How to Cash Out a Structured Settlement

Structured settlements can be a complicated topic and there are lots of "fakers" out there giving garbage advice...

I really believe it pays to do your research, especially if you're looking to cash out on your structured settlement

Let's Start By Making Sure We're Starting On The Same Page

If you have a structured settlement or annuity that means you're receiving periodic (usually monthly) payments until you reach the total amount of your settlement.

Example:

Let's say John has an accident at work and is awarded $100,000.00. He might receive this as a structured settlement, comprised of payments that amount to $10k/year.

The structured settlement was introduced in the 1970's mainly because it's much easier and more manageable for insurance companies to pay out periodically instead of all at once.

How To Get A Lump Sum Payment Instead Of Monthly

The only way to get a lump sum from your structured settlement is by selling it.

There are lots of reasons people will sell their structured settlements; the most common is that they need the cash immediately.

Think about it: out of pocket medical expenses might be high after an accident, or you might want to purchase a home but can't get a loan... too many people find out the hard way that you can't borrow money against your structured settlement payments.

Where You Should Go To Cash Out Your Structured Settlement

Many folks will run straight to the "large companies" they hear advertising on TV or radio ads.

Bigger companies might have a "solid branding" and experience behind them but there are also downsides: they usually charge higher fees and they won't give you as much cash as other companies!

Keep in mind: I am not saying you should steer clear of the big companies... I just want to make you aware of your options so you can "shop around" (that's the fun part!) and make the best choice for yourself and your family.

Here are some other options:


Find a direct buyer. There are lots of people who will buy out your annuities as investments.

Advantage: You can often get a better deal because you're dealing with a private buyer.

Disadvantage: There's lots of paperwork and legalities can be a hassle. (Make sure you have a good lawyer who specializes in settlements!)


Sell only part of your structured settlement. You can get pretty creative with how you structure your annuity.

Example: You might decide, instead of selling the whole structured settlement, that you would rather receive higher amounts each month.


Exchange your structured settlement with someone else's. If selling doesn't work or make sense for you, you can find a company or private party that will exchange theirs with yours.

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Pre Settlement Funding

Pre settlement funding is one of two lawsuit settlement funding methods, in which a person who has filed a compensation case can get funding in the form of a non-recourse loan from a pre settlement funding company on the basis of his or her pending case. Even if the settlement or verdict amount is smaller than anticipated, the amount to be repaid never exceeds the amount of the injured person's share of the verdict. Pre settlement funding involves financing of on-going litigation, rather than buying legal fees after a settlement. The risk is much higher in pre settlement funding than post settlement funding and therefore pre settlement companies expect a much higher return.

A plaintiff in need of money contacts a pre settlement funding company, sometimes on the suggestion of an attorney. The pre settlement funding company contacts the lawyer who is handling the case, and obtains information about the case. On the basis of this information, the loan company assumes the value of the settlement or verdict and offers cash advance to the injured person. The loan and associated fees are paid to the finance company when the case is settled.

For pre settlement funding, the verdict may take years, which substantially reduces the amount of money that the finance company can pay to the client. The pre settlement funding companies aren't likely to offer funds to plaintiffs who don't have strong cases justifying substantial awards.

For avoiding usury laws the funding from pre settlement funding companies are not described as "loans", but as "cash advances", "investments" or "venture capital". Not every state permits pre settlement funding. The Ohio court prohibited pre settlement funding saying that the funding could create a disincentive to settle a case, where the plaintiff would have to pay the entire amount of the settlement to the finance company.

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Take The Structured Settlement Annuity Option Today

You never know when you are going to need a huge amount of money. You have gone in for an annuity plan that will be giving you a fixed amount of money for a certain period of time. When you realize that you need the money immediately, you go in for structured settlement annuity plan.

For a person who has never before heard of structured settlement annuity, the going is really tough. Just imagine this scenario: you have retired after thirty years of glorious service in a bank. You have ensured that a certain amount of your salary has been put aside and has therefore become the backbone of an annuity plan. One month after you retire, you realize that you need to have a large amount of money, since your son has decided to become an engineer. Why should this worry you? Well, as a doting father, you would like to ensure that he has enough to see him through college and university. For this you realize that the educational institution in which he is going to make his engineering dream a reality, will not accept monthly installments of fees. They would want the money upfront. So now, what is the solution: you need to be able to pay a whole lump sum of money, how do you achieve this?

One of your friends talks to you about the structured settlement annuity option that you can take. You want to know more about this option, so you log on to the net for more updated information on this option. You understand that there a few firms who are willing to give you a whole lot of money (equal to or slightly more than) which will be instead of the monthly payments that you were supposed to receive as annuity payments. Basically, the idea is that the company involved ensures that you get the money at one shot rather than having to wait every month for an annuity payment check.

The entire prospect of structured settlement annuity seems to be quite attractive. Since you have put in long and arduous hours of work for the last three decades or more, you are certainly entitled to having your money when you really want it. Now that your son has decided to go in for higher education, you need to supplement his scholarship with the money that you have. It is in this kind of a situation that the option of a company buying up your annuity comes in handy. You do not have to go through life waiting for your annuity payments; instead you get the money when you need it the most and make use of it as you deem fit. Since there are quite a few companies who specialize in structured settlement annuity options, you need to make sure that the company is a genuine one, before you enter into any kind of deal.

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Pros and Cons of Structured Settlements

Structured settlements have many benefits to it. With a structured settlement, tax is avoided. Because of an appropriate and educated setup, a structured settlement is also able to reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations and may sometimes be tax-free.

A structured settlement can be a good way to preserve the plaintiff's settlement funds, preparing him for necessary future payments. Most of the time, a structured settlement serves as a protection from the plaintiff himself and limits his money use. A lot of people are simply not good with money, or could not just say "no" to relatives and friends who want to "taste" their wealth. For these types of people, a large settlement can immediately go to waste and disappear.

Structured settlements are also advantageous for minors as well for they can be used to provide payments through their lifetime--personal costs during their adolescence, additional disbursements for college and other academic expenses, and other disbursements during adulthood.

A person who is injured and needs long-term special treatments and services benefits from this as well. Having periodic lump sums will give him the financial capability to purchase medicines, medical equipments, or modified vehicles that he may need.

The downside

Some people feel limited by the periodic payments in a structured settlement. They may want to buy a new car, get a housing loan, or pay for other expensive items and services but this will be impossible with the structured settlements because they are not allowed to borrow against payments for the future under their agreement. So for some people, accepting a lump sum settlement is the better option. They will be the ones to invest it and plan for their future. For them, other standard investments seem to give a better long-term return than the annual payments there is in structured settlements.

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Getting Quick Cash for Your Structured Settlement

Just because you received a structured settlement for your lawsuit, it doesn't mean you have to wait for years to get the money. There are many settlement purchasing companies that will give you instant cash for your structured settlement. These companies can pay cash for the entire structured settlement or purchase your remaining periodic settlement payments. You can spend this lump-sum payment on anything-a house, college tuition, business investments or debts.

