How a Structured Settlement Work? (And Why You Should Get One)

Did you know that in 2019 the average settlement amount in the USA was $27.4 million? People receive settlement amounts for many different reasons. However when they do it is generally a life-changing amount of money.

It is is very important to consider how to receive this money. A misunderstanding of the law or poor use of that amount of money could lead to a person using or losing it quickly.

For this reason, many people are starting to turn to structured settlement payouts. What are structured settlements and how can you benefit from them? Why not read our in-depth article to find out.

Legal Implications

Structured settlement payments are different from other forms of financial income. For example, they are not counted as income for tax purposes. This is true even if the structured settlement raises in value because of added interest over time.

Structured settlement payments do not affect your eligibility for state financial support. This could include Medicaid, Social Security Disability benefits, and other benefits. This is also true for interest accrued.

If a person takes a structured settlement payment option, but then the person passes away, a designated person will continue to receive the remaining payments.

Payment Structures

It may seem strange to make the decision not to take a lump sum settlement. However, there are definite benefits to taking a deferred payment structure.

You can schedule the payments to start at any time and structure each payment amount as you would like. If you are expecting to face a large expense in the future, for example, a medical expense, you can schedule a large payment for that time.

Often people choose to take a structured settlement because they know themselves. They understand that they need to save that money and use it carefully rather than spending it all at once. This is especially important if you will have long-term medical treatments.

Payment Protection

Structured settlements come with protection. For example, they are not subject to market changes and fluctuations.

In the event that the structured settlement provider company goes bankrupt, payments are guaranteed to be made. This is because these companies are covered by insurance guaranty associations, which the state will support.

Interest Rates

As mentioned, a structured settlement will gather interest over time. This leads to an even larger final amount than if you had taken a lump sum.

Structured Settlement Payouts and Much More

If you are offered a settlement, you need to think long and hard about how to use it in the best way. You may find that a structured settlement works best in your situation. They can offer you the chance to receive guaranteed payments over a period of time that can benefit you and your family.

If you are interested in the latest business and lifestyle developments, then we are here to help. We gather the latest information regarding trends and bring them to you via our feed. Why not follow us to see how we can help you today.

The Different Types of Ammo Explained: An Extensive Guide

While it’s fairly easy to understand the differences between the various types of guns out there, it’s not so easy when it comes to the different types of ammo. Interestingly enough, the word “bullet” comes from the Middle French word, “Boulle,” which stands for small ball. The first kinds of bullets were muzzle-loaded with a small ball and cap at the tip and a big paper cartridge.

Each type of early bullet has a certain function, such as defense training, hunting, target shooting, and warfare. It should also be noted that bullets and cartridges are not the same things.

We understand that there’s a lot going on here, but it’s actually not as complicated as it appears. So continue reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is Caliber?

When someone is talking about caliber, they’re actually talking about the diameter of the barrel. The bullet is simply the metal projectile that travels through the barrel while that entire unit is referred to as the cartridge.

Essentially, you can imagine the bullet as the object that’s going to hit your target. Everything else is just helping the bullet get there.

Basic Bullet Terminology

Ammo is usually described by using the diameter to length ratio measurement. For example, 6.55x54mm is actually 6.55mm wide and 54mm long.

When it comes to shotgun shells, we measure those in gauge. The higher the number, the smaller the diameter of the shotgun shell. So if you have a 12 gauge shell, that would be that it’s about 2.5in or 70 MM long.

The Components of a Cartridge

When most people think of a bullet, they’re actually thinking of a cartridge. A cartridge is made up of four parts.

The primer is the ignition that will help to power the propellant or the explosive. The propellant is simply gun powder. There’s also the case, which is usually made out of steel, brass, or nickel.

Lastly, the tip of the cartridge is referred to as the projectile. 

Types of Bullets

Bullets come in a variety of different flavors. The majority of these types can be described with acronyms. Let’s look at some of the most popular types of bullets below.

