Got in a Car Crash Recently? Here's How You Can Go About the Repairs

If you recently were in a car crash, hopefully, you walked away without a scratch. Even if you didn't get injured, your car probably suffered some damage. Whether it was a little or a lot, you need to go about handling the repairs. But where should you start?

Assess the Damage

Some damage to your car from a crash might be visible to the human eye and obvious to you. However, some of it might be lurking underneath the hood or inside the vehicle. 

If you can safely drive it away from the scene of the accident, then you should drive it to your mechanic promptly. On the other hand, if you have even the slightest suspicion of not being able to drive it safely, then arrange for it to be towed.

Get a Quote

Once your car is at an auto body repair shop, have the mechanics will look it over from bumper to bumper. You might have to pay for certain diagnostics, but you need to know everything that is wrong with the vehicle before you authorize repairs. Make sure you get a detailed quote from them with an itemized breakdown.

Get More Information

If the total repair bill is higher than your car's remaining value, then the car is probably totaled, and you'll just get a check from your insurance company. 

On the other hand, you might be in a position where you need to pick and choose which repairs need to be done. Safety and operational issues have to be fixed, but cosmetic damage might not.

Save Money

Your insurance provider might have set amounts they reimburse for in terms of repairs. If your mechanic can do it for less, you might get to save some money. Likewise, you might be able to call around to other mechanics to see if anyone offers cheaper quotes.

Repairs You Can Do Yourself

Bodywork might need a professional shop, but a lot of individual vehicle repairs might be things you can do on your own or with a buddy in your own garage or driveway. 

The Internet has tutorial videos for nearly every make and model of car out there, and you can find used parts from junkyards from coast to coast with just a little online shopping.

In conclusion, it's hard to live in most parts of the country without a car. Hopefully, you won't be without yours for very long. Follow these steps to make sure repairs after a crash happen right.

Trading Books: The Best Books for Online Trading Beginners

Whether you are a successful trader or a beginner investor, you should always be reading trading books. Nothing else says more about how passionate you are about being a successful trader. 

So if you are ready to challenge the trade market by yourself from the start, picking up the best investing book is very important to become a successful trader.

Best books to learn how to handle your portfolio in the stock market

Looking for the best online trading book to make a wise investment decision? We have compiled a detail of the best-ranking book below:

Matthew R. Kratter- A Beginner's Guide to The Stock Market

This online trading book by Matthew R. Kratter can be referred to as the best beginners' book. Young investors who do not know enough about the stock market can learn every ins and outs with the guide. 

The writer broke down the topics in different types of chapters which have a detailed discussion of the stock market and how it works. In addition, he also explained how to analyze stock to find out the suitable one which can perform in a short- and long-term period. 

One of the critical areas of this book is where the writer addresses the beginner's common mistakes and how to avoid them. Besides, A beginner guide to the stock market dives into the investment methodologies that are ideal for new investors.

Steve Burns-New Trader, Rich Trader

Making money is the fundamental purpose of investing in the stock market. The new book by Steve Burns is all about how to make money exactly there. 

The book covers various trading tools that are the basis of the investment, and the trader must know. Besides, it has discussed various pitfalls which the traders face every day in the financial market. The useful tactic of Burns helps to transform the form into an imaginary story that is simple to follow and remember. 

And these characteristics of the 'new trader, rich trader' substantially differentiate it from the other books based on a similar topic.

John C. Bogle- The little book of common-sense investing

The little book of common sense investing of John C. Bogle refers to an investing bible. Most experts, even the Investopedia financial review book, rated it as the best-selling financial guide. 

No matter what type of investor you are, it is a must-read book before starting any new investment. It was first published in 2017, providing a complete framework for building a low-risk portfolio and tips to make the most intelligent investment decisions. 

In the 2017 edition, Bogle has added two new chapters on asset allocation and retirement investing options.

By choosing one of the above books, we assure you that you will never fail to draw the most brilliant path for your financial future. If you want to get more clarity about the financial markets and the harsh investment environment, some very good advice can be found in en.meteofinanza.com.

How to Determine the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury lawsuits come from the carelessness and negligence of others that cause bodily harm, destruction of property, or other forms of loss to the victim. Below are a few reasons individuals file personal injury lawsuits.

• They have sustained injuries from a motor vehicle accident
• Their health has been negatively affected by medical malpractice
• A person suffers a slip-and-falls on poorly maintained infrastructure on either private or public premises
• One got injured at work
• A defective product causes injury to the user

Suppose any of these scenarios, or others not mentioned, apply to your situation. In that case, whether you are seeking compensation in NYC after having suffered a slip due to negligence of others or you are suing an owner for a dog bite in Missouri, it is best to look for a dedicated personal injury attorney to help you determine the value of a personal injury claim.