What Is a Structured Settlement?

A structured settlement, which typically results from a personal injury lawsuit, is an agreement where you consent to accept payments over time in exchange for the release of liability for your claim. A structured settlement can provide payments in almost any manner you choose. For example, the settlement may be paid in annual installments over a number of years or in periodic payouts every few years.

These payments are generally awarded through the purchase of one or more annuities from a life insurance company. Structured settlements can also be used with lottery winnings, contest prize money and other situations with substantial cash awards.

Structured Settlements Not Always the Best Fit

In theory, structured settlements are designed to provide long-term financial security to injury victims through tax-free payments. And for most people, the agreed-upon structured payment plan initially makes sense. However, a financial emergency, a business opportunity, an unforeseen medical expense, or a house purchase can put a strain on the injured party's finances.

And the structured nature of the settlement may become too restrictive to cover major financial purchases. Also, a structured settlement may not be the best option for investing. There are many other investment vehicles that can generate greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements. Therefore, some people may be better off getting cash for their structured settlement and then building their own investment portfolio.

How Getting Cash for a Structured Settlement Works

If you receive an award from your injury case, an attorney or financial advisor will likely recommend setting up periodic installment payments instead of giving you a lump sum of cash up front for your structured settlement. Then, an independent third party will purchase an annuity that will provide you with tax-free periodic payments.

Companies that offer cash for structured settlements have a variety of programs that can allow you to access any portion of your annuity. For example, you may want to sell as little as four year's worth of payments or receive a lump-sum payment while still enjoying some portion of your monthly payment. Or you can sell your settlement for a large payment that is five or six years in the future. You can also customize an arrangement to get cash for a structured settlement based on your unique needs.

Here's an example of how obtaining cash for a structured settlement works: Let's say you were in an accident five years ago. The accident caused you to be hospitalized for several months and undergo nearly a year's worth of physical therapy. So you hired an attorney and sued the responsible individual-or, rather, the person's insurance company. Ultimately, your attorney advises you that you'll be awarded a substantial sum of money.

After several months or years of negotiation, you receive a sizable settlement. However, the cash you get upfront is only enough to cover the medical expenses. The rest of your compensation is scheduled to be paid out in regular installments through an annuity over the next 15 to 30 years. Rather than being restricted to monthly or annual payments, you contact a settlement purchaser to secure immediate cash for your structured settlement. You're then able to use the cash to enhance your current cash flow-rather than waiting on periodic future payments.

Legal Issues of Receiving Cash for a Structured Settlement

If you're contemplating getting cash for your structured settlement, it's important to contact a financial advisor. Most states have regulations that limit the sale of structured settlements, so you'll need court approval to receive cash for your structured settlement. Federal restrictions also may affect the sale of structured settlements to a third-party individual. And some insurance companies won't transfer annuities to third parties.

Also, before you attempt to obtain cash for a structured settlement, be sure to do your homework. Check out multiple companies to see which one can offer you the most cash for your structured settlement. You also want to examine their integrity, reputation and track record. This will help ensure you have the most positive experience obtaining cash for your structured settlement.

Receiving cash for a structured settlement is an ideal option if you need a lump sum of money to meet your immediate needs.

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Structured Settlements and Other Investments

In the world of investing, there are literally hundreds of things you can do to help grow your money by investing it into something. It can be something where you purchase a structured settlement, a tax lien, a piece of property, invest in some mutual funds, or even something as simple as giving your son $10 to start his lemonade stand and getting a percentage of the profits. Okay, maybe you won't actually be making money from your 7 year old's business but you get the idea. The opportunity to invest is all around you. You just need to know where to look.

One interesting investment is structured settlements. These are basically payments that are made out of things like lawsuits. Let's say someone sues a company for an injury and wins. If the amount is large enough, then that person might be getting paid the amount that he or she won through periodic payments. In many cases, this is something that is decided for the reason of protecting the person who is getting the money. Far too often, you will read about cases where someone is injured, gets money, and spends it on things that they shouldn't be spending it on. So how can you make money from this? Well, what you can do is contact companies who special in purchasing these type of structured settlements. What you are going to be doing is paying a reduced amount of how ever much money is going to a client. In return, they get a lump sum of cash while you get the payments transferred to you. To learn more, you can do some research to know the ins and outs of this type of investment.

A more popular type of investment that you can make is real estate. Although we have been seeing the price of property drop like a rock over the past couple of years, in the long run, it's a safe bet that the prices of property will go up simply because with more and more people being born, you will need more and more homes. Land is something that we can't just create so homes will always be something that you need. The safest way to invest in real estate and even stocks is to invest for the long run. History shows that after every crash, there is a recovery. If you can get through those downs, you will end up on top. You can always invest in easier things such as CD's which you can purchase at the bank. The point is to invest your money to allow for a better retirement.

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Structured Settlements and Other Investments

In the world of investing, there are literally hundreds of things you can do to help grow your money by investing it into something. It can be something where you purchase a structured settlement, a tax lien, a piece of property, invest in some mutual funds, or even something as simple as giving your son $10 to start his lemonade stand and getting a percentage of the profits. Okay, maybe you won't actually be making money from your 7 year old's business but you get the idea. The opportunity to invest is all around you. You just need to know where to look.

One interesting investment is structured settlements. These are basically payments that are made out of things like lawsuits. Let's say someone sues a company for an injury and wins. If the amount is large enough, then that person might be getting paid the amount that he or she won through periodic payments. In many cases, this is something that is decided for the reason of protecting the person who is getting the money. Far too often, you will read about cases where someone is injured, gets money, and spends it on things that they shouldn't be spending it on. So how can you make money from this? Well, what you can do is contact companies who special in purchasing these type of structured settlements. What you are going to be doing is paying a reduced amount of how ever much money is going to a client. In return, they get a lump sum of cash while you get the payments transferred to you. To learn more, you can do some research to know the ins and outs of this type of investment.

A more popular type of investment that you can make is real estate. Although we have been seeing the price of property drop like a rock over the past couple of years, in the long run, it's a safe bet that the prices of property will go up simply because with more and more people being born, you will need more and more homes. Land is something that we can't just create so homes will always be something that you need. The safest way to invest in real estate and even stocks is to invest for the long run. History shows that after every crash, there is a recovery. If you can get through those downs, you will end up on top. You can always invest in easier things such as CD's which you can purchase at the bank. The point is to invest your money to allow for a better retirement.