The SP (Soft Point) is a jacketed expanding bullet. It’s made up of a soft metal core. The core is encased in a strong metal jacket that is left exposed at the front tip.

The AP (Armor Piercing) isn’t made out of lead but instead has an alloy core. These bullets are meant to shoot through thick armor.

A BT (Boat Tail) bullet means that the rear end of the cartridge has a tapered design. This helps the projectile to stabilize itself while in flight.

Lastly, the BTHP (Boat Tail Hollow Point) bullet is a boat tail with a hollow point.  

Rimfire Vs. Centerfire

By learning about the differences between rimfire and centerfire cartridges, you’ll be able to better grasp how ammo can be differentiated. With a rimfire gun, the firearm strikes the rim of the cartridge so that the primer can be ignited. With a centerfire weapon, the firing pin hits the center primer.

A small cartridge without any visible primer is most likely a rimfire cartridge. A cartridge with a circular primer at the center of the casing is centerfire.

How Bullet Calibers Work

We already know that bullets vary in size and measurement. There is also the grain, which is used to describe the weight of the bullet. One pound is equal to 7,000 grains.

The heavy your bullet is, the more impact it will have. If you’ve ever heard the term “stopping power,” that is most likely referring to a high weight density. It can also refer to a weapon that is specially designed to inflict greater damage.

Below, we’re going to go over some of the most popular types of ammo and how they differ.

.22LR

The .22LR is one of the most popular calibers sold throughout the world. The average weight of this bullet is between 20 and 40 grains and it can be shot in pistols and rifles.

With this caliber, recoil isn’t a problem. This makes it great for beginners or for people who still are getting used to shooting firearms.

These bullets are also extremely popular because of their low cost. Youth shooting programs almost always use .22LR bullets because they’re only a tad more powerful than a pellet gun.

Military and heavy-duty weapons don’t use this type of ammo and it doesn’t offer any kind of stopping power in self-defense scenarios.

.380 ACP

The .380 ACP is a lot more powerful than the .22LR. At close range, it creates very powerful penetration. There also isn’t much recoil with this bullet.

People also refer to this bullet as the “nine,” and it has become extremely popular for small pistols that can be carried in concealed holsters. It’s a bit more expensive than the .22LR bullet and costs around $0.30 per round.

9MM

The 9mm is one of the most recognizable bullets in the world. It was originally known as the 9MM Luger which was a German weapon. These days, most people just refer to it as a “nine mil.”

This is the go-to bullet for most shooters and it’s also used by law enforcement as well as military units around the world.

Interestingly enough, the 9mm is actually the exact same size as the .380 and the .36. The difference between these bullets is the firepower in the cartridge. A standard 9mm round weighs anywhere between 115 and 150 grains, which makes it quite powerful for its small size.

.40 S&W

The .40 S&W is more powerful than the 9MM. This bullet was originally designed to be used by the FBI and quickly gained popularity around the world. It usually weighs between 160 grains and 180 grains.

Thankfully, despite its larger size, it still costs around the same amount as the 9mm.

.45 ACP

The .45 ACP was first designed and built by John Browning, who was also the inventor of the 1911 pistol. That type of pistol is one of the oldest and most reliable pistols ever made.

The .45 ACP is a powerful bullet that is used by shooters who want to pack a serious punch. It’s relatively expensive and costs $.40 per round, but most professionals would agree that the price is well worth it.

.38

The .38 is meant to be used in revolvers. The cartridge is fairly long and contains a lot of gun powder. This makes it a slower and heavier bullet when compared to something like the 9mm.

This kind of bullet is often used by tactical teams as well as the FBI. This bullet is nearly identical to the .357 magnum, except this bullet is a bit shorter.

7.62X39MM

This round is a Soviet bullet that was meant to be used in the AK-47. It has some serious firepower behind it and the recoil isn’t all that bad.

This bullet weighs around 120 grains. And thanks to the fact that there is a surplus of this bullet currently on the market, it’s actually very affordable.

