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Smartphone Apps to Better Your Personal Finances

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Asian businessman using smartphoneMost people carry their smartphone with them 24/7. Your smartphone is a great source for communication and entertainment, but it can also be a tool to help monitor your personal finances and accomplish your financial goals.

Budgeting and All-in-One Personal Finance Apps

If you would like to take control of your spending and save money, there are apps that can help you analyze your spending habits and create a personalized budget. One of the top-rated budgeting apps is Mint. The Mint app is a free, all-in-one personal finance tool to help you keep up with your bills, create a budget, and track your credit score. You can categorize and label your purchases and see how much you are spending on each category per month and per year. The app will also alert you to any unusual account charges and give you helpful personal finance tips.

Credit Tracking Apps

It is important to monitor your credit score and take actions to keep it high. People with higher credit scores are more likely to get better rates on insurance premiums, auto loans, mortgage loans, and more. The Credit Karma app is a great, free tool that will give you access to free credit scores and full reports anytime. You can also use the app to file your taxes and stay on top of any suspicious activity that may be identity theft. WalletHub is another free credit app that offers these benefits and can help you keep track of your credit score.

There are many apps available to help you take control of your personal finances. By browsing through your smartphone’s app store, researching apps online, and reading online reviews, you can easily find the best apps to help you accomplish your personal finance goals.

For more helpful personal finance apps, check out my article on page 10 of the latest issue of Living Safer magazine. You can find the article in digital form by clicking here.

 

Michael J. Swanson
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Photo Credit: Kritchanut
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Alesia Emison Named 2018 Paralegal of the Year

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Authored By: Krista Kemmerly

As seen on Yahoo!, MarketWatch and Markets Insider.

AlesiaParalegal Alesia Emison of Langdon & Emison has been named the 2018 winner of the American Association for Justice Paralegal of the Year Award Sponsored by Advocate Capital, Inc. Emison was nominated for this prestigious award by Attorney Bob Langdon, who has been recognized as one of the top personal injury litigators in the country. Langdon said she is more than qualified to receive this recognition, “It is Alesia’s substantial contributions to our cases and paralegal team as well as her tremendous dedication to our clients that sets her apart and makes her the ideal recipient of this award.”

As a paralegal for Langdon & Emison, Emison’s leadership and contributions have a profound impact on the paralegal team and law firm. The team also relies on Emison to oversee the interview, onboarding and training process for every new legal assistant hired to work in the firm’s personal injury division. Attorney Langdon says Emison continues to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of her clients and co-workers, “Alesia’s leadership enriches the lives of her clients and colleagues and enhances the culture of our law firm. Her work is guided by a dedication to service and giving back to others.”

In addition to serving on staff at Langdon & Emison, Emison has also presented at nationwide paralegal seminars on topics such as the HITECH Act—an Individual’s Right to Access Personal Health Information—teaching paralegals how to save client’s money and retrieve records quickly, which in turn resolves cases faster. Emison has also written articles for paralegal publications, including an instructional article on conducting focus groups for cases.

Only candidates who have made considerable contributions to the paralegal profession and community, shown their value as members of a legal services team, and committed themselves to AAJ’s mission are considered for Paralegal of the Year. Emison was selected from numerous entrants, and as this year’s award winner, she will receive an engraved trophy and free airfare, hotel and registration to AAJ’s Annual Convention July 7-10 in Denver, Colorado.

“We are so pleased to be able to collaborate with AAJ on this important award. Paralegals are a key component to any successful law firm. We hope that this award will help draw attention to the important work that they do in our nation’s civil justice system,” commented Advocate Capital, Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Swanson.

Advocate Capital, Inc. is the premier provider of strategic financial products and accounting services for successful trial law firms nationwide. It has served the plaintiff bar since 1999 from its headquarters in Nashville, TN and now enjoys a client base that extends nationwide. For more information, visit www.AdvocateCapital.com.

