Covid 19 has made it a necessity to be able to work from home, and with the increase in online cloud based software it has made it possible to start up your laptop and work from almost anywhere. Even though it can be convenient working from home it comes with a whole new set of challenges.
Working from home can make it harder to switch off and it’s easy to answer emails after work hours which can create availability expectations.
Create a space to work in
This can be a specific room/office or a space that is dedicated only to work. By separating your home and work spaces it can make it easier to switch off at the end of the day. Trying to balance a laptop on your lap while you’re working on a couch is not practical for long periods of time. Keeping your workplace clutter free can help you to concentrate.
Your hours should stay the same as they would have been in your office. Turn off your email notifications so that you aren’t distracted from the task at hand and check your inbox every couple of hours or between tasks. Answering every email notification instantly will constantly break your concentration and will increase the time taken to complete tasks.
Set a regular start and finish time for the day and include breaks for lunch and stretching if you’re at a computer all day. Identify the most important tasks that need to be completed for the day and start with those.
Working from home can mean you could go a whole day or even a week without seeing anyone else. Prioritise your jobs and be realistic about what you can complete each day especially for those also having to home school kids. Ensure you take breaks to re-energise yourself and communicate with others even if it’s online. I regularly email the person I sit next to at work to check in and see how there weekend was just the same as we would chat about it on a Monday Morning.
The fresh air and natural light are good for you and your body needs movement for your blood to circulate. Take a walk and get away from your desk, it’s important to leave your house even if it’s for short breaks.
Working from home can improve productivity in some people however it can cause negative practices in others. Remember to practise self care and prioritise mental and physical well being. Work out what best works for you, remember everyone else is also working from home and may have tips or software that will make your job easier. Join some facebook groups and remember to communicate with others.
Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, affecting the way that industries around the world operate. And the legal field is no different.
In fact, AI for lawyers is already impacting how law firms do business. It has reshaped various aspects of legal practice with increased efficiency, improved workflows, and the ability to serve clients better.
However, despite the increasing opportunities to use AI and leverage the technology’s benefits, the legal field largely remains hesitant about adopting AI tools. In Embroker’s 2024 survey of more than 200 lawyers, we found that 78% of law firms aren’t using AI, with many citing hesitancies like data privacy, misuse or unintended consequences, and security vulnerabilities.
While AI isn’t guaranteed risk-free, like with any technology, one of the biggest risks for law firms is not adopting AI. Firms that resist adopting AI risk falling behind in the increasingly competitive legal field, potentially losing clients to firms that have embraced AI, while also likely facing increased inefficiencies and difficulty attracting and retaining talent.
Even judges at a recent American Bar Association (ABA) panel urged lawyers to embrace AI, noting that “it’s a must-do to survive in law.”
Why are some law firms hesitant to use AI?
It’s no secret that though AI has plenty of benefits, it’s not perfect.
While many acknowledge that AI is forever changing the legal industry, numerous law firms are still apprehensive about adopting AI. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons for law firms’ AI hesitation below.
Ethical considerations: Bias
Ethical considerations for lawyers using AI — such as the potential for bias — are commonly cited as an issue fueling lawyers’ AI skepticism.
In the survey we mentioned above, Embroker found that 42% of lawyers say legal and ethical issues due to AI misuse or unintended consequences are a reason for their hesitation about AI. And that’s not a misplaced concern. As AI uses data stemming from humans, who may have their own biases, AI tools have an inherent potential to intensify societal biases.
The Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS), an algorithm some U.S. courts use to assess a defendant’s likelihood of reoffending, has often been highlighted as an example of tech bias in criminal justice. A past study revealed that the software’s algorithm reinforced racist stereotypes, with Black defendants more likely to be misclassified as being at a higher risk for reoffending compared to white defendants.
AI biases can also affect hiring practices, resulting in law firms losing out on recruiting new talented individuals, which, given the ongoing talent shortage in the legal industry, could have a significant impact.
Ethical considerations: Data privacy
With a massive amount of sensitive information on every lawyer’s hard drive, data privacy is a fundamental issue for all law firms, regardless of their size and field of practice. So, it’s no surprise that 41% of lawyers surveyed for our Legal Risk Index noted concerns about data privacy as a reason for hesitating to use AI tools.
Every lawyer has a duty to protect client confidentiality, so firms must always keep data security top of mind and be cautious about what data they provide to AI platforms.
Accuracy of information
There has been no shortage of news in recent years about lawyers being reprimanded for submitting briefs created by AI that contain fabricated content, also known as hallucinations. AI hallucinations are when AI systems generate false or misleading outputs.
For example, two lawyers were sanctioned in 2023 by a New York federal judge for submitting a brief written by ChatGPT that included several nonexistent court opinions and fake quotes. In instances like this, the lawyers, not the tool, are to blame for the inaccurate information.
It’s important to remember that AI tools can help automate tasks, but they cannot replace human judgment, and any AI-produced results should always be vetted for accuracy.
Knowledge gap
The unknown can be intimidating and confusing, creating a barrier to embrace change. And the legal profession is well-known for being resistant to change, particularly when it comes to technology.
Even when acknowledging the benefits of AI for lawyers, many firms lack an understanding of how to integrate these tools properly due to unfamiliarity or skepticism. While most lawyers are using some form of legal tech tools, AI use isn’t quite there yet.