5.56X45MM/.223

These two bullets have nearly identical dimensions. The .223 ammo has a slightly lower pressure than the 5.56. This means that the .223 bullet can be used with a 5.56 gun.

These bullets provide moderate recoil and generally weigh around 55 grains. If you’ve ever used an old school M4, AR15, or M16, then this was the kind of bullet that you used. These bullets usually cost around thirty cents per round.

12 Gauge Shotgun Shell

Everyone has heard of the 12 gauge shotgun. Like we noted earlier, the 12 gauge is actually pretty big. And a 10 gauge shotgun is even bigger.

Shotgun ammo varies depending on what you’re planning on using the weapon for. Birdshot is the most common type of shotgun ammo and contains many small balls of metal. Buckshot is the same as birdshot except the metal balls are a lot bigger.

A slug is a solid piece of metal that usually weighs one ounce. Slugs and buckshot are going to provide you with the heaviest firepower for shotguns.

Different Bullet Casings and What They Do

Now, were going to go over the different types of bullet cases. This will help you further differentiate the kinds of ammo and understand how they work.

Full Metal Jacket

The term “full metal jacket” is perhaps most well-known thanks to the Vietnam war film directed by Stanley Kubrick – Full Metal Jacket. However, this is also one of the most popular types of bullets.

The interior is made up of a soft metal core, like lead. That core is then surrounded by copper or some other dense metal.

These bullets are usually pointy but they can also be flat sometimes. Full metal jacket rounds typically shoot right through an assailant. They also make only a small entry wound but a large exit wound.

Full metal jackets are fairly inexpensive but pack a powerful punch.

Hollowpoint Rounds

Hollowpoint, or HP, rounds are nasty. These little guys are meant to expand after they strike their target. They provide some dangerous stopping power and are a popular bullet of choice for concealed weapons owners, tactical units, and special forces.

Open Tip Match

An Open Tip Match – or OTM – bullet has an opening near the top. This makes it look similar to an HP round. However, these tips are too small to expand after impact.

These bullets are usually used by long-distance shooters.

Ballistic Tip Rounds

A ballistic tip round takes the aerodynamics of a full metal jacket round and combines it with the construction of the HP rounds.

These bullets are usually used by hunters. If you look at the bottom of a ballistic tip round, you’ll that it’s more streamlined. This prevents drag when the bullet moves through the air.

Soft Point Rounds

Soft point rounds are a lot like full metal jacket rounds except the soft point part of the lead at the tip is left exposed. The point of this is that the lead should flatten upon impact.

Slug Vs. Shot

A slug is basically just a big bullet. Shot, however, is made up of a bunch of tiny little projectiles. Both types of cartridges use the kinds of components, though.

Earlier, we went over the four different parts, primer, powder, case, and projectile. The majority of ammo cartridges only contain just a single projectile. These are referred to as slugs or bullets.

Shotgun bullets, on the other hand, are known as shot. Thus, this is why we call it a shotgun.

Inside of a shot cartridge are hundreds of little balls that are made out of metal or lead. These balls spread over a wide area after they’re fired.

One of the benefits of using this type of cartridge is that it allows a moving target to get hit more accurately rather than just trying with a single bullet. Shotgun shells are usually made out of plastic and have a backing made out of brass, where the primer is contained.

The Importance of Knowing About the Different Types of Ammo

Guns are essentially worthless without ammunition. And by knowing about the different types of ammo out there, you can more effectively use your firearms and optimize your accuracy and power. Hopefully, after reading the above, you now feel that you can make more informed and educated purchasing decisions when it comes to ammo.

Are you looking to read other helpful articles about firearms? If so, check out the rest of our blog today for more!

The Top 5 Advantages of an Electric Stove Top

Traditionally homeowners have two choices when it comes to their kitchen stoves: gas or electric. Both have their own sets of pros and cons.