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Structured Settlements Offer Advantages over Lump-Sum Payments

A structured settlement, which offers injury victims cash payments through a long-term annuity as compensation for their damages and medical expenses, offer a number of possible advantages over payment in a lump sum. While the lump sum payment is the traditional way for responsible parties to pay accident claims, the structured settlement offers payments over the span of an agreed-upon period of time. This length of time may span from several years up to the remainder of the life of the injured party, depending on the severity of the accident, the amount of money involved, and the agreement reached between the two parties.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, structured settlements can have numerous advantages over a lump-sum payment:

They are tax free. Thanks to a 1982 change in the Federal tax code, payments on a structured settlement are free of state and Federal taxes. The paying party funds the settlement through the purchase of an annuity which earns the interest to fund the continued payments. This is not the case with a lump-sum payment, which the injured party must invest themselves. Any interest earned on those investments are taxable.They are potentially safer. Most people who come into a large sum of money suddenly find that they are quite popular with long-lost relatives, unscrupulous purveyors of investment schemes, and good, old-fashioned thieves. By receiving payments in substantially smaller amounts, the beneficiaries of a structured settlement have far fewer worries about having others take advantage of them, which could leave them both poor and without adequate medical care.They are simply less trouble. It's difficult enough to adjust to changes in your life if you are seriously injured without having to also take the new responsibility of investing and managing a large sum of money. Not only must you invest the money, but you must invest it wisely, knowing that it must continue to fund your living and/or health care expenses. The regular payments of a structured settlement, along with their tax-free status, simplify day to day living considerably.

While they are not ideal for everyone, particularly those who are experienced investors or those who need a large sum of money at once for immediate medical expenses or the purchase of a home, structured settlements can offer a simpler, safer payment solution for many people who are victims of an accident or injury.

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Cash For Life Insurance Settlements

Life insurance is a popular policy investment sold by various insurance companies. In order to safeguard personal interests and those of the family, a large number of people opt to purchase a life insurance. In due course of time, if a policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the insurance company is legally bound to recompense the person. In case of an incurable ailment, policyholders need to spend on expensive medical treatment, to ensure comfort for the remaining years of their life. These medical expenses can be huge and policyholders may choose to cash in, on their life insurance. This is termed as a 'viatical' settlement and a number of investors are willing to pay for them.

In this agreement, a terminally ill policyholder sells his life insurance at a discounted rate. This settlement provides ready cash and is a legal exchange. People opt for such settlements as they eliminate the risk of handing over personal assets for cash. In such an exchange, policyholders need to name the investors as beneficiaries in case of death. They cash in on such investments, when the person dies. The investors are only concerned with their profitability or return on investments and this depends upon the life expectancy of the policyholder.

The rate of return is unpredictable and in case of longer life expectancy, returns are lower. A number of people choose cash for life insurance settlements. This is logical, as risking other assets for cash jeopardizes the situation of the surviving family members. The need for cash is optimum when diagnosed with a terminal illness. Money is needed for treatment that can help slow or partially control the spread of the disease. Investors examine medical records, diagnosis and prognosis to confirm the seriousness of the illness before providing cash for life insurance settlements.

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Cash For Life Insurance Settlements

Life insurance is a popular policy investment sold by various insurance companies. In order to safeguard personal interests and those of the family, a large number of people opt to purchase a life insurance. In due course of time, if a policyholder is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the insurance company is legally bound to recompense the person. In case of an incurable ailment, policyholders need to spend on expensive medical treatment, to ensure comfort for the remaining years of their life. These medical expenses can be huge and policyholders may choose to cash in, on their life insurance. This is termed as a 'viatical' settlement and a number of investors are willing to pay for them.

In this agreement, a terminally ill policyholder sells his life insurance at a discounted rate. This settlement provides ready cash and is a legal exchange. People opt for such settlements as they eliminate the risk of handing over personal assets for cash. In such an exchange, policyholders need to name the investors as beneficiaries in case of death. They cash in on such investments, when the person dies. The investors are only concerned with their profitability or return on investments and this depends upon the life expectancy of the policyholder.

The rate of return is unpredictable and in case of longer life expectancy, returns are lower. A number of people choose cash for life insurance settlements. This is logical, as risking other assets for cash jeopardizes the situation of the surviving family members. The need for cash is optimum when diagnosed with a terminal illness. Money is needed for treatment that can help slow or partially control the spread of the disease. Investors examine medical records, diagnosis and prognosis to confirm the seriousness of the illness before providing cash for life insurance settlements.

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Structured Settlements Offer Advantages over Lump-Sum Payments

A structured settlement, which offers injury victims cash payments through a long-term annuity as compensation for their damages and medical expenses, offer a number of possible advantages over payment in a lump sum. While the lump sum payment is the traditional way for responsible parties to pay accident claims, the structured settlement offers payments over the span of an agreed-upon period of time. This length of time may span from several years up to the remainder of the life of the injured party, depending on the severity of the accident, the amount of money involved, and the agreement reached between the two parties.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, structured settlements can have numerous advantages over a lump-sum payment:

They are tax free. Thanks to a 1982 change in the Federal tax code, payments on a structured settlement are free of state and Federal taxes. The paying party funds the settlement through the purchase of an annuity which earns the interest to fund the continued payments. This is not the case with a lump-sum payment, which the injured party must invest themselves. Any interest earned on those investments are taxable.They are potentially safer. Most people who come into a large sum of money suddenly find that they are quite popular with long-lost relatives, unscrupulous purveyors of investment schemes, and good, old-fashioned thieves. By receiving payments in substantially smaller amounts, the beneficiaries of a structured settlement have far fewer worries about having others take advantage of them, which could leave them both poor and without adequate medical care.They are simply less trouble. It's difficult enough to adjust to changes in your life if you are seriously injured without having to also take the new responsibility of investing and managing a large sum of money. Not only must you invest the money, but you must invest it wisely, knowing that it must continue to fund your living and/or health care expenses. The regular payments of a structured settlement, along with their tax-free status, simplify day to day living considerably.

While they are not ideal for everyone, particularly those who are experienced investors or those who need a large sum of money at once for immediate medical expenses or the purchase of a home, structured settlements can offer a simpler, safer payment solution for many people who are victims of an accident or injury.

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Structured Settlements - The Basics

Are you a victim of malpractice or personal injury? If you win a large case, you may have the option of getting a structured settlement. In a structured settlement, instead of getting paid in one lump sum, payments are made to you over time. Structured settlements are often set up by purchasing several annuities to guarantee payments over a long period. But why would anyone want to get paid over time instead of all at once?

The main advantage of a structured settlement is tax avoidance. If set up properly, plaintiffs can have significantly less of a tax burden. In some cases, structured settlements may even be tax-free. By guaranteeing an income over a period of time, structured settlements can also protect plaintiffs from themselves. Many people do not know how to manage their finances or cannot say no to family or friends. Structured settlements essentially provide an "allowance" that would make it difficult for plaintiffs to splurge.

Many, however, feel that structured settlements may limit their options. For example, plaintiffs sometimes have difficulty purchasing a home, or other large ticket items, if they are not allowed to borrow against future payments. In addition, you may do better financially with a lump sum payment. Other types of investments may give better rates of return long-term. In addition, one should be wary of excessive commissions for annuities.

When considering a structured settlement, plaintiffs need to be careful of any potential self-dealing. There have been cases where lawyers pocket a large commission on an annuity that they set up for their clients. Lawyers have also been known to recommend a financial planner to set up an annuity while collecting a referral fee at the same time.