Lawyers don’t need to become tech wizards, but being aware of how AI works is crucial for using AI tools responsibly and effectively. By not remedying an AI knowledge gap, law firms could miss out on new opportunities, leaving them at a competitive disadvantage.
As with anything, there are pros and cons associated with AI use. As already noted, law firms must consider ethical issues when using AI. Given the well-documented hallucinations that AI can produce and the fact that tools like ChatGPT don’t provide information sources, some lawyers may find it a burden to review and appropriately cite the material produced by AI.
That said, AI’s benefits far outweigh its downfalls. It all comes down to a bit of responsible oversight.
Some of the key benefits that AI can offer law firms include:
Increased efficiency
Freeing up time is hands down, without question, the top advantage that AI tools offer law firms. Automating repetitive and time-consuming but essential tasks is a significant perk for law firms, as AI systems can quickly scour through tons of data to provide research, analysis, or summarization, or even draft standard contracts.
A prime example of AI’s time-saving advantages is an in-house AI program that JP Morgan Chase introduced a few years ago. The program, known as COIN, completed in just a few seconds what previously took lawyers and loan officers 360,000 hours of workeach year.
With more time freed up thanks to AI tools, lawyers can focus on higher-value work like client needs, more complex litigation analysis, and growing their practice. In short, time savings from AI mean increased efficiency and productivity for lawyers.
Cost savings and improving access to justice
One notable advantage of AI helping to save time with legal work is reducing costs for clients. If a task typically takes 40 hours to complete manually and can be done in three hours with AI, that time difference can translate into cost savings for clients. As a result, that has the potential to help reduce barriers to justice for those with limited financial resources.
It’s also worth noting that since AI’s potential to streamline various tasks, including casework, is so well-documented, many clients are beginning to push back against traditional billing practices and expect law firms to pass along cost savings gained through increased efficiency with AI tools.
Higher-quality work
Even the most diligent lawyers make mistakes from time to time. Though AI is certainly not error-proof, it can significantly help improve the quality of documents produced by law firms. In fact, a new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan found that AI tools can improve a legal professional’s quality of work by upwards of 28%.
AI-powered document comparison tools can help ensure consistency of language and terminology (which is particularly helpful if many people have been involved in drafting and editing a document), verify that documents follow in-house style guides, and identify missing clauses or undefined terms.
Leveraging legal AI systems to analyze past interactions with clients, their opinions, and their behavior means that law firms can provide clients with a more personalized and positive experience. That, in turn, can be a significant competitive advantage and help a firm grow its client base. AI-powered tools can also provide insights into potential case outcomes, assisting lawyers with setting realistic goals and objectives with their clients.
Reduced stress and burnout
As we have already touched on, there is no shortage of time-consuming and monotonous tasks in the legal field. But this work, though perhaps sometimes dull, is instrumental to fair and proper legal representation.
Having AI systems complete at least some of the repetitive tasks that lawyers perform daily can help reduce stress and potential burnout, which is unfortunately common in the legal industry. Plus, creating a more positive working environment can help your law firm recruit talented individuals and avoid potential workplace-related lawsuits.
Avoiding malpractice claims
Sounds crazy, right? But what if we told you that some experts think it’s possible that in the future a law firm could face a legal malpractice claim for not using AI for lawyers? After all, Comment 8 of the ABA’s Model Rule 1.1 notes that “a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.”
Now that we’ve highlighted the benefits of AI for lawyers, you might be wondering the ways your firm can use it. Because who doesn’t like the idea of improving productivity, reducing administrative burdens, and delivering better service to clients?
The following are a few of the ways that law firms can use AI:
1. Research
Research is integral to legal work, but finding the right information to support a particular case can take a lot of time. Fortunately, AI makes research more efficient and faster. Legal AI tools enable lawyers to quickly search databases for pertinent statutes, regulations, case laws, and more.
As noted earlier, generative AI has become notorious for creating hallucinations. That’s why platforms designed specifically for use by legal professionals are the safest bet, as they use reliable and verifiable legal data sources.
2. E-discovery
A common way that AI is used in law is with e-discovery, the process of scanning electronic information to find evidence that could be used in a legal proceeding.
With e-discovery platforms, lawyers can scan records using specific search terms or parameters, significantly reducing the time it would take to manually sort through a plethora of documents.
3. Document automation
Every law firm knows how vital contracts and other agreements are. But they can also take a lot of time to draft. Fortunately, AI tools for document automation enable lawyers to create contracts and other legal documents based on pre-set templates and parameters.
AI software can quickly scan contracts and other legal documents to identify missing clauses or outdated language, streamlining the document review process and reducing the risk of human error. But that doesn’t guarantee a document will be completely free of errors, so always take care to review documents before the final sign-off.
4. Due diligence
As part of the due diligence process, especially when dealing with mergers and acquisitions, lawyers have to review a massive amount of data, often with strict deadlines.
AI-powered due diligence solutions add efficiency to the process of detecting potential legal liabilities, compliance issues, intellectual property concerns, and inconsistencies with financial information — all of which can be extremely time-consuming when done manually. Once again, it’s important to remember that AI tools can help automate tasks but cannot replace human judgment.
