pass you by.

Math and Computer Skills

Math and computer skills are the basic requirements for any financial advisor and the industry relies heavily on these skills. You cannot hope to achieve anything in the world of finance with poor math skills and your computer literacy should be high as you will be using them for a huge range of tasks on a daily basis.

Communication Skills

If you are going to be advising people on what they should do with their vast wealth then you need to have a good bedside manner. The wealth management industry is highly competitive and you need to ensure that, for the good of the company, that you can gain your client’s trust and loyalty. Your communication with your clients should be outstanding.

Salesman

When you are offering your advice to a client, you are essentially selling them an idea of yours and you need to be able to do so in such a way that will make the customer want to go ahead. In order to do this you need to be able to analyze complicated details and present in a way that your client will understand.

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How to Manage Your Money after Winning a Settlement

Finance

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When you win a big case and receive a large settlement or jury award, it’s best to practice wise fiscal management to reap the most benefit from your funds.

Unless you have a background in finance or have managed complex assets for yourself or others in the past, it’s not unusual to be unprepared to deal with large sums of money. Below are some considerations for those expecting or who have already received their settlement or award from the court.

Learn how the tax implications will affect you

Depending upon the nature of your settlement, you could wind up owing quite a bit to Uncle Sam come April 15. For instance, if you sued a former employer for back pay or sought punitive damages in your case, you’ll be on the hook for the federal income taxes that are due on those amounts.

However, an asbestos settlement for a mesothelioma diagnosis or, more broadly, a settlement dealing with most personal injury claims doesn’t carry a tax burden. Often, settlements and judgments include both tax-free and taxable portions. Because it can be difficult for a layperson to understand the complexities of our federal tax code on these types of financial windfalls, it is best to seek advice from a financial advisor to avoid running afoul of the IRS.

Structured settlements versus lump sums — which is better?

Not all plaintiffs will have the option of choosing to accept a lump sum or structured settlement, but those who do need to give serious thought to the decision. There are pros and cons to both, and your situation will dictate the better option to choose.

If your settlement comes from a career-ending workers’ comp lawsuit, a structured settlement can provide a reliable means of supporting yourself. The same is true for personal injury cases that result in long-term disability and a need for ongoing medical and personal care.

Structured settlements are often tendered in wrongful death cases where the breadwinner was killed and his or her spouse and minor children require financial support. If a plaintiff is worried about blowing through a lump sum settlement irresponsibly, selecting the structured settlement can offer some needed financial boundaries.

Hire a financial advisor you trust

Receiving a windfall can fundamentally alter the relationships you have with the people in your life. Friends, relatives and even total strangers may approach you with sad stories of financial woes designed to separate you from your money. Without a gatekeeper in charge who can filter these requests for support and turn them down, you could wind up broke and needing assistance yourself in only a couple of years.

There is nothing wrong with taking care of your loved ones responsibly with some of the proceeds from your settlement or jury award. A financial advisor can set up trusts for the education of children or grandchildren, or provide for them in other ways, so that you won’t have to repeatedly deal with requests for loans or investment capital.

Eliminate the burden of debt

According to statistics from the Pew Charitable Trust, 80 percent of American adults are indebted to creditors. Shedding financial burdens is quite liberating, but it’s important to have a debt reduction plan in place.

  • Your first goal should be to pay off any debts that carry high interest rates, e.g., credit cards and some loans.
  • Then, check and see whether you have any outstanding medical bills that need to be paid and wipe those out.
  • Calculate how much you will need to live comfortably for a month, multiply that by six, and deposit that amount in an interest-bearing account that carries no penalties for withdrawal. Now you have an emergency fund to tap if necessary.
  • If you owe a mortgage on your home or need to pay off some auto loans, tackle those next.
  • Plan for a comfortable retirement. Your golden years should be the time of your life when you no longer have to worry about money woes. Make sure that you wisely invest enough to cover your future needs.
  • Draw up an estate plan. Depending upon the size of and manner in which your windfall is structured, your heirs may continue to reap the rewards after you’re gone. Your financial advisor can assist you with this as well.

Buy property or remodel your existing home

Those who have never been homeowners may find taking that leap to be daunting, but homeownership has many benefits. If you already own your property but it needs some refurbishments, now is the time to turn your home into your castle. You don’t have to make ostentatious improvements, but if you always wanted that man cave, in-ground swimming pool or spa bathroom, this is your chance to get it exactly as you like it.

Make charitable donations

One way to lighten your tax burden is by donating to qualified charities. If you have a special cause that’s dear to your heart (animal welfare, Alzheimer’s research, funding a scholarship, etc.), funnel some money in that direction. Establishing your own charitable trust is another possibility for you and your financial advisor to explore.

Enjoy your life

You are in the enviable position of no longer having to worry about making ends meet. This is what most people strive for their entire lives, so once you have covered all the basics, have fun with your money. Take the cruise or European vacation, buy the RV and tour North America, invest in collectibles that interest you or buy a few valuable pieces of jewelry or a hot sports car you’ve always dreamed of owning.

Money can indeed change people, but it does not have to be for the worst. By becoming a responsible steward of your finances, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your responsibilities have all been met.

If you handle your settlement correctly, you should be able to enjoy the proceeds of your settlements for many years to come.

 

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