Plaintiffs also need to consider their life expectancy. Unfortunately, victims of malpractice or personal injury can have a shortened life expectancy. Since many annuities cease payment upon death, it may make sense to insist that a minimum number of payments are made or that the remaining payments be paid into the plaintiff's estate.

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Take The Structured Settlement Annuity Option Today

You never know when you are going to need a huge amount of money. You have gone in for an annuity plan that will be giving you a fixed amount of money for a certain period of time. When you realize that you need the money immediately, you go in for structured settlement annuity plan.

For a person who has never before heard of structured settlement annuity, the going is really tough. Just imagine this scenario: you have retired after thirty years of glorious service in a bank. You have ensured that a certain amount of your salary has been put aside and has therefore become the backbone of an annuity plan. One month after you retire, you realize that you need to have a large amount of money, since your son has decided to become an engineer. Why should this worry you? Well, as a doting father, you would like to ensure that he has enough to see him through college and university. For this you realize that the educational institution in which he is going to make his engineering dream a reality, will not accept monthly installments of fees. They would want the money upfront. So now, what is the solution: you need to be able to pay a whole lump sum of money, how do you achieve this?

One of your friends talks to you about the structured settlement annuity option that you can take. You want to know more about this option, so you log on to the net for more updated information on this option. You understand that there a few firms who are willing to give you a whole lot of money (equal to or slightly more than) which will be instead of the monthly payments that you were supposed to receive as annuity payments. Basically, the idea is that the company involved ensures that you get the money at one shot rather than having to wait every month for an annuity payment check.

The entire prospect of structured settlement annuity seems to be quite attractive. Since you have put in long and arduous hours of work for the last three decades or more, you are certainly entitled to having your money when you really want it. Now that your son has decided to go in for higher education, you need to supplement his scholarship with the money that you have. It is in this kind of a situation that the option of a company buying up your annuity comes in handy. You do not have to go through life waiting for your annuity payments; instead you get the money when you need it the most and make use of it as you deem fit. Since there are quite a few companies who specialize in structured settlement annuity options, you need to make sure that the company is a genuine one, before you enter into any kind of deal.

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Where Do You Find The Best Buyer of Stuctured Settlement Payments?

A buyer of structured settlement arrangements can provide the cash you need in the short term and eliminate the need to wait for payments each and every month. In addition to removing the risk and uncertainty that comes with holding any debt instrument, it allows you to take advantage of a large influx of money.

You may have recently settled an injury lawsuit out of court and there are many questions going through your head. Does it really have to take me 20 years before I can collect all of my money? I have seen companies advertise on TV that they are a buyer of structured settlements. They say that I don't have to wait. I can sell my annuity payments to them. Is this true? Why would I want to? If I decide to sell, how do I go about selecting the right company?

Yes, it is true. You can sell all or part of your structured settlement payments. There are many reasons and advantages of doing so. Let me explain how this works and what advantages that you can expect when you sell your annuity interest.

The buyer of structured settlement that you choose will give you a lump sum payment. The process usually takes a couple of weeks instead of the year, 10 years or 20 years that you may have to wait to receive the total settlement. So, you can get the cash you need in a relatively short period of time.

Why would you want to do this? Maybe your injury has put you behind in your bills and you are tired of hearing from your creditors. Or, you have always wanted to own a home of your own and it is a buyer's market out there. Will it be next year? 10 years from now? You have been given the opportunity to make an investment that you just know is about to take off. There is no time to wait. Maybe, you have figured out, taking into account the steady rise in the rate of inflation, that your settlement won't be worth anywhere near the value that it is today.

The buyer of structured settlement may be the solution. It would give you the cash that you need to realize your dreams or to settle your debt. Your investments such as the house or the business may actually gain you more money over time than your structured settlement would.

There are many buyers of structured settlement out there. How do you choose the right one for you? Many of these companies offer free quotes, give you information about their miscellaneous fees and outline their terms. Go to several companies and get this information. Then consult with your lawyer or financial advisor. Before selecting a buyer of structure settlement to handle your deal, you can check on their reputation.

You have made your decision. You have decided to sell only a part of your structured settlement. You have selected the right buyer of structured settlements for you. You have reviewed the paperwork with your attorney and have signed it. You have waited the two weeks or so it takes to process this transaction. Finally the buyer of structured settlement has sent you the check. You can now pay of your debt, buy that house or make that investment. Congratulations!

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Issues Surrounding Structured Settlement and Reverse Mortgage Choices

Current info about structured settlement and reverse mortgage is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes some interesting information on structured settlement and reverse mortgage.

Both a structured settlement and a reverse mortgage allow recipients to draw income from sources that will give them the opportunity to outlive their financial obligations and maybe pass on a bit to relatives. It's about peace of mind. With both, issues are involved that need to be understood in order to make the wisest decisions.

How a Structured Settlement Works

A structured settlement is an award of money resulting from an injury or illness suffered because of a company's legal culpability or responsibility. Depending on how the recipient decides to get the payment, it can be paid over several years in a fixed annuity, invested in a mutual fund, or sold outright for one lump sum payout.

The most common choice is to place a structured settlement award into an annuity. The payments are set in stone up front and paid out on a regular basis, making it entirely predictable and stable. In most cases, the payments from a structured settlement fixed annuity are entirely tax-free, as long as the money was awarded as the result of physical injury or illness. An insurance company provides and manages the annuity, which keeps the money in its 'in house' account.

How a Reverse Mortgage Works

How can you put a limit on learning more, especially when the topic is about about structured settlement and reverse mortgage? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

The federal government's Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) concocted the most common form of reverse mortgage - the reverse annuity mortgage. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years of age and live in the home in question. The mortgage must be paid in full or have a large amount of equity built up. The government insures your reverse mortgage, so it's fully protected. The purpose in establishing reverse mortgages set up around annuities is to give aging folks the opportunity to draw income from the equity in their homes.

Once approved for a reverse annuity mortgage, the homeowner receives regular, tax-free monthly payments. This type of mortgage is later paid when the home is sold or passed on to surviving relatives. In some cases, reverse mortgages can be paid in one lump sum to the homeowner. Qualified people can even open up a line of credit that is secured by the reverse mortgage. Basically, the amount a homeowner qualifies for is determined by age, credit rating, amount of equity, and the interest rate for which they qualify.

Structured Settlement and Reverse Mortgage Scams

Unfortunately, both structured settlements and reverse mortgages - because they deal with large sums of money - are rife with scammers seeking to make a quick buck off unsuspecting people. To avoid this unattractive possibility, it's smart to hire a competent attorney who is well versed in these aspects of the law. You should also educate yourself fully about all the options available to you before you make any firm decisions.

When word gets around about your command of structured dettlement and reverse mortgage facts, others who need to know about structured settlements will start to actively seek you out.

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Getting Quick Cash for Your Structured Settlement

Just because you received a structured settlement for your lawsuit, it doesn't mean you have to wait for years to get the money. There are many settlement purchasing companies that will give you instant cash for your structured settlement. These companies can pay cash for the entire structured settlement or purchase your remaining periodic settlement payments. You can spend this lump-sum payment on anything-a house, college tuition, business investments or debts.

