Peacock Alley Encore Flat Sheet

Recently read an article by Jeremy Conway in Orlando Realtor Magazine entitled, "Are you ready to deal with frugal?"(pg. 13) Personally, I think I lead a somewhat 'frugal life.' I generally don't have an issue spending money, but don't believe in throwing it away as well. On the other hand, I occasionally go through my house and donate things that I haven't used in a while instead of just collecting more stuff. And that's an interesting thing, because all it is - is just stuff!

This got me to thinking. For some frugality would be a deprivation of sorts; to others it is a way of life. For someone to make change like this, they'd need to reevaluate their life and what they are doing. This led me to wonder how often people do this. For some of us we probably do it fairly regularly; for others, I'm sure that they almost never wish to do this.

Yes, it's called introspection. But what good is introspection if you don't do anything with your so-called findings? This extends throughout not only our personal lives, but our business lives as well.

With our business model, we have to reevaluate consistently, or at least periodically, how we do things. Why we are doing those things? Are we getting the desired results out of what we are doing? These questions are pertinent to our success.

Today, I went to a mortgage market update class. My intention in going was to be up to date on what's happening within our industries. I didn't do this only for myself and my business, but feel that it is necessary for me to do this for my clients and my potential clients. Granted, the material that was served didn't fulfill me in the least. But I did at least try to seek out more.

But, let's take this another step further. Do you generally reevaluate your personal & business lives? Are you doing the same old thing? Are you getting the results that you wish? Hasn't it been stated that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.

It appears to me that we are victims of rote, repetition, redundancy. This appears to be human nature. Whether we do this because it is easier or we are within our so-called comfort zone - I don't know. But it can be a hindrance to our advancement and achievements.

Do you seek out to learn possibly new ways of looking at something or doing something - even simple little things?

I read blog posts daily looking to glean information; trying to learn something new or different. And that's part of it. It's the learning process. Life is a learning process. You have to continue to be open to learn new things or maybe even a different way to do something. Otherwise - why? Is it not for naught then?

Marc Grossman is a Greater Orlando/Central Florida Realtor. If you would like to learn more about
Marc, please visit his website at http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com

Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter

In order to be prepared to file for Social Security disability or SSI you must be will informed of how the system works. Sometimes this can make the difference in having your disability benefits denied. Most disability claims cases are denied on the initial application. Sometimes it is because of lack of knowledge of the system and other times because of loop holes and tactics that the Social Security regulations encompass.

If your disability benefits are turned down the first time, you need to take steps in appealing the decision. Reconsideration is the first appeal step of the appeal process. The paperwork is rather simple, but take into consideration that if your appeal is not done within 60 days after you are initially denied benefits, you will be turned down on the basis of untimely appeal. The only way to overcome this rule is that your late appeal must fall under the category of good cause. These good cause exceptions include hospitalization, illness, or any circumstance which may have created a valid reason for our delay in filing. Remember, if you have no good cause, the late reconsideration request will be denied.

The next step, if you must proceed, is to request a hearing. It will be conducted before an Administrative Law Judge who will be making the final decision on your case.

During the appeal stages of the claim is when you need to submit any beneficial evidence that was overlooked by you, or perhaps carelessly or unknowingly left out at the initial filing. Make sure (preferably with the assistance of an attorney) you have every piece of evidence available and pertinent to the success of your claimdoctors reports, hospital stay reports, consultations with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

There may be evidence to support your claim that you actually did not have at the time of the initial claim. Once you are denied, you can gather more evidence, revisit your doctor, or gather information from people who know you personally and can attest to your condition.

When your disability benefits are denied initially, dont just give up immediately. Sometimes the process, including appeals, can take a year and a half. But with an experienced attorney, it is possible that the case can be won. You have nothing to lose. You dont have to pay the attorney out of pocket. He or she will get their pay from your back payment. You, if you are approved, will receive back pay from the time you first applied for benefits and the lawyer is entitled under the law to 25% of that back benefit check. It is worth your while to pursue the case until the end. The only hassle for you is a long waitmeanwhile life goes on.

When choosing an attorney for benefits claim, if you dont have a family lawyer, be sure to study carefully the credentials of the one you hire to represent you. It is best to obtain a reputable lawyer or law firm to assure yourself you will get the best representation. There are lawyers who are experts in the field of Social Security or SSI disability benefits denial. They can be trusted because they are totally familiar with how the Social Security operates and what they require in order to grant your claim for benefits. They will speak for you at your hearing, they will gather the appropriate and most beneficial paperwork, and they will keep an eye on any tricky (but, of course, perfectly legal) tactics that the Social Security Administration lawyer is using to deny your deserved benefits.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.disability-benefits-advisor.com

Disability Benefits Denied