5. Predictive analytics
What if you could accurately “forecast” a case outcome? With AI, it’s possible. Predictive analytics enable lawyers to gain more insight into potential outcomes based on past rulings, judicial decisions, and even jury behavior, enabling law firms to create stronger litigation strategies based on proven and historical data.
How to introduce AI at your law firm
Proactive planning is the key to successfully introducing AI tools at your law firm. Start by assessing your firm’s needs and identify where AI can provide the most benefit. It’s also necessary to evaluate AI tools carefully to determine that they meet data security and compliance requirements. Because you don’t want your clients’ confidential information to end up in the hands of a third party, always read terms and conditions before implementing any AI software.
It’s also critical to introduce AI gradually. Rather than rushing to introduce as many AI tools as possible all at once, having a strategic and methodical approach to implementing AI will lead to a smoother onboarding and less potential for disruption. Establishing clear guidelines and protocols for AI use, particularly with data privacy and ethics, is crucial to mitigate risks.
And finally, don’t forget about training, which will help demystify AI and ensure that everyone at the firm is using it as they should.
Unlocking new opportunities with AI for lawyers
While it’s understandable that many law firms have been apprehensive about AI, there’s no denying that AI tools are forever changing the legal field.
What’s more, though there has long been some trepidation that AI will replace lawyers, the more accurate assessment is that lawyers using AI will replace those who don’t use it. Rather than eliminating jobs in the legal sector, AI can transform (and improve) how lawyers work by enhancing both efficiency and client service.
By overcoming initial hesitations, law firms can unlock new opportunities and set themselves up for long-term success in an increasingly digital world.
Understand what No Claim Bonus in Health Insurance really means, its risks, and why you shouldn’t rely on it as permanent coverage. Simple guide with examples.
When we talk about health insurance, most of us focus on things like premium, network hospitals, or claim settlement ratio. But one term that often excites policyholders is No Claim Bonus (NCB). Many people see NCB as a “reward” for staying healthy and not using their policy in a year.
But there’s a common misunderstanding here – many assume that this bonus becomes a permanent part of their coverage, and that can lead to serious issues later. In this post, let’s dive deep into what NCB really means, why it should not be treated as guaranteed coverage, and how to plan your health insurance accordingly.
No Claim Bonus in Health Insurance: Don’t Rely on It!
What is No Claim Bonus (NCB) in Health Insurance?
No Claim Bonus is a benefit given by insurance companies if you don’t make a claim in a policy year. Instead of giving you cashback or discounts, insurers usually reward you by increasing your sum insured without increasing your premium.
Two common types of NCB:
Cumulative Bonus
Your base sum insured increases by a fixed percentage (like 10% or 20%) every claim-free year.
Usually capped (e.g., up to 50% or 100% of base sum insured).
Discount on Renewal Premium
Instead of increasing the coverage, some policies reduce your premium for the next year.
In India, cumulative bonus is more commonly used in retail health insurance. For instance:
If you have a Rs.5 lakh health cover and get a 20% NCB every year, after 3 claim-free years, your total coverage becomes Rs.8 lakhs (Rs.5 lakhs base + Rs.3 lakhs NCB).
The Common Misconception: Treating NCB as Guaranteed Coverage
Many policyholders think the NCB addition is just like the base sum insured — fixed and permanent. But that’s not true.
NCB is conditional. It stays only as long as you don’t make a claim.
Once you file a claim, the NCB reduces or vanishes depending on the policy terms.
Example:
Let’s say:
Base Sum Insured: Rs.5 Lakhs
NCB Accrued over 2 years: Rs.2 Lakhs
Total Cover: Rs.7 Lakhs
Now, if you claim Rs.1 lakh in the current year, your NCB may reduce or reset. So, next year your cover may drop to just Rs.5 or Rs.6 lakhs — not the Rs.7 lakhs you thought you had.
This is where the real problem begins — people assume they’ll always have Rs.7 lakhs and don’t upgrade their base cover. When a big medical emergency strikes, they face underinsurance.
No Claim Bonus is a floating benefit. It is not guaranteed. If you rely on the NCB to plan your medical expenses or choose a smaller base sum insured thinking NCB will cover you, you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary financial risk.
Even the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) clearly mentions in its consumer education materials that:
“Cumulative Bonus is a reward and may reduce in case of claim.”
Why You Shouldn’t Depend on NCB for Long-Term Health Planning
Let’s understand this with a simple real-life situation:
Case Study:
Mr. Rajesh, 40 years old, took a health insurance plan with Rs.5 lakh sum insured and a 20% NCB clause. After 3 claim-free years, his coverage reached Rs.8 lakhs. He felt confident that Rs.8 lakhs was good enough.
In the 4th year, he was hospitalized for an emergency surgery costing Rs.6.5 lakhs. The insurer paid the entire claim from his policy (base + NCB).
But next year, his bonus reset. His policy cover dropped to Rs.5 lakhs again.
Now imagine if he needed a second surgery or a follow-up procedure in the same year or next year? He’d be short of funds.
He now had to either pay from his pocket or rush to buy a top-up cover (which could be costlier due to age and claim history).
Problems That Arise When You Rely Too Much on NCB
1. False Sense of Security
You may feel your policy is sufficient when NCB is at its peak. But NCB is not a guaranteed benefit. One claim can pull it back to zero.