What Is a Structured Settlement?

A structured settlement, which typically results from a personal injury lawsuit, is an agreement where you consent to accept payments over time in exchange for the release of liability for your claim. A structured settlement can provide payments in almost any manner you choose. For example, the settlement may be paid in annual installments over a number of years or in periodic payouts every few years.

These payments are generally awarded through the purchase of one or more annuities from a life insurance company. Structured settlements can also be used with lottery winnings, contest prize money and other situations with substantial cash awards.

Structured Settlements Not Always the Best Fit

In theory, structured settlements are designed to provide long-term financial security to injury victims through tax-free payments. And for most people, the agreed-upon structured payment plan initially makes sense. However, a financial emergency, a business opportunity, an unforeseen medical expense, or a house purchase can put a strain on the injured party's finances.

And the structured nature of the settlement may become too restrictive to cover major financial purchases. Also, a structured settlement may not be the best option for investing. There are many other investment vehicles that can generate greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements. Therefore, some people may be better off getting cash for their structured settlement and then building their own investment portfolio.

How Getting Cash for a Structured Settlement Works

If you receive an award from your injury case, an attorney or financial advisor will likely recommend setting up periodic installment payments instead of giving you a lump sum of cash up front for your structured settlement. Then, an independent third party will purchase an annuity that will provide you with tax-free periodic payments.

Companies that offer cash for structured settlements have a variety of programs that can allow you to access any portion of your annuity. For example, you may want to sell as little as four year's worth of payments or receive a lump-sum payment while still enjoying some portion of your monthly payment. Or you can sell your settlement for a large payment that is five or six years in the future. You can also customize an arrangement to get cash for a structured settlement based on your unique needs.

Here's an example of how obtaining cash for a structured settlement works: Let's say you were in an accident five years ago. The accident caused you to be hospitalized for several months and undergo nearly a year's worth of physical therapy. So you hired an attorney and sued the responsible individual-or, rather, the person's insurance company. Ultimately, your attorney advises you that you'll be awarded a substantial sum of money.

After several months or years of negotiation, you receive a sizable settlement. However, the cash you get upfront is only enough to cover the medical expenses. The rest of your compensation is scheduled to be paid out in regular installments through an annuity over the next 15 to 30 years. Rather than being restricted to monthly or annual payments, you contact a settlement purchaser to secure immediate cash for your structured settlement. You're then able to use the cash to enhance your current cash flow-rather than waiting on periodic future payments.

Legal Issues of Receiving Cash for a Structured Settlement

If you're contemplating getting cash for your structured settlement, it's important to contact a financial advisor. Most states have regulations that limit the sale of structured settlements, so you'll need court approval to receive cash for your structured settlement. Federal restrictions also may affect the sale of structured settlements to a third-party individual. And some insurance companies won't transfer annuities to third parties.

Also, before you attempt to obtain cash for a structured settlement, be sure to do your homework. Check out multiple companies to see which one can offer you the most cash for your structured settlement. You also want to examine their integrity, reputation and track record. This will help ensure you have the most positive experience obtaining cash for your structured settlement.

Receiving cash for a structured settlement is an ideal option if you need a lump sum of money to meet your immediate needs.

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How to Cash Out a Structured Settlement

Structured settlements can be a complicated topic and there are lots of "fakers" out there giving garbage advice...

I really believe it pays to do your research, especially if you're looking to cash out on your structured settlement

Let's Start By Making Sure We're Starting On The Same Page

If you have a structured settlement or annuity that means you're receiving periodic (usually monthly) payments until you reach the total amount of your settlement.

Example:

Let's say John has an accident at work and is awarded $100,000.00. He might receive this as a structured settlement, comprised of payments that amount to $10k/year.

The structured settlement was introduced in the 1970's mainly because it's much easier and more manageable for insurance companies to pay out periodically instead of all at once.

How To Get A Lump Sum Payment Instead Of Monthly

The only way to get a lump sum from your structured settlement is by selling it.

There are lots of reasons people will sell their structured settlements; the most common is that they need the cash immediately.

Think about it: out of pocket medical expenses might be high after an accident, or you might want to purchase a home but can't get a loan... too many people find out the hard way that you can't borrow money against your structured settlement payments.

Where You Should Go To Cash Out Your Structured Settlement

Many folks will run straight to the "large companies" they hear advertising on TV or radio ads.

Bigger companies might have a "solid branding" and experience behind them but there are also downsides: they usually charge higher fees and they won't give you as much cash as other companies!

Keep in mind: I am not saying you should steer clear of the big companies... I just want to make you aware of your options so you can "shop around" (that's the fun part!) and make the best choice for yourself and your family.

Here are some other options:


Find a direct buyer. There are lots of people who will buy out your annuities as investments.

Advantage: You can often get a better deal because you're dealing with a private buyer.

Disadvantage: There's lots of paperwork and legalities can be a hassle. (Make sure you have a good lawyer who specializes in settlements!)


Sell only part of your structured settlement. You can get pretty creative with how you structure your annuity.

Example: You might decide, instead of selling the whole structured settlement, that you would rather receive higher amounts each month.


Exchange your structured settlement with someone else's. If selling doesn't work or make sense for you, you can find a company or private party that will exchange theirs with yours.

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Getting Quick Cash for Your Structured Settlement

Just because you get a structured solution for your application, this does not mean you have to wait for years to get the money. There are many companies purchase transaction that is immediately in cash for your structured settlement. These companies may pay for the entire structured settlement or buy the remaining periodic settlement payments. You can spend the lump sum payment on anything a home, collegeSchool, business investment and debt.

What is a Structured Settlement?

A solution structure, which is usually the result of an action for personal injury, an agreement, if you agree to accept payment over time, in exchange for the release of liability for your request. A structured may make payments to almost any way you choose. For example, the system can be paid inInstallments over several years or in periodic payments every few years.

These payments are usually received through the purchase of one or more annuities from a life insurance policy. Structured settlements can also lottery winnings, contest Value for money and other scenarios to be used with considerable prize money.

Structured Settlements not always the best solution

The theory is structured to build settlements, a long-termfinancial security for the damage done to the victim's tax-free payment. And for most people, the structured payment plan initially makes sense. However, the purchase of a financial emergency, a possibility as unforeseen medical expenses or house can be a drain on the finances of the victims ask.

And the structured nature of the regulation may be too restrictive to cover major financial purchases. In addition, a structured settlement can notthe best option for investment. There are many other investment vehicles that generate greater long-term rate of return than the annuities can be used in structured settlements. Therefore, some people may be better to get money for their structured settlement and then build their investment portfolio.

How to get cash for structured settlement Works

If you receive an award from your injury case, a lawyer or financialRecruitment consultant will probably recommend regular installments, rather than giving a lump sum of money in advance for your structured settlement. Then an independent third party to purchase an annuity that will provide tax-free periodic payments.