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Incorporating Rest into Your Busy Schedule

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Authored By: Iris Garrett

As a lawyer, your schedule can become very busy, very fast. In the book, The Anxious Lawyer, written by Karen Gifford and Jenna Cho, they say: “This feeling of ‘busyness’ is both a seduction and a major source of dysfunction for many lawyers. If we are very busy, we secretly believe we must be doing something important- in fact, we must be very important.”

Of course, this is true. The work you do is important, and so are you. Yet, too much work can come with unintended consequences, especially for your well-being. You can combat this by fitting a little rest into your daily routine.

In an article in the ABA Journal, Jeena Cho says many lawyers reject the idea that you can and should carve out time for rest (they can’t afford it, there isn’t any time left in the day… and so on). But she says lawyers must think of rest in the context of self-care: an activity for you, by you. Cho says when you view self-care in this respect, it won’t feel like it’s using up a lot of time and money.

Cho recommends incorporating the following activities to improve your self-care and to add more relaxation into your life:

Movement – Cho says broaden your definition of movement beyond just exercise, but any activity that involves being flexible and moving the body.

Hobbies – Cho says do an activity just for the fun of it. Think back to your childhood and pick up hobbies you used to enjoy.

Journaling – Cho says tap into your creativity and explore inner feelings by writing them out each morning.

Mindful Eating – Cho says how you eat is as important as what you eat. Look at your food, see the colors, smell the smells, taste the flavors, and savor the experience.

In addition to self-care, Cho says creating an optimal state of rest is also about calming the mind. For lawyers, she says this can take effort as it is natural for your mind to race thinking about a case or wondering if you sent an email. She says part of learning how to rest is becoming aware of how your mind works, acknowledging its anxious thoughts, and doing your part to move into a more elusive state.

Cho says rest doesn’t have to be an adversary to your law practice; it can be an essential and complementary force. You can read her full article by clicking here.

 

Photo Credit: Rommel Canlas

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Advocate Capital, Inc. Increases Its Maximum Line of Credit to $6,000,000

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Authored By: Iris Garrett

As seen on Yahoo Finance, Markets Insider, and Market Watch.

After a record year at Advocate Capital, Inc. in 2017, including the addition of more than 85 new clients and an overall growth rate of 15%, the company is pleased to announce that it has decided to increase its maximum line of credit to a new high of $6,000,000 per qualifying firm.

Advocate Capital, Inc.’s new higher limit marks a $1,000,000 increase from its previous maximum of $5,000,000. The company’s nearly 500 clients will continue to benefit from the Advotrac® Case Expense Funding Service and The Advocate Flexline®. The company hopes these services will further expand its mission to help an ever-increasing number of plaintiff law firms get even better results for their clients.

“I want to thank our Advocate Capital team, clients, and friends who have enabled us to continue to grow for nearly two decades. We are excited about our ability to raise our maximum credit limit by a full 20%,” said Advocate Capital, Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Swanson.

Advocate Capital, Inc. is the premier provider of strategic financial products and accounting services for successful trial law firms. It has served the plaintiff bar since 1999 from its headquarters in Nashville, TN and enjoys a client base that extends nationwide. For more information, visit www.AdvocateCapital.com or call 1.877.894.9724.

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Advocate Capital, Inc. Launches New Online Look

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Authored By: Candace Whitman

As seen on Yahoo! Finance, New York Business Journal, and Los Angeles Business News

We have debuted a new and improved design for our website, www.AdvocateCapital.com. Our company’s new website has a clean, modern look that is easy to navigate and will hopefully provide users with an even better online experience.

We are also excited to reveal a new company “About Us” video with the launch of our new website. The video gives viewers a glimpse at how Advocate Capital, Inc. helps plaintiff attorneys get even better results for their clients, particularly through its AdvoTrac® Case Expense Funding product. The video also features one of our long-time clients, Attorney Lance Cooper of The Cooper Firm in Marietta, GA.

In addition to the company “About Us” video, viewers will now have easy access to all of Advocate Capital, Inc.’s multimedia content in the new “Videos” section of its website. Visitors can watch client testimonials, webinar content, company news, how to’s and tips, and other useful resources on the page or on Advocate Capital, Inc.’s Vimeo channel.