2. Delayed Upgrade Decisions
People avoid increasing their base sum insured because NCB makes it look like their cover is growing. But this is temporary. It delays your decision to buy top-ups or add-on covers, which can prove costly later.
3. Reduced Coverage When You Need It Most
Medical conditions often strike in patterns — first a major event, then follow-ups, complications, rehab, etc. If your NCB gets consumed in the first round, you may not have enough for the next.
4. Avoiding Claims Just to Retain NCB
Some people hesitate to file even small claims, fearing NCB loss. But insurance is meant to reduce your out-of-pocket burden. Delaying treatment or paying unnecessarily just to retain bonus is a poor strategy.
What Should You Do Instead?
Here’s a more balanced approach:
1. Base Your Planning on Base Sum Insured
Always evaluate your health insurance adequacy based on the base sum insured, not with NCB additions. If your base sum insured is ?5 lakhs, plan as if that’s your actual protection — NCB is a bonus, not a shield.
2. Consider Super Top-Up Plans
Buy a super top-up health policy with a high deductible (say Rs.5 lakhs) and an additional cover of Rs.10–25 lakhs. These are affordable and offer better protection than relying on unpredictable NCB.
3. Use Riders Like NCB Protection (If Needed)
Some insurers offer riders that protect your NCB even if you make a claim (up to a limit). Evaluate them carefully — they come at a cost but can help if you want to maintain your coverage buffer.
4. Don’t Hesitate to Use Your Insurance
If there’s a legitimate need to claim, go ahead. NCB is just an add-on — your health and finances are more important than preserving a bonus.
Final Thoughts: NCB is a Reward, Not a Guarantee
No Claim Bonus is an attractive feature, but it should not distort your understanding of your actual insurance coverage. It is temporary, conditional, and revocable.
Make sure you buy health insurance with a sufficient base sum insured, and use NCB only as a bonus. Never build your healthcare plan around a benefit that disappears the moment you actually need your insurance.
Remember, health insurance is not just about saving money when you’re healthy — it’s about protecting your wealth when you’re not.
For Unbiased Advice Subscribe To Our Fixed Fee Only Financial Planning Service
Starting your day with a healthy morning routine can set the tone for the rest of your day. If you often struggle with bloating or digestive issues, incorporating a few simple habits into your morning can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.
Hydrate First Thing
After a night of sleep, your body is dehydrated and in need of fluids. Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon first thing in the morning can help kickstart your digestion and hydrate your body. This simple habit can aid in reducing bloating and promoting regular bowel movements.
Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Skipping breakfast or opting for sugary pastries can wreak havoc on your digestion. Instead, opt for a balanced breakfast that includes fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Foods like oatmeal with nuts and fruit, Greek yogurt with granola, or a smoothie with spinach and avocado can provide the nutrients your body needs to support healthy digestion.
Rushing through your meals or eating on the go can lead to poor digestion and bloating. Take the time to sit down and savor your breakfast, chewing your food slowly and mindfully. This can help prevent overeating and improve the efficiency of your digestion.
Sip on Herbal Tea
Herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile can have soothing effects on the digestive system. Sipping on a cup of herbal tea after your breakfast can help calm any digestive discomfort and promote healthy digestion throughout the day.
Bloat Be Gone
Your daily or on-the-spot fix for a lighter, more comfortable belly. Its gentle blend of digestive enzymes, ginger, peppermint, and dandelion root tackles puffiness from stress, travel, or indulgences—no matter what’s on the menu.
By incorporating these simple habits into your morning routine, you can support better digestion and start your day feeling energized and bloat-free. Remember, consistency is key, so make these habits a part of your daily routine so you can feel your BEST, all of the time!
Unity is a powerful thing, particularly in business. Partnerships, alliances and acquisitions can create significantly more value, deliver new opportunities and bring much stronger offerings to the market for all stakeholders. When each partner brings a specific set of skills and expertise to the table which complements the other, it makes for a dynamic union.
In line with Big Red Group’s ethos to support local, the new additions are Australian owned and operated entities, making them a logical fit to join its powerhouse of experience brands which include Adrenaline, Lime&Tonic, and RedBalloon.
All brands under TicketMates Australia will move into Big Red Group’s portfolio of brands, with the exception of auto-club business Club Connect – a dedicated member benefits platform serving Australia’s large-scale auto-clubs such as RACQ, RACV and NRMA.
While Club Connect will continue to procure its existing products directly, Big Red Group has negotiated a long-term wholesale agreement enabling Big Red Group experience suppliers to be progressively introduced to the portal, giving them exclusive access to auto-club’s 11 million members.
Queensland based Experience Oz is an industry leader in serving domestic holiday makers, while its B2B platform Local Agent, is Australia’s leading one-stop-shop for concierge activity bookings. Local Agent currently serves 700+ hotels including Mantra and Oaks Hotels, providing access to 3000+ experiences Australia wide.
These new acquisitions provide Big Red Group with a very complete marketplace, while giving its suppliers unparalleled access to both direct and indirect audiences with B2C, B2B, and exclusive partnership offerings.
When David Anderson and I co-founded Big Red Group more than 4 years ago, we had a vision to build a multi-brand marketplace, with each brand speaking to a distinct audience, and where people would recognise the value in buying experiences over material goods.