A company that raises money for structured settlements, has a variety of programs that you can access a part of the pension. For example, you could be as little as four years worth of salespayments or receive a lump sum payment, while benefitting from a part of your monthly payment. Or, you can sell your settlement for a payment that is larger than five or six years in the future. You can also urged to get money for a structured solution based on your particular needs.

Here's an example of how to get money for structured settlement works: Suppose you were in an accident five years ago. The accident causedHospital for several months and go through almost a year's worth of physical therapy. So he hired a lawyer and filed a complaint against the person responsible, or rather the person who is insured. Ultimately, your lawyer advised you will be given a sum of money.

After several months or years of negotiations, you will get a consistent solution. But the money going forward just enough to cover medical expenses. The rest of the compensationAre planned, paid in regular installments through an annuity in the next 15 or 30 years. Instead of monthly or yearly is limited, contact you immediate cash for a buyer secure solution for your structured settlement. Then you have the option to use the money to improve your current cash flow, rather than waiting for future periodic payments.

Legal issues of reception for a structured settlement cash

IfThey always look for money for your structured settlement, it is important to consult a financial advisor. Many states have rules that restrict the sale of structured settlements, so you need court approval to obtain money for your structured settlement. Federal restrictions can also affect the sale of structured settlements to a third person. And some insurance companies will not transfer annuities to third parties.

Also,Before you try to get money for a structured settlement, you should do your homework. Check out several companies to see that you can have the money for your system more structured. They also want to verify their integrity, reputation and track record. This will help ensure that you have the positive experience of cash for your structured settlement.

Receiving cash for structured settlement is aideal option if you need a lump sum of money for your immediate needs to be achieved.

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Structured Settlements - Why You Should Write Articles If You Are Knowledgeable About Settlements

A structured settlement is a way of getting paid when you are injured in an accident, either at work or in another way, such as a car accident. It used to be that the person or company who was responsible for your injury paid you the amount that was awarded to you by the court in one large, lump sum payment.

The problem was that many people were not responsible with the money they received. Sometimes relatives and friends became involved and the money was spent on items that depreciated in value quickly, such as new cars, expensive trips, shady investments, or gambling. The result was that the injured person was then out of money and unable to pay for their medical and living expenses because their settlement money had been squandered away forever.

Because of the number of people who were involved in losing their settlement money the United States government stepped in and passed a law that changed the tax policy. This law, passed in 1982, is called the Periodic Payment Settlement Act of 1982. Because of the passage of this law injured people now receive what is called a structured settlement.

The structured settlement provides that the injured person receive monthly payments, or sometimes annual payments, over a period of years determined by the court. Structured settlement brokers figure out how much money the person will need over the course of their lifetime and arranged for the responsible party to set up an annuity that will pay the injured person over the course of their life for their medical and living expenses.

Many people are very knowledgeable about how structured settlements work but they are hesitant to write articles about them because they are not sure how to write. This is such an important issue in American society that it should be the duty and obligation of those with this information to share it with people who need to know more details about structured settlements.

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Structured Settlements - The Basics

Are you a victim of malpractice or personal injury? If you win a large case, you may have the option of getting a structured settlement. In a structured settlement, instead of getting paid in one lump sum, payments are made to you over time. Structured settlements are often set up by purchasing several annuities to guarantee payments over a long period. But why would anyone want to get paid over time instead of all at once?

The main advantage of a structured settlement is tax avoidance. If set up properly, plaintiffs can have significantly less of a tax burden. In some cases, structured settlements may even be tax-free. By guaranteeing an income over a period of time, structured settlements can also protect plaintiffs from themselves. Many people do not know how to manage their finances or cannot say no to family or friends. Structured settlements essentially provide an "allowance" that would make it difficult for plaintiffs to splurge.

Many, however, feel that structured settlements may limit their options. For example, plaintiffs sometimes have difficulty purchasing a home, or other large ticket items, if they are not allowed to borrow against future payments. In addition, you may do better financially with a lump sum payment. Other types of investments may give better rates of return long-term. In addition, one should be wary of excessive commissions for annuities.

When considering a structured settlement, plaintiffs need to be careful of any potential self-dealing. There have been cases where lawyers pocket a large commission on an annuity that they set up for their clients. Lawyers have also been known to recommend a financial planner to set up an annuity while collecting a referral fee at the same time.

Plaintiffs also need to consider their life expectancy. Unfortunately, victims of malpractice or personal injury can have a shortened life expectancy. Since many annuities cease payment upon death, it may make sense to insist that a minimum number of payments are made or that the remaining payments be paid into the plaintiff's estate.

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Pros and Cons of Structured Settlements

Structured settlements have many benefits to it. With a structured settlement, tax is avoided. Because of an appropriate and educated setup, a structured settlement is also able to reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations and may sometimes be tax-free.

A structured settlement can be a good way to preserve the plaintiff's settlement funds, preparing him for necessary future payments. Most of the time, a structured settlement serves as a protection from the plaintiff himself and limits his money use. A lot of people are simply not good with money, or could not just say "no" to relatives and friends who want to "taste" their wealth. For these types of people, a large settlement can immediately go to waste and disappear.

Structured settlements are also advantageous for minors as well for they can be used to provide payments through their lifetime--personal costs during their adolescence, additional disbursements for college and other academic expenses, and other disbursements during adulthood.

A person who is injured and needs long-term special treatments and services benefits from this as well. Having periodic lump sums will give him the financial capability to purchase medicines, medical equipments, or modified vehicles that he may need.

The downside

Some people feel limited by the periodic payments in a structured settlement. They may want to buy a new car, get a housing loan, or pay for other expensive items and services but this will be impossible with the structured settlements because they are not allowed to borrow against payments for the future under their agreement. So for some people, accepting a lump sum settlement is the better option. They will be the ones to invest it and plan for their future. For them, other standard investments seem to give a better long-term return than the annual payments there is in structured settlements.

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Structured Settlements - Why You Should Write Articles If You Are Knowledgeable About Settlements

A structured settlement is a way of getting paid when you are injured in an accident, either at work or in another way, such as a car accident. It used to be that the person or company who was responsible for your injury paid you the amount that was awarded to you by the court in one large, lump sum payment.

The problem was that many people were not responsible with the money they received. Sometimes relatives and friends became involved and the money was spent on items that depreciated in value quickly, such as new cars, expensive trips, shady investments, or gambling. The result was that the injured person was then out of money and unable to pay for their medical and living expenses because their settlement money had been squandered away forever.

Because of the number of people who were involved in losing their settlement money the United States government stepped in and passed a law that changed the tax policy. This law, passed in 1982, is called the Periodic Payment Settlement Act of 1982. Because of the passage of this law injured people now receive what is called a structured settlement.

The structured settlement provides that the injured person receive monthly payments, or sometimes annual payments, over a period of years determined by the court. Structured settlement brokers figure out how much money the person will need over the course of their lifetime and arranged for the responsible party to set up an annuity that will pay the injured person over the course of their life for their medical and living expenses.

Many people are very knowledgeable about how structured settlements work but they are hesitant to write articles about them because they are not sure how to write. This is such an important issue in American society that it should be the duty and obligation of those with this information to share it with people who need to know more details about structured settlements.