Our CEO, Michael J. Swanson, commented, “I think our new “About Us” does an excellent job of capturing what motivates us all to work so hard supporting our clients.  Most people don’t realize that plaintiff lawyers help people all day, every day.  And our beautiful new website is the perfect platform for it.”

We are the premier provider of strategic financial products and accounting services for successful trial law firms nationwide. We have served the plaintiff bar since 1999 from our headquarters in Nashville, TN and now enjoy a client base that extends nationwide. For more information, visit www.AdvocateCapital.com or call 1.877.894.9724.

 

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Amy Johnson Named 2017 Paralegal of the Year

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Authored By: Iris Garrett

As seen on MarketWatch and Yahoo! Finance.

Amy Johnson Named 2017 Paralegal of the YearParalegal Amy Johnson of the Yarborough Applegate Law Firm has been named the 2017 winner of the American Association for Justice Paralegal of the Year Award Sponsored by Advocate Capital, Inc. Johnson was nominated for this prestigious award by Attorneys David Yarborough and William Applegate, the co-founders of the Charleston, South Carolina firm. They say she is more than qualified to receive this recognition, “Amy Johnson exceeds the requirements to be AAJ’s Paralegal of the Year and is the ideal candidate for this honor.”

As a paralegal for Yarborough Applegate, Johnson provides essential support in case preparation, mediation, and trial. The team also relies on Johnson for her judgement and analytical skills, extensive knowledge in personal injury, wrongful death, and complex civil litigation, and her compassion for clients. Attorney Yarborough says Johnson truly enjoys the paralegal profession, “Amy has worked in the legal field for almost 20 years and has committed herself to her career and helping others in the field.”

In addition to serving on staff at Yarborough Applegate, Johnson is also active in both the legal education sector and her local community. She has presented more than 100 times to national audiences and mentors young associate attorneys and paralegals. Johnson also serves in various roles, including past President, for organizations like the Charleston and National Associations of Legal Assistants and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House.

Only candidates who have made considerable contributions to the paralegal profession and community, shown their value as members of a legal services team, and committed themselves to AAJ’s mission are considered for Paralegal of the Year. Johnson was selected from numerous entrants, and as this year’s award winner, she will receive an engraved trophy and free airfare, hotel and registration to AAJ’s Annual Convention July 22-25 in Boston, Massachusetts.

“We are so pleased to be able to collaborate with AAJ on this important award. Paralegals are a key component to any successful law firm. We hope that this award will help draw attention to the important work that they do in our nation’s civil justice system,” commented Advocate Capital, Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Swanson.

Advocate Capital, Inc. is the premier provider of strategic financial products and accounting services for successful trial law firms nationwide. It has served the plaintiff bar for 18 years from its headquarters in Nashville, TN and now enjoys a client base that extends nationwide. For more information, visit www.AdvocateCapital.com.

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Nominations Now Open for the 2017 AAJ Paralegal of the Year Award Sponsored by Advocate Capital, Inc.

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As seen on MarketWatch and Yahoo! Finance.

AAJ / Advocate Capital, Inc. Paralegal of the Year Award

Nominations for the 2017 AAJ Paralegal of the Year Award are now open. Advocate Capital, Inc. is proud to sponsor this prestigious award for the sixth consecutive year, and we hope that it continues to shed light upon the crucial role paralegals play in our civil justice system.

The AAJ Paralegal of the Year Award Sponsored by Advocate Capital, Inc. is granted to one exceptional individual who consistently makes contributions to the paralegal profession and acts an inspiration to other paralegals through their knowledge of the law, perseverance in cases, and superior skill set. The ideal candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to both continuing legal education and their community through volunteering.

Any AAJ Paralegal Affiliate who has been a member for a minimum one year is eligible to receive the 2017 Paralegal of the Year Award, but they must be nominated by another AAJ Paralegal Affiliate or an AAJ Attorney member in good standing. If you know someone would like to nominate, please submit a completed entry form to Jennifer Rafter at jennifer.rafter@justice.org. Entries will be accepted through Friday, May 26th.