David Anderson summarises this very succinctly, seeing this amalgamation as a win-win for all parties. “We areabsolutely delighted to welcome Experience Oz and Local Agent into our portfolio of experience brands. This is a natural evolution that has been in the workings for over a year and we are tremendously excited about the mutual benefits ahead through driving efficiencies and expanding product offerings.”
As has been the underlying mantra throughout the pandemic, we are stronger together. Whether that be in the community or in business, it’s very much applicable to the times we are in.
I look forward to bringing you more news of this in the near future as opportunities are realised.
Rev Up to Recert Bonus is now available: Learn and earn up to 45 Continuing Education credits for free until August 7, 2025. Read the announcement below for details.
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MANILA, Philippines – Most parts of the country will continue to experience rain due to the low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” the weather bureau said on Sunday.
In its 4 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA was located 115 kilometers north of Virac town, Catanduanes province or 285 east of Infanta, Quezon as of 3 a.m.
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The LPA will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms to the Bicol, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas regions as well as in the provinces of Aurora and Quezon.
Daniel James Villamil of Pagasa said the LPA has a little chance of developing into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours but will continue to bring heavy rains, particularly in Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.
Metro Manila, Mimaropa, the rest of Visayas, the rest of Central Luzon, the rest of Calabarzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga will also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms caused by “habagat.”
The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon.
Fueled by rapid technological advancements, demographic changes and shifting consumer expectations, the Life & Annuity industry is set for several transformative changes in 2025. Swiss Re forecasts average global real premium growth of 2.6% in 2025 and 2026, with life insurance projected to expand globally by 3% annually— more than twice the pace of the past decade. In this evolving landscape, staying ahead of the curve is not just a competitive advantage; it’s a necessity for survival.
The integration of generative AI (gen AI) and the growing reliance on digital data are key for a future where underwriting processes are more efficient. Additionally, insurers’ increased use of technology to enhance consumer engagement will aim to foster stronger relationships and improve customer satisfaction.
These underwriting predictions highlight the trends that life insurers must embrace to thrive in the coming years.
1. Generative AI will be pivotal in the underwriting process
The scaling of AI and machine learning is set to revolutionize the accuracy of risk assessment and the speed of underwriting. It is telling that industry analyst Gartner notes life insurers modernizing their underwriting processes have shifted their focus from automation and rule engines to predictive analytics, AI, and third-party data for risk scoring. Incorporating generative AI in automation offerings allows for intelligent ingestion and the extraction of information from all types of structured and unstructured data feeds, while also augmenting decision-making processes. This further streamlines underwriting and claims procedures. Leading platform providers like the Accenture Life Insurance & Annuity Platform (ALIP) are already offering embedded generative AI underwriting solutions, clearly positioning 2025 as the year of implementation.
2. Customer and agent interactions will be boosted by generative AI
The growth of digital-native consumers is compelling insurers to invest in advanced digital platforms that offer real-time feedback, personalized recommendations, and educational information. In last year’s predictions, I highlighted how gen AI-empowered customer centricity will close the gap even further between carriers, agents, and customers, leading to more personalized product offerings and services. We foresee the increased use of gen AI-powered virtual assistants to simplify customer interactions, ultimately boosting satisfaction and loyalty. While these solutions have primarily been focused on contact center operations, we are now seeing similar technology being applied to improve, for example, internal communication between field-level agents and back-office underwriters. Additionally, this shift opens new paths for underwriters to manage requirements orders and take actions more efficiently.
3. Seamless integration of vendor data will become the norm
The evolution of underwriting will necessitate a comprehensive vendor strategy, encompassing a spectrum of technologies such as AI, predictive models, and automation throughout the underwriting process. With more than 80 vendors contributing to the shift towards predictive and comparative models, insurers must concentrate on bolstering these capabilities. The next couple of years will witness substantial strides in process automation, yet the critical hurdles of automating intricate decisions, mitigating AI bias, and integrating with existing systems will persist. CIOs will be pivotal in supporting underwriters, measuring the impact of automation, documenting technology, and enhancing user proficiency.
These predictions reflect the dynamic shifts within the Life & Annuity industry, fueled by technological innovation, evolving consumer expectations, and the pursuit of enhanced operational efficiency. Insurers who embrace these underwriting capabilities are likely to find themselves well-placed for success in the ever-changing market milieu.
This is not a long-term forecast—the capabilities are available today. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and let’s discuss implementing initiatives tailored to your reinvention journey and business needs.
This Fundrise review will examine how the platform works and review its pros and cons.
Fundrise allows non-accredited investors to invest in private real estate funds with initial investments as low as $10. The company has recently expanded to include private equity and private credit investments.
Pros
No accredited investor requirement.
Minimum investments as low as $10.
Multiple fund types are available.
Cons
Investments require careful assessment
How It Works
Fundrise made its reputation by offering real estate funds to smaller investors who aren’t eligible for funds restricted to accredited investors.
The company has introduced new offerings and now offers funds in four strategy categories.
Real estate funds offer multiple packages combining a range of real estate asset classes, serving several investment strategies.
Private credit is an investment strategy pooling funds to lend to companies, capitalizing on the high interest rate environment to deliver strong fixed-income returns.