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Where Do You Find The Best Buyer of Stuctured Settlement Payments?

A buyer of structured settlement arrangements can provide the cash you need in the short term and eliminate the need to wait for payments each and every month. In addition to removing the risk and uncertainty that comes with holding any debt instrument, it allows you to take advantage of a large influx of money.

You may have recently settled an injury lawsuit out of court and there are many questions going through your head. Does it really have to take me 20 years before I can collect all of my money? I have seen companies advertise on TV that they are a buyer of structured settlements. They say that I don't have to wait. I can sell my annuity payments to them. Is this true? Why would I want to? If I decide to sell, how do I go about selecting the right company?

Yes, it is true. You can sell all or part of your structured settlement payments. There are many reasons and advantages of doing so. Let me explain how this works and what advantages that you can expect when you sell your annuity interest.

The buyer of structured settlement that you choose will give you a lump sum payment. The process usually takes a couple of weeks instead of the year, 10 years or 20 years that you may have to wait to receive the total settlement. So, you can get the cash you need in a relatively short period of time.

Why would you want to do this? Maybe your injury has put you behind in your bills and you are tired of hearing from your creditors. Or, you have always wanted to own a home of your own and it is a buyer's market out there. Will it be next year? 10 years from now? You have been given the opportunity to make an investment that you just know is about to take off. There is no time to wait. Maybe, you have figured out, taking into account the steady rise in the rate of inflation, that your settlement won't be worth anywhere near the value that it is today.

The buyer of structured settlement may be the solution. It would give you the cash that you need to realize your dreams or to settle your debt. Your investments such as the house or the business may actually gain you more money over time than your structured settlement would.

There are many buyers of structured settlement out there. How do you choose the right one for you? Many of these companies offer free quotes, give you information about their miscellaneous fees and outline their terms. Go to several companies and get this information. Then consult with your lawyer or financial advisor. Before selecting a buyer of structure settlement to handle your deal, you can check on their reputation.

You have made your decision. You have decided to sell only a part of your structured settlement. You have selected the right buyer of structured settlements for you. You have reviewed the paperwork with your attorney and have signed it. You have waited the two weeks or so it takes to process this transaction. Finally the buyer of structured settlement has sent you the check. You can now pay of your debt, buy that house or make that investment. Congratulations!

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Accident Structured Settlements - All You Need to Know For 2009

You may have had a terrible auto accident and it wasn't your fault. Finally you received a fair compensation of money called an accident structured settlement. It may have taken years to get your accident case settled. Pain and suffering was almost intolerable. Now you are starting to get better. Accident structured settlements often come with cash up front to cover most of your immediate bills and then the rest of the settlement is scheduled out for payments. The time is over 5, 10 or 20 years depending on the settlement. This may have sounded good when you finalized the settlement in court, but now the money is not adding up well for you. Your accident structured settlement may be paying you $600 per month for the next 15 years. This may seem good in the start, but now after injuries start to heal you find out that other long-term injuries may have set in the terms seem bad now. You may have to go to chiropractor or message every week these related new expenses add up over time. You may have to go to therapy every week, buy special equipment and pay for transportation. You may have spent money from your savings, 401k, family funds, and just a few years after the accident you may be out of saved money. Other expenses can be on:

Side treatments
Intermittent time off and other injury rehab costs
Education costs
Household expenses may need to be paid from past due amounts
New home or mortgage payments
Furniture
Disaster recovery
Medical bills piled up
Transportation

Over the last few years the injuries from your accident may have stopped your ability to do house repairs, lawn work and other past easy things. These once easy things now cost more money to get done you can't do them yourself anymore. The bills after the accident may have piled up again from the abilities that you have lost. The $600 per month now doesn't go very far. Because of off and on injury pain, consistent work may have been impossible. So the bills continue to pile up. You think enough is enough! There are accident structured settlement cash solutions. Many people like you are getting their life back now with new changes in the law. Years after your accident you find out you need more money again just to get out of the fast hole you have gotten into. make sure you get all your questions answered when talking to these companies. It is very important that they explain clearly your rights and your state's options. Make sure a reasonable lump sum is offered for your future payments.

Check online for Present Value of Money calculators to cross check the company's offers. Only do a deal with a well established finance company or one that you are sure you can trust. Now the laws are updated so that it permits a judge's court order for the need of cash. Finally, you get the cash and clear head resolution you need from your accident structured settlement. Until recently accident structured settlements were pretty much locked in to the low payments over the specified term. As of 2008 most states permit by a court order, payments to be exchanged for cash. Now the state laws have updated and people are now in most states able to sell their accident structured settlement future payments to a factoring finance company for large amounts of cash though it would be less than the long term value of your payments.

This is great news so you can now get out of the financial mess from piled up bills. There are many factoring finance companies trying to buy injury settlements, just Google the phrase- Accident Structured Settlements - and you'll see a whole bunch of companies advertising to buy your future settlement annuity payments. More sites that talk about purchasing of future settlement payments in exchange for a lump sum that I found on Google include: a Structured Settlement Finance site, Stone Street, J G Wentworth, PPI Cash- structured settlement funding, Peachtree Funding, Novation Capital and many others. Search on Google to see the many like these. The settlements are mostly in the form of an annuity.

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Financial Security through Structured Settlements

Structured settlements have become a natural part of personal injury and worker's compensation claims in the United States, according to the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA). In 2001, life insurance members of NSSTA wrote more than $6.05 billion of issued annuities as settlement for physical injury claims. This represents a 19 percent increase over 2000.

A structured settlement is the dispersement of money for a legal claim where all or part of the arrangement calls for future periodic payments. The money is paid in regular installments--annually, semi-annually or quarterly--either for a fixed period or for the lifetime of the claimant. Depending on the needs of the individual involved, the structure may also include some immediate payment to cover special damages. The payment is usually made through the purchase of an annuity from a Life insurance Company.

A structured settlement structure can provide long-term financial security to injury victims and their families through a stream of tax-free payments tailored to their needs. Historically, they were first utilized in Canada and the United States during the 1970s as an alternative to lump-sum payments for injured parties. A structured settlement can also be used in situations involving lottery winnings and other substantial funds.

How a Structured Settlement Works
When a plaintiff settles a case for a large sum of money, the defendant, the plaintiff's attorney, or a financial planner may propose paying the settlement in installments over time rather than in a single lump sum.

A structured settlement is actually a tradeoff. The individuals who were injured and/or their parents or guardians work with their lawyer and an outside broker to determine future medical and living needs. This includes all upcoming operations, therapy, medical devices and other health care needs. Then, an annuity is purchased and held by an independent third party that makes payments to the person who has been injured. Unlike stock dividends or bank interest, these structured settlement payments are completely tax-free. What's more, the individual's annuity grows tax-free.