Whether you are buying a home or remodeling your kitchen your preference in stoves may boil down to what you learned to cook on. However, some cooks do switch their allegiances and choose to convert to the opposite of what they learned on.

This helpful guide will take a look at some of the advantages an electric stove top has to offer cooks.

Gas Stoves Require a Gas Line

This may sound overly simplified but you can’t use a gas stove if you do not have a gas line. Depending on where you live this could be a deal-breaker. In some areas of the country, a gas stove isn’t feasible while other areas may have their choice between the two.

Be sure to ask your realtor is the home you are looking at has a gas line in the first place. No matter where you live you can always use an electric stove. Electric stoves require a 240-volt electric power outlet that comes standard in most kitchens.

Electric Stoves Are Easy to Clean

It’s true! Electric stoves are easier to clean. They don’t have burner grates or coils that have to be removed. Most electric stoves these days come in a glass flat top that can be wiped down quickly.

With an electric glass stove top, you will not have to pull out burnt pieces of food from the grates. Simply scrubbing your stove top with a sponge, water and dish soap will keep your stove top shiny and clean. It is beneficial to give it a deep clean every once in a while because small stains can build up over time.

There are also lots of cleaners specifically made for glass electric stoves to help keep the surface clean and shiny.

Electric Stoves are More Stable

Electric stoves also offer a stable cooking surface for your pots and pans which is a huge plus for beginners. Pots can be placed completely flat on an electric stove because it is a solid surface.

With gas stoves, your cookware is placed on grates. With grates, you do have to worry about your pot being knocked over if your water comes to a hard boil. This can make some cooks nervous about using a gas stove.

Electric Stove Look Modern

As far as appearances go you can’t beat the look of an electric stove top. It’s sleek and shiny range adds a nice touch to a modern kitchen. It has clean lines and can come in different color choices.

If the look of your kitchen is important to you choose an electric stove.

Electric Stoves Are Easier to Control

This one may be a matter of personal opinion but lots of people find an electric stove is easier to control. A gas stove does have the benefit of quickly applying heat to your pans but for some, the way an electric stove heats up a little slower is easier to control.

This comes in handy, especially at lower temperatures. Many people find it is easier to melt chocolate at a low temperature on an electric stove than it is on a gas stove.

A slow simmer is also easier to be controlled on an electric stove top. With gas, your simmer can quickly turn into a boil if you don’t find the sweet spot.

Electric Stoves Can Be Fixed Easily

If you are having issues with your electric stove or a single burner it can be a simple and easy fix. It could be a bad burner or perhaps a bad heating element. A repairman can come to your home and test your stove to see if the parts can be swapped out.

Fixing an electric stove can usually be done very quickly. Find out more about electrical stove repairs and if your stove can be repaired.

Electric Stoves Are Cheaper

Electric stoves are usually cheaper to purchase than a gas stove. When you compare models with the same number of features electric stoves usually come out on top. The cheapest electric stoves to buy are the ovens that have coils.

The price can also vary depending on if you buy a stand-alone unit with an over or a countertop electric stove top. Freestanding units are usually the most economical choice.

Electric Stoves Are Safe

Have you ever hears of an electric stove top blowing up? That’s because it doesn’t happen. Gas stoves can be potentially dangerous.

Gas stoves can be dangerous if proper precautions are not in place. Gas stoves must be installed with proper ventilation. You must also ensure your home’s gas line is in good working order without any kinks or holes. Proper maintenance over time can keep your gas stove working correctly but it can be costly to have your stove come and inspected every so often.

Children should never never be allowed to play unattended around a gas stove. If your pets jump up on the counter they may accidentally turn on your gas stove while you are away. This could fill your home with gas.

Exposure to gas from your gas stove could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you are considering a gas stove you should be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and seek help immediately if you believe you have a gas leak.