Determining the Value of Your Personal Injury Claim

It's only fair that the more the losses a person suffers, the higher the value you receive on your personal injury claim. After assessment and litigation, the liable party should compensate the plaintiff for how the incident has negatively affected their life.

Read on to learn about the three main categories of compensation.

Special Damages Also Called Economic Damages

Economic damages are awarded to compensate victims for their tangible loss. These include the medical bills incurred during treatment, the cost of replacing or repairing damaged property, the lost income due to time taken off work, and other unforeseen expenses that have a price tag associated with them.

These expenses are easier to calculate and project because there are records that one can provide to ascertain their legitimacy. They cover both current costs and future financial implications of the accident.

General Damages Also Called Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate victims for their intangible loss. These include the emotional distress caused by the accident, the physical pain caused, the change in the quality of life caused by the victim’s injuries, disability, and loss of consortium.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded to the plaintiff not as direct compensation but as punishment to the liable party for their reckless or malicious actions.

The Type of Case Impacts the Value of Your Claim

Even if there is sufficient cause for an injured person to receive compensation, there are other factors at play that could determine the value of your claim. 

The liable party’s insurance will have a policy limit if your compensation exceeds that limit or the liable party doesn't have insurance. You’ll have to pursue compensation in civil court.

Company-owned vehicles have better insurance; therefore, the payout will be substantial. Other factors like the person’s age in the accident, the status of the liable party, the venue the claim was filed, etc. 

Some cases are more complicated because of the people involved and might determine the lawsuit’s outcome, whether negatively or positively.

Get a Personal Injury Attorney to Increase Your Claims Value

When going through the rigorous process of claiming compensation, you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner. They will represent your best interest every step of the way and fight to see justice served via a financial compensation.

If the process goes to a courtroom, your lawyer can represent you in the court proceedings. Their knowledge of the law about personal injury will be invaluable.

5 Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Any of Your Legal Wants

Not all situations involving legalities will require you to have a lawyer; however, having one is an important play, especially if you are an investor. 

There are countless situations when you will need the experience and expertise of a lawyer to help you deal with certain legalities involving your business operations.

Not only is having an attorney essential, but so is having the right one, that is--the one most suitable for the job you need to accomplish. 

For instance, a rider who's been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else has the right to sue for a motorcycle wreck and will be best represented by a motorcycle accident lawyer.

Once you choose the right lawyer to hire, your legal wants are as good as accomplished. Read more below to understand the perks of having a lawyer.

What Benefits Do You Experience When You Hire a Lawyer?

1. Makes Legal Matters Less Complicated

It may be hard to understand or keep up with some laws and statutes involving your processes, but hiring a lawyer ensures you have an assistant to help you stay on the right side of the law.

You may be trying to start a business or file a legal complaint about some issues involved with your enterprise, lease, or security. 

Therefore, when you have a lawyer by your side, you won't have to deal with legal tasks that you may not be familiar with, making it less complicated for you.

2. You Avoid Certain Mishaps That Come with Not Having an Attorney

When dealing with any case, whether civil or criminal, not having a lawyer puts you at a disadvantage. By opting for self-representation, you may end up serving jail time or having to pay hefty fines even when you do not deserve to just because of lack of proper representation.

Sometimes not having a lawyer may cost you more than what you would have spent hiring one. In situations where you know you have a lot to lose, you may need to consider hiring a legal representative to help you fight for your case.

3. Help Filing Paperwork and Documentation

Because of their experience and knowledge, a lawyer can provide adequate services such as documenting the necessary files for your case. 

You may not know which documents are needed at which times, but your lawyer will be able to stay up to date with all the necessary documentation.

Some cases may require you to turn in a document within a short period, failure to which your case might be thrown out. Your attorney can help you avoid such dilemmas.

4. Can Review or Collect Necessary Evidence

Your lawyer will help you review evidence when dealing with your case to help determine whether some of the evidence is viable, as it may have been improperly obtained. They will look through the evidence presented against you and determine which parts do not apply to the case.

Additionally, your attorney can help you collect the necessary evidence required to win a case.

5. Help You Avoid Risks

You can avoid getting into bad deals and investments by having your attorney take a look at some contracts before you sign them. They can also help you organize all the necessary documents to ensure you do not suffer any penalties or losses.

It Is Worth the Cost

Having an attorney to take care of legal needs makes more sense than not having one. You need not worry about staying on top of all legal processes, since you can hire some to ensure it is done correctly.

Tips for Always Feeling Financially Secure

The feeling of being financially secure can improve your quality of life. You can avoid financial insecurity and always have peace of mind when it comes to money by understanding wealth management and following the steps below.

Establish an Emergency Fund

Everyone should have at least three months worth of expenses saved in their savings account in case something goes wrong with their job or the economy tanks. 

You also want to make sure you have enough money if unexpected medical expenses arise. For instance, you never know when your dog might need surgery or if you might need a root canal at some point. 

Having enough funds to cover these necessities will give you much more peace of mind.