Pros and Cons

As with anything, there's a positive and negative side to structure settlements. One significant advantage is tax avoidance. When appropriately set up, a structured settlement may significantly reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations (as a result of the settlement). Another benefit is that a structured settlement can help ensure a plaintiff has the funds to pay for future care or needs. In other words, a structured settlement can help protect a plaintiff from himself.

Let's face it: Some people have a hard time managing money, or saying no to friends and family wanting to "share the wealth." Receiving money in installment can make it last longer.

A downside to structure settlements is the built-in structure (no pun intended). Some people may feel restricted by periodic payments. For example, they may want to buy a new home or other expensive item, yet lack the funds to do so. They can't borrow against future payments under their settlement, so they're stuck until their next installment payment arrives.
And from an investment perspective, a structured settlement may not make the most sense for everyone. Many standard investments can provide a greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements. So some people may be better off accepting a lump sum settlement and then investing it for themselves.

Here are some other important points to keep in mind about structured settlements: An injured person with long-term special needs may benefit from having periodic lump sums to purchase medical equipment. Minors may benefit from a structured settlement that provides for certain costs when they're young--such as educational expenses--instead of during adulthood.

Special Considerations

- Injured parties should be wary of potential exploitation or hazards related to structured settlements. They should carefully consider:

- High Commissions - Annuities can be highly profitable for insurance companies, and they often carry very large commissions. It is important to ensure that the commissions charged in setting up a structured settlement don't eat up too much of its principal.

- Inflated Value - Sometimes, the defense will overstate the value of a negotiated structured settlement. As a result, the plaintiff winds up with much less than was agreed upon. Plaintiffs should compare the fees and commissions charged for similar settlement packages by a variety of insurance companies to make sure that they're getting full value.

- Conflict of Interest - There have been situations where the plaintiff's attorney has referred the client to a particular financial planner to set up a structured settlement, without disclosing he would receive a referral fee. In other cases, the plaintiff's lawyer has set up a structured settlement on behalf of a client without revealing the annuities are being purchased from his own insurance business. Plaintiffs should know what financial interest their lawyer may have in relation to any financial services being provided or recommended.

- Using Multiple Insurance Companies - It's advisable to purchase annuities for a structured settlement from several different companies. This offers protection in the event a company that issued annuities for a settlement package goes into bankruptcy and defaults.

Benefits of Selling A Settlement

A structured settlement is specifically designed to meet the needs of the plaintiff at the time it's created. But what happens if the installment arrangement no longer works for the individual? If you need cash for a large purchase or other expenses, consider selling your structured settlement. Many companies can purchase all or part of your remaining periodic settlement payments for one lump sum. This can boost your cash flow by providing funds you can use immediately to buy a home, pay college tuition, invest in a business or pay off debt.

If you're considering cashing out your structured settlement, contact your attorney first. Depending on the state you live in, you may have to go to court to get approval for the buyout. About two thirds of states have laws that limit the sale of structured settlements, according to the NSSTA. Tax-free structured settlements are also subject to federal restrictions on their sale to a third party, and some insurance companies won't assign or transfer annuities to third parties.

When selling your structure settlement, check with multiple companies to make sure that you get the highest payoff. Also, be sure the company buying your settlement is reputable and well-established. And keep in mind that if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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How the Structured Settlement Protection Act Can Help You

Before we go into the details of the structured settlement act and how you can take advantage of this act it is important that you understand what structured settlement is. When you get compensation as a part of the settlement of a lawsuit then many times either your financial settlement or the defendant would offer to pay the compensation in parts or as deferred payment over a set period of time.

However this structured payment is governed by certain guidelines and there are also benefits that you can have through the Structured Settlement Protection Act. Now let us see how this important Act can help you.

The Structured Settlement Protection Act has a number of sections and it depends on you as to how you cash the act for your benefit. can be of help are mentioned below:

Selling or transferring the settlement payments: If you wish then you could opt to sell the settlement payments as a part of the act. There are professional companies in the market that take interest in buying payments from you. They offer you lump sum money in return of you selling them the right of your settlement. However, this is done only after the consent of both the parties.

It is also important that you compare the different offers that can be tentatively available for you when you sell the settlement payments and then apply for the one that offers you the best deal. Selling settlement payments can happen in a number of cases like when you are in an urgent need of lump sum cash; the payer of the structured settlement is filing for bankruptcy etc. In such cases you can sell the settlement payments to a firm who can later on collect the money from the payer and you can get the amount that you should have got.

The Structured Settlement Protection Act has been framed in public interest and has safeguarded the interests of the person who is receiving the structured payments. The company that is buying your settlement payments would definitely look for its own advantage and hence it is important that you take advice from a financial consultant who can guide you and have your rights protected.

Payment should be approved by the State Court: To make it advantageous for the person receiving settlement payments the transaction that is supposed to undergo settlement should be approved by the state court so that it can be determined whether the settlement is in the benefit of the receiver or not.

Getting lump sum payments: The Structured Settlement Protection Act calls for the client to get professional financial consulting after getting every transaction from the payer to know what future effect it would have on his/her life. Also you can opt to get the entire settlement as lump sum payment.

The structured settlement protection act is formed by; keeping in mind the benefit of the client but it is always advised that you seek professional help before taking any decision regarding your structured payments.

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Selling a Structured Settlement

A structured settlement is a regular payment schedule of money that is owed to you. Usually it is a case that you have won the money in a law court and you have a regular payment coming to you. In such a manner you will likely have turned down a lump sum of the full value to receive the money in such a settlement - for any number of reasons including tax breaks. For most people this will mean that they get a monthly payment from an insurance company, as part of a personal injury compensation for example. Such a structured payment will be guaranteed via a number of means.

Selling policies

But whilst you may have decided to receive the repayments by monthly installments rather than one lump sum times change. For many people the recent recession has meant that financially times are hard, harder than when they agreed to the settlement. Because such times change what was the right call to change a lump sum into a monthly payment it could easily be the wrong call now. But a structured settlement is enshrined in law once it is agreed - you can not change your mind and get the money in one lump sum now, you are stuck getting the regular installments.

So is there no way of getting the money?

Well you can always sell the structured settlement policy. How you do it depends on the laws in the state or country that you are in - but the majority of states allow for the selling of structured settlement policies, with a variety of legal regulations that have to be met. For specific advice about the laws in your area you will need to talk to legal experts. Companies exist that are happy to buy the settlements for you. Most of them will be experts in doing so - and will have the knowledge needed to walk you through the process. It will take experts because in most states you will need court approval to be able to sell the settlement.

Consider your options

When you are selling structured settlement payment plans you need to give it serious consideration before going through the process. Companies that buy such plans are obviously not doing so for the benefit of the person they are buying from - they are doing it because they are looking to make money.

The way they will make that money is by paying you less than the amount you would have got over the life of the settlement. Their profit will come by paying you x amount (where x is less than the amount you would receive) and then claiming the full amount - can be as much as 30% difference (and sometimes more) between what they pay you and what you would have received. This makes selling settlement solutions a difficult decision. It can give you the lump sum that you need, but at a price you may not want to pay. Consider your current situation and need for money carefully before making a decision.

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