Electric Stoves Do Not Cause Allergic Reactions

In rare but sometimes serious conditions gas stoves can cause allergic reactions. If someone in your family suffers from asthma or bad allergies ask your doctor if the smell of a gas stove could give them an allergic reaction.

An electric stove gives off no smell while cooking and is completely safe to use for people who suffer from asthma or allergies.

An Electric Stove Top is The Way To Go

Of course, it all boils down to a matter of personal preference but an electric stove top has many different advantages. If you are remodeling your home or buying a new one let this article guide you so that you make the right choice for you and your family. Weigh the pros and cons and consider your budget too.

Do you have an electric stove? Leave us a comment and tell us what you like best about your electric stove top and share this article with your friends.

Fun Money: 5 Unusual Ways How to Earn Some Extra Cash

Almost half of Americans have side hustles. A side hustle is another way of having a side income to your full-time job.

If you want to learn how to make more money, a side hustle can help you achieve that goal. It can help you earn more doing something like writing, marketing, coaching, or something else.

Here are 5 unusual ways you can add some extra cash in your wallet each month.

1. Marketing

Becoming a marketing consultant gives you an opportunity to help businesses who have zero knowledge of how to market their product.

They may have a business model but have no idea what Facebook ads or SEO content is.

That’s where you come in. You can help businesses with Facebook ads or blog content, and you can do it for them. In addition, you might be more trustworthy than a lot of companies because you do everything yourself.

2. Writing

Almost every business needs content. They need content in the form of a blog, a newsletter, whitepaper, or something else.

You can help provide this content as a freelance writer. You can provide business with more visibility in search engine rankings in order for their customers to find them.

You can also find writing jobs for newspapers and online publications, but you’ll have to reach out directly to the editor-in-chief.

3. Gambling 

If you like to gamble and think you’re good enough to earn a side income from it, then it’s a great investment.

You can find a lot of online gambling sites that allow you to bet your real money and earn actual money in return.

You can find more about great gambling sites by visiting xfire.

4. Be a House-Sitter

A house-sitter is another great way to earn more money. If you have friends who are away from home a lot and have pets, you can offer to watch their home.

It’s a great way to earn some money and you sometimes have nothing to do besides watch TV.

5. Tutoring

Lastly, tutoring is a great way to help kids in the community. If you have a degree in math, English, history, or science, you can help kids in tutoring programs.

It’s a steady side job because kids always need tutoring after school. You can also find online tutoring jobs that help kids across the country.

Why It’s Important to Learn How to Make More Money

If you want to learn how to make more money, follow this guide and see what other options are available to you based on your skillset. It’s important to consider these options because you never know when your side hustle will become your full-time job.

An added income can help you pay off loans, put aside a retirement fund, and give you more financial flexibility. That’s why it’s important to consider your options.

If you liked this article, you can check out more by visiting our website.

10 Unexpected Ways Can Get Inspired

There are many quotes to help you get inspired, but talk can be cheap.

If you feel like you’ve hit a rut that no witty saying can pull you out of, then we’ve got some out-of-the-box tactics to help you get back on the right track.

Before we get there, however, let’s think about the underlying need. Why do we need inspiration at all? Let’s take a closer look.

How Inspiration Helps

Inspiration works to prepare your mind for tasks of great personal importance. People use inspiration for needs like these.

• Achieving a goal at work
• Pushing the body past its limits at the gym
• Composing a novel, story, song, or school assignment
• Completing a home project
• Cleaning their house or apartment

These tasks can be either something you want to do or something you need to do. In either case, inspiration helps get the job done faster and better. Now that we’ve hit the basics, let’s turn our attention to how you can find inspiration in some of the unlikeliest of places.

1. Play Games on Your Phone

Conventional wisdom and your everyday productivity guru might tell you not to find inspiration by turning to your smartphone. We disagree.

You certainly don’t want to let screen time dominate your productivity time. However, it’s not quite the boogeyman that others would have you to believe.

A smartphone can be a wealth of information. It can play motivational music or give you time to pause and reflect through meditation apps. You can read books, watch movies, or play games that keep the mind sharp and active.