Venture capital is a new investment strategy for Fundrise, offering investors exposure to a range of pre-IPO companies without the restrictions that often apply to private investors.
Retirement accounts include both conventional and Roth IRAs.
Fundrise is building from its base in real estate to develop a fully integrated platform for investing in alternative assets. The company currently manages over 20 different funds, and investors can choose among them.
Funds are accessible to private investors who previously had little access to these asset classes, with minimum investments as low as $10.
Fundrise currently has over 393,000 active investors. The total portfolio holdings are over $7 billion, and Fundrise has paid out over $344 million in dividends to investors.
Investor communication is a priority, and investors can expect real time performance reporting, frequent analyses of economic trends affecting Fundrise portfolios, updates on portfolio changes, and other materials designed to enhance transparency.
Fundrise offers several investment tiers with different minimum investments and different features.
Plan
Minimum Investment
Features
Starter
$10
Minimal customization, uses fixed portfolios
Basic
$1000
Allows investment via IRAs
Core
$5000
Complete customization and access to a dedicated investor relations team. Accredited investors only.
Advanced
$10,000
Access to customized strategies
Premium
$100,000
Minimal customization uses fixed portfolios
Each of these contains one or more of the Fundrise fund offerings. The difference is in the minimum investment and in the investor’s ability to tailor the portfolio to meet personal preferences and requirements.
Fundrise offers an extremely simple investment process. You open an account, fund it, and select your investment strategy, investment goal, and tier.
From there, Fundrise will manage your portfolio for you, offering suggestions and updates, or you will design your own portfolio if you have selected one of the more customizable tiers.
The Fundrise site gets generally high marks for being informative and easy to navigate.
Let’s take a closer look at what Fundrise offers in its various asset classes.
Real Estate
Fundrise offers several real estate investment plans, differentiated by the mix of income-focused and growth-focused assets in each fund.
Supplemental income funds are designed to produce consistent dividends over the life of the fund but may have lower long-term appreciation.
Balanced investing funds are highly diversified and place an equal weight on income and growth.
Long-term growth funds will generate dividends but place a higher priority on growth-focused assets.
Fundrise calls their real estate funds eReits, and they are structured as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The main difference between Fundrise eREITS and public REITs is that public REITs are liquid: they trade on public exchanges and can be sold at any time.
The funds managed by Fundrise do not trade on an exchange and are considered illiquid. You can’t just sell any time you want to. There may be a waiting period for redemption – redemptions typically occur at the end of each quarter – and some funds may have early withdrawal penalties.
Fundrise advises that its real estate funds should be considered long-term investments. Investors should not commit funds that they are not willing to tie up for five years or more.
Fundrise offers an exceptional range of real estate assets, including the following:
8,962 multifamily apartments in 10 US markets.
2,310,800 square feet of leased industrial space.
3,471 single-family apartments in 30 US markets.
Fundrise also has 296 active real estate projects and 147 completed projects. These projects are divided into four categories with increasing risk levels.
Fixed income investments generate immediate cash flow with an expected 6% to 8% annual return.
Core Plus investments take 6-12 months to deliver yield, but expect to deliver 8% to 10% annualized yield, with a slightly higher risk profile.
Value Add is a strategy of acquiring undervalued assets and investing additional capital to increase their value. Time to cash flow is 12-18 months, and projected returns are 10% to 12%.
Opportunistic investments carry the highest risk. They may take 2-3 years to first cash flow but are expected to generate 12% to 15% returns on an annualized basis.
All figures for expected return are projections, not commitments.
A Fundrise portfolio can contain a mix of these assets tailored to fit the user’s risk tolerance and investment strategy.
The number of different strategies and asset types can be confusing, but that variety also offers a very high level of diversification for the size of the investments involved and offers the ability to construct many different portfolio types.
🏢 Learn more: Explore the top-performing market opportunities with our guide to the best real estate stocks & ETFs available today.
Private Credit
Fundrise has introduced a private credit fund, which the company describes as “an opportunistic strategy for income-focused investors. The strategy is based on the fact that short term loans currently carry higher interest rates than long-term loans.
The fund is designed to capitalize on the current high interest rate environment by pooling investor funds and lending them to companies. Fundrise is leveraging its real estate experience by lending specifically for real estate projects.
The fund currently has $516 million in capital deployed in 90 debt deals covering real estate projects with 20,194 units at an average interest rate of 10.8%. It delivered a 13% annualized return in its first quarter[1].
This strategy is designed to be temporary and will only be viable while interest rates remain high. Fundrise does not expect this situation to last beyond 2024.
Venture Capital
Investment in privately held technology companies has traditionally been restricted to venture capital firms and well-heeled angel investors. Fundrise aims to upset that status quo with a venture capital fund that is accessible to any investor.
Called the innovation fund, this investment vehicle focuses on high-growth private companies, primarily in the tech sector. The fund primarily invests in four categories.
Modern data infrastructure
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Development operations
Financial technology
The fund currently has over 35,000 investors, with over $100 million invested in 19 private companies.
As with any venture capital fund, profits are only gained when the companies held go public or are acquired. Investors should be prepared to hold the fund for a medium-term to long-term time frame.
Past Performance
Fundrise provides detailed information on investor returns. As you can see, average returns are solid, but some accounts deliver returns well below the average.