(Download the 2017 Paralegal of the Year Award nomination form here)

The winner of the 2017 Paralegal of the Year Award will be selected by June 16th and will receive the award at AAJ’s 2017 Annual Convention on July 22-25th in Boston, Massachusetts. Complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations, and registration will be provided.

Advocate Capital, Inc. is the premier provider of strategic financial products and accounting services for successful trial law firms. It has served the plaintiff bar for more than 17 years from its headquarters in Nashville, TN and now enjoys a client base that extends nationwide. For more information, visit www.AdvocateCapital.com or call 1.877.894.9724.

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Advocate Capital, Inc. Increases Its Maximum Line of Credit to $5,000,000

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As seen on MarketWatch and Yahoo! Finance.

5million-green-webIt has been an exciting year for Advocate Capital, Inc.! The company gained more than 50 new clients this year (and counting), celebrated its 17th anniversary, and enjoyed a growth of 25% in the last twelve months. Because of this unparalleled success, Advocate Capital, Inc. wants to make it easier for its clients to also grow their law firms and has decided to increase its maximum line of credit from the previous limit of $4,000,000 to a new high of $5,000,000 per qualifying law firm.

Advocate Capital, Inc.’s nearly 400 law firm clients already benefit from products and services such as its Case Expense Financing, Settlement Funding, Working Capital Loans, and The Advocate Flexline™ (powered by AdvoTrac®). However, the company is committed to providing the very best to the plaintiff lawyers that pursue justice on behalf of their clients and believes by extending the funding a law firm is allowed to borrow, it will enable them to get even better results.

“I extend a hearty thank you to our employees, clients and friends who have enabled us to continue our profitable growth trajectory. We are excited about our ability to raise our maximum credit limit by a full 25%,” said Advocate’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Swanson.

Advocate Capital, Inc. is the premier provider of strategic financial products and accounting services for successful trial law firms. It has served the plaintiff bar for more than 17 years from its headquarters in Nashville, TN and now enjoys a client base that extends nationwide. For more information, visit www.AdvocateCapital.com or call 1.877.894.9724.

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Advocate Capital, Inc. Partners with The Injury Board for Day of Action

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As seen on Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch.

IBDayofAction 2016Advocate Capital, Inc. has teamed up with The Injury Board for its 3rd Annual Day of Action to provide in-kind donations of needed school items to the local Boys & Girls Club.

During the month of August, Injury Board firms and sponsors are encouraged to donate and/or volunteer with Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The purpose of this nationwide event is to bring together plaintiffs’ firms in the effort of working together to better communities from coast to coast.

“Like our clients in the plaintiff bar all across the USA, we take community service very seriously and devote significant time and financial resources to giving back to our hometown. This project supporting the Andrew Jackson Club of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee is one of our favorites. I’d like to give a hat tip to The Injury Board for encouraging us to participate. The lawyers that make up The Injury Board are service leaders in their respective communities nationwide,” said Michael J. Swanson, President and CEO of Advocate.

Advocate Capital, Inc. has chosen to donate 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to the children at the Andrew Jackson Club in Nashville. The staff will assemble and deliver the items on Thursday, August 11th.

“We are extremely proud to bring our members together for this day of action. To make even the smallest difference is better than making no difference at all,” said Tom Young, attorney-at-law and co-founder of The Injury Board.

The Injury Board is an association of experienced trial attorneys with more than 150 member firms practicing all over the United States and the United Kingdom. IB attorneys are determined to help anyone in need of legal assistance in the areas of personal injury or other civil litigation matters. For more information, visit www.injuryboard.org.

Advocate Capital, Inc. is the premier provider of strategic financial products and accounting services for successful trial law firms nationwide. It has served the plaintiff bar for more than 17 years from its headquarters in Nashville, TN and now enjoys a client base that extends nationwide. For more information, visit www.AdvocateCapital.com.

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