Don’t Spend More Than You Earn Each Month

This means no shopping sprees and no impulse purchases. If you're always spending every cent of your salary, it's hard to build up savings or pay off debt so make sure that you aren't falling into this trap. 

You will also want to make sure you pay off your debts and credit card fees early. Finally, try not changing jobs too often - if you don't like where you work now, wait until something better comes along instead of quitting right away because the longer you stay in a job, the more money and benefits will accrue over time which is good for both your wallet and peace of mind.

Work on Your Self Esteem

A lot can be said about how low self-esteem has an impact on finances as well as other aspects of life. Those with poor self-confidence are likely to be financially secure than those who believe they are not worthy of being financially secure. 

Since money is the biggest source of stress in people's lives, it makes sense that having low self-esteem can lead to financial insecurity. This all boils down to one main aspect: our beliefs about ourselves and how much we believe in them has a strong influence on everything else - including our finances. 

So if you are someone who doesn't have good self-confidence or feel unworthy, here are some ways to start believing more.

Striving to be debt-free is an admirable goal. You might feel like you are trapped living paycheck to paycheck right now, but even saving a small amount at the end of each month can start to add up. Do what you can now to eventually live with financial freedom.

Everything You Need to Know about a Reverse Mortgage but Were Too Afraid to Ask

There's nothing quite like the feeling of owning your own home. It’s an investment you don’t take lightly. From the purchase of your first home to moving on to what will be your family home, you’re not just placing a roof over your head and the heads of your family, you are creating memories.

But not everyone can afford to pay the monthly mortgage once they turn 62 and the retirement years loom large. After all, you will no longer be earning a paycheck but instead living off your savings and/or a 401(K) retirement plan. 

But what can you do if you find yourself in the position of having to choose between paying unexpected expenses like medical care or home repair/renovations, and paying the monthly mortgage payment?

One financially smart place to seek help is by applying for a reverse mortgage loan. While there are different reverse mortgage pros and cons, generally speaking, a reverse mortgage can save you a whole lot of financial and emotional heartache.

According to a new article, reverse mortgages are a way for homeowners 62 years of age and older to leverage the equity in their home in the form of monthly payments or one lump sum payment. 

With a reverse mortgage, a homeowner who has considerable equity built up in their home (or who owns their family home outright), can withdraw much of this equity in the form of cash and never have to pay another mortgage payment again. 

What’s more, they never have to pay the loan back until they either move or the borrower passes away.

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is, at present, considered the most popular form of reverse mortgage since it is back by the federal government.

How a Reverse Mortgage Works

Regardless of what the reverse mortgage offers, some qualified homeowners might not be in the position to borrow the entire value of their home even if they paid the mortgage off long ago. 

The homeowner can only borrow the “principal limit.” This value is calculated based on the age of the youngest borrower and/or eligible non-borrowing spouse. 

It also takes into consideration, current interest rates, the home’s present value, and the HECM mortgage limit which in 2021 is $822,275.

The older a homeowner is, the higher principal limit they are likely to receive. Accordingly, the more the home is worth and the lower the interest rate, the more cash they will receive also. If the homeowner chooses a variable rate, the amount of cash could increase.

Variable rate options include the following:

--So long as at least one of the borrowers lives in the home, the borrower can receive equal monthly payments.

--These equal monthly payments are for a pre-selected or fixed amount of time agreed upon when signing the reverse mortgage paperwork.

--A line of credit.

--A combination of fixed monthly payments and a line of credit for the duration of your stay in the home.

However, if you’d rather go with a HECM that’s backed by a fixed interest rate, you are eligible to receive a single lump-sum payment. Keep in mind, the homeowner still needs to come up with the cash to maintain the home and make necessary repairs.

The Home’s Rightful Owner

If you’re wondering who owns the home once you qualify for a reverse mortgage, you own the own. But when the borrower moves or passes away, the mortgage must be paid in full. 

If it’s impossible to pay the mortgage, the lender retains the right to sell the home in order to recoup their money.

Reverse Mortgage Uses

A reverse mortgage can be used for a variety of necessities that are normally associated with aging homeowners. For instance, the funds can be used for supplementing retirement income. 

It can also be used for covering the costs associated with expensive home maintenance or repairs such as a roof or boiler replacement. Some folks need the extra money for paying mounting out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Reverse mortgages are the perfect solution for covering hefty expenses that would otherwise need to be covered by high-interest credit cards and/or lines of credit.

Requirement for a Reverse Mortgage

The first requirement for qualifying for a reverse mortgage is the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years old. He or she must have paid of most of the mortgage, or all of it. The home must be listed as your primary address and you cannot be behind on payments associated with any other federal loans.

You must also have enough funds available to pay your homeowners insurance and your property taxes. You will also be expected to actively participate in an information session that’s provided by an approved reverse mortgage counselor from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).