Fundrise also provides data on returns vs public REIT and the S&P 500. Again, these are averages and not all portfolios will deliver the same performance.
It’s clear from these figures that Fundrise can deliver very competitive returns. It’s also clear that these returns are not guaranteed.
You will need to pay close attention to the composition of your Fundrise portfolio, especially if you are using one of the more customizable plans. Evaluating these portfolios will require significant research and expertise.
Costs
Fundrise offers a generally low-cost investing model. There is an annual advisory fee of 0.15% or $1.50 for every $1000 you have invested. This fee does not cover actual fund management expenses.
There is also a management fee of 0.85%, which replaces the per-fund management fees charged by many fund managers.
This amounts to a total of 1%/year in management costs.
You may be required to pay a 1% early redemption fee if you choose to redeem your fund shares after a holding period of less than five years.
The Flagship Fund and the Income Fund do not charge any penalty for quarterly redemptions, but Fundrise can freeze redemptions during periods of economic stress.
There may be additional fees associated with specific projects. These will only be stated in the offering documents for the project, so you’ll need to read these carefully.
Risks
Any investment involves risks, and Fundrise is no exception. Be sure to consider these factors.
Low liquidity. Fundrise offers private funds designed to be held for a minimum of five years. Redemptions are available quarterly, but you may pay a fee if you redeem before five years have passed.
Possible redemption freeze. Fundrise reserves the right to suspend redemptions during periods of economic stress. You may not be able to withdraw your money.
Complex investment vehicles. Fundrise offers a huge range of options, particularly in their higher tiers. Accurately assessing these options may require time and expertise that many investors don’t have.
Fees may be higher than expected. The basic fee structure is reasonable and accessible, but individual projects may carry fees and restrictions of their own, which may not be as easy to find.
No assurance of performance. As with all investments, there is no assurance that a Fundrise portfolio will deliver the expected returns. While average returns are competitive, past results do not assure future performance, and some accounts have delivered below-average returns.
Tax issues. Income from your Fundrise portfolio will be taxed as regular income, not as capital gains or dividend income. You should remember this when comparing potential returns to those of other investments.
Unlike some competing platforms, Fundrise has not invested in projects in which the property developer failed to deliver the expected property and the money effectively disappeared. That doesn’t mean that it can’t happen in the future, but based on its track record to date, Fundrise has generally done a good job vetting and managing its projects.
User Reviews
Fundrise has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating a high degree of responsiveness to complaints. The site has only 8 reviews and 30 complaints, all resolved over the last three years. It’s not possible to draw a relevant conclusion from such a small sample.
Fundrise has 358 reviews on Trustpilot. The average is 2 of 5 stars, which is poor. At the same time, Trustpilot reports that 75% of reviews are five-star and 16% one-star, with the rest scattered between.
Reading the reviews, there’s a clear division between those who were happy with their returns and those who were not. This may stem in part from a failure to fully understand the nature of the investment from the start.
Some investors were clearly unhappy.
Others had more favorable experiences.
If you do choose to invest in Fundrise, it’s important to recognize that these funds are complex and they are actively managed: fund composition may change rapidly. There is no assurance that a given level of return – or any return – will be achieved.
Is Fundrise Right For You?
Fundrise offers accessible exposure to alternative asset classes such as real estate, private credit, and private equity. You can diversify into these asset classes with investments as low as $10.
That is a substantial advantage over platforms that are only available to accredited investors.
Just because you can, of course, doesn’t mean that you should. A Fundrise investment will tie up your funds for a substantial amount of time, and you may pay a penalty if you need to withdraw early.
If you’re considering a Fundrise investment, be sure that you are assessing not only the potential returns you could get from Fundrise but also the possible returns you could get from other uses of the same funds.
Fundrise has achieved a solid record in its 13 years of operation. Not all portfolios have been profitable and not all years have been positive returns, but the company has avoided scandal and major issues and is a viable option if you want to diversify into alternative asset classes without a major commitment.
If you’re considering a new investment in any asset class, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional investment advisor.
At AFPA, our team of kinesiology experts and certified personal trainers, with decades of combined experience, frequently hears from individuals wondering why their muscular strength gains differ from others despite following similar workout routines. This curiosity about muscular strength and how it varies drives many to seek answers. At AFPA, we’ve helped thousands unlock their fitness potential by teaching the science behind muscles and strength. This article explores the key factors that shape muscular performance, answers why muscular strength is important, and highlights muscular strength benefits like improved health and confidence. Whether you’re curious about muscular strength examples or seeking to define muscular strength for your fitness journey, let’s dive into the proven factors that drive results.
What is Muscular Strength
Muscular strength is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to exert maximum force in a single effort. It’s what allows you to tackle demanding tasks like lifting a heavy barbell or shoving a stuck lawnmower with ease. Unlike muscular endurance, which is about sustaining effort over time, muscular strength focuses on generating peak force, making it vital for both athletic feats and everyday activities. The functions of muscular tissue, such as contraction and force production, are at the heart of this ability, and developing muscular strength enhances not only performance but also overall health, supporting stronger bones, improved posture, and injury prevention.