If going this route, use it responsibly. Too much screen time can have adverse effects, so only pick it up with the purpose to get inspired and use it strictly in short bursts as a reward to keep your mind active. That means staying off social media and not getting caught in a mindless neverending scroll.

2. Escape Into a Book or TV Show

Another unlikely source to turn to when looking for inspiration is a book or television show. Once again, going this route should be done with purpose and responsibility.

For a book, make a deal with yourself that you can read a chapter after you’ve accomplished something that needs to be done. Also, pick books to read that encourage your thinking and creativity. The titles and genres will vary based on what you enjoy and are naturally compelled to read.

For televisions shows, follow the same course of action. You can only watch one or two episodes after you’ve pushed through and accomplished something that needs to get done. Once again, pick what works for you, whether it’s a scripted drama, light sitcom, or informative documentary.

3. Accept Your Failure

Another way to become inspired is to accept the fact that you’re failing at it. In other words, don’t beat yourself up if you’re trying and failing to get motivated. Acknowledge the failure, take a deep breath or even a break, and get ready to go again.

4. Do Something You Are Not Prepared to Do

Many overcome their inability to get inspired by pushing themselves past their boundaries. They intentionally do something they’re not necessarily prepared for.

Remember that strength is built. It isn’t given. You have to work beyond what you’re capable of to reach new thresholds and limits.

5. Embrace Amnesia

Another way to feel inspired is to train yourself to have a short memory. That is, don’t spend too long dwelling on the mistakes or the defeats of the past. That was another person who experienced those things, not the You that you currently are.

Failures can shape you, teach you, serve as cautionary tales; but they should never dictate your current actions or keep you from trying. Work to develop voluntary amnesia as you realize that each new day is a new opportunity.

6. Have a Drink or Smoke 

Obviously, any substance that you use will need to be consumed with moderation and responsibility. You can find out more by visiting legal dispensaries or reading up on the effects of alcohol, and you’ll certainly want to avoid substances with which you may have an addiction.

However, taking a smoke break or having an ice-cold beer with a friend or colleague can be just the push that you need to get past an inspiration roadblock. Just keep your focus on the task and not the next bud or bottle.

7. Put All Eggs Into One Basket

Some people will tell you not to put all your eggs into one basket. They mean you should cultivate multiple options so if something doesn’t work out, you’ll have something else to fall back on.

That’s not how many of the greats in their fields have achieved greatness, though. Instead of assuming the probability of failure, they put in all of their chips and logged the time and the effort necessary to become experts in their field.

Don’t run from what you should be doing by being a Jack of All Trades. Believe you can be the best by going all-in.

8. Ditch the News

Anymore, the news is about fear-mongering and clickbait. Yes, you need to stay informed, but the truth is often found in what you’re able to discern from the differing ways that news is reported, not from the stories themselves.

In other words, don’t obsess over the things you can’t control and realize that everyone has an agenda. Unfortunately, that agenda includes fear and negativity because, more often than not, that’s what sells.

9. Learn to Love Alone Time

Take time to just do nothing. Don’t answer your phone or text people back or return emails. Ways we recommend spending your alone time:

• Setting your phone in another room
• Cooking a meal
• Exercising
• Doing a puzzle

Get in touch with your inner introvert. Allow her to run the show.

10. Spend Money

As with all the brow-raising items on this list, we urge you not to do so irresponsibly. Live within your budget, but make room in that budget for entertainment or education.

Spending money is a great way to keep yourself motivated and upbeat as you take on new challenges. You also can use your money as an investment in yourself by buying a book or magazine or course that will teach you how to do something you’ve always wanted to do.

These Tips to Get Inspired Can Change Your Life for the Better

We hope you’ve found something on this list that will help you get inspired. Best of luck as you try to slay whatever dragons lie ahead.

For more life and productivity tips, check out some of our additional posts!