Muscular Strength Examples
I often explain muscular strength by pointing to practical examples that bring the concept to life. Imagine pulling off a heavy deadlift in the gym, feeling your back, glutes, and legs fire up as you lift the barbell from the floor—that’s muscular strength powering through, engaging multiple muscle groups for a single, powerful effort. Outside the gym, muscular strength examples include hauling a heavy toddler up a staircase or giving a strong push to get a stalled car moving. These moments highlight the muscle strength needed for short, forceful actions, showing why building muscular strength is essential for both functional, everyday movement and fitness performance.
Key Factors Shaping Muscular Strength
Ready to unlock what makes some people power through lifts like superheroes while others struggle? Muscular strength isn’t just about hard work—it’s shaped by a fascinating mix of genetics and biology. From the type of muscle fibers firing in your body to your age, gender, and even the length of your limbs, these factors play a huge role in how strong you can become. Below, we’ll break down these game-changers, showing you how they influence your muscular performance and what you can do to maximize your muscle strength.
Type of Muscle Fiber
One of the most influential factors that affect strength is muscle fiber type. We have two basic types of muscle fibers, often referred to as “slow twitch” and “fast twitch.” Slow twitch muscle fibers are best used for cardiovascular (aerobic) activities. They produce small levels of force for long periods of time and thus are better suited for endurance activities. Fast twitch fibers are best used for anaerobic activities. They produce high levels of force for short periods of time and are best suited for power activities such as weightlifting.
Most men and women have an equal combination of both slow twitch and fast twitch fibers. However, some people inherit a high percentage of slow twitch fibers that enhance their performance in endurance activities, such as long-distance runners. Most world-class marathon runners have a very high amount of slow twitch fibers. World-class sprinters or football players, for example, have relatively more fast twitch muscle fibers. Although both fiber types respond positively to strength training workouts, the fast twitch types experience greater increases in muscle size and strength, and thus may obtain greater and/or faster results from a strength training program.
Age
Another factor over which we have little control is age. Studies show that people of all ages can increase their muscle size and strength as a result of a safe and effective strength training program. However, the rate of strength and muscle gain appears to be greater from age 10-20, the years of rapid growth and development. After reaching normal physical maturity, muscular improvements usually don’t come as quickly.
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Gender
Gender does not affect the quality of our muscle, but does influence the quantity. Although men’s and women’s muscle tissue are characteristically the same, men generally have more muscle tissue than women do because muscle size is increased by the presence of testosterone, the male sex hormone. The larger the muscles, the stronger the person; this is why most men are stronger than most women.
Limb and Muscle Length
Another strength factor that is naturally determined is limb length. Persons with short limbs tend to be able to lift more weight because of advantageous leverage factors (arms and legs). Similarly, differences in strength development may come about because of variation in muscle length. Some people have long muscles, and some people have short muscles. Persons with relatively long muscles have greater potential for developing size and strength than persons with relatively short muscles.
Point of Tendon Insertion
Muscle strength is also influenced by the point of tendon insertion. For example, let’s say Jim and John both have the same arm and muscle length. However, Jim’s biceps tendon attaches to his forearm farther from his elbow joint than John’s does. This gives Jim a biomechanical advantage: he is able to lift more weight than John in biceps exercises such as the Biceps Curl.
Effective Training Techniques for Muscular Strength
Building muscular strength hinges on training smarter, not just harder. I’ve seen the best results come from slow, deliberate lifting techniques that fully engage the functions of muscular tissue. Lifting until your muscles reach fatigue—think that moment when you can barely complete one more rep—triggers the growth needed for muscle strength. It’s not about piling on endless sets; it’s about intentional programming and quality. Programs like the AFPA Personal Trainer Certification dive deep into crafting balanced routines that maximize muscular performance while avoiding common pitfalls.
Rest and Recovery: The Unsung Heroes
One of the biggest mistakes I see in the gym is neglecting rest, and it’s a surefire way to stall your muscular strength gains. Your muscles grow during recovery, not while you’re lifting. Overtraining—whether by skipping rest days or overloading with too many exercises—can lead to burnout or injury, undermining the muscular strength benefits like stronger bones and better posture. Aim for 48-72 hours of rest per muscle group between sessions, and prioritize sleep and nutrition to fuel growth.
Breaking Through Plateaus with Program Variety
Hitting a wall in your strength training is normal, but staying stuck isn’t. If your muscular performance flatlines or your workouts feel stale, it’s time to switch things up. Varying your routine—by changing exercises, tweaking rep ranges, or increasing intensity—keeps your muscles challenged and your progress on track. Genetics may shape your potential, but they don’t dictate your effort. For practical tips on avoiding stagnation, check out 10 Things to Avoid in Your Strength Training Workout to ensure your muscle strength keeps climbing, no matter your starting point.
Why Muscular Strength Matters
Muscular strength benefits include increased bone and ligament strength, enhanced metabolic health, and improved psychological well-being through greater self-esteem. Whether you’re lifting weights, carrying groceries, or playing sports, muscle strength supports daily activities and long-term health. By embracing a well-rounded strength training program, you can unlock the full potential of your muscles and strength.
For those eager to dive deeper, the AFPA Personal Trainer Certification offers comprehensive insights into strength training techniques tailored to individual goals. Learn how to harness the functions of muscular tissue and avoid common pitfalls in your workouts to achieve optimal muscular performance.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2014 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Written by
Gene Lim, Certified Personal Trainer
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