guide to selling structured settlements

things you should know before selling structured settlements

2008-06-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to sell annuity, you have to first learn about the ins and outs of the trade. Sell annuity settlement through the right channels and you should get the best deal out of it. There are many financial institutions buying annuity settlement these days. It is just a matter of dealing with the right people.

There are a lot of things you have to know before you sell your annuity. First off, you have to know the actual amount as to how much the company is willing to buy your annuity. These companies won't simply add up what you are projected to get in the next few years. Of course, they want to earn from the transaction so they'll deduct some inflation rate factors, commissions, and service charge. You are also going to shoulder all the legal fees required by the transaction. All in all, you should not expect to be paid 100% of your still payable amount. Roughly, you are going to get anywhere from 75% to 90% of it.

With that said, you should make a survey as to which company is going to deduct the lesser amount of money for your annuity settlement. The less charges you incur, the more proceeds you get. But more than money, you have to consider other factors as well.

One good factor to consider would be the length of time you have to wait until the check is cleared. Will the company buying your annuity settlement going to write off a check for you or are they merely middle who would be looking for another interested party? If the company is going to invest on your annuity, then you can expect the transactions to be a lot faster. Otherwise, you have to wait several months until everything is taken cared of.

Annuity settlements are usually obtained from insurance claims. If you were involved in an accident and the injuring party agreed to paying you off through an annuity settlement, then that means you are entitled to receiving a certain amount of money every year until after the agreed settlement account is achieved. How long and how you're going to receive depends upon the agreement between you and the other party.

Once the annuity settlement is final, that's when you would have the choice to either sell it or just leave it as is. Getting $10,000 yearly is a good enough offer. But if you can possible cash in the whole amount of the annuity, lets say for $100,000, then you will definitely have more use of the bigger amount than the mere $10,000.

This is the reason why a lot of people consider selling their annuity settlement. Getting a big amount of money right on less all the expenses incurred is a lot more preferable than having to wait for years. However, you should be very careful when entering deals like these. You should make sure that you transact only with a trustworthy financial agent that have been doing this job for years. He or she also has to be duly associated to a reputable company.

Since a big amount of money is involved you have to proceed with caution all the time. Sell annuity settlement fast and easy. It is your way of getting the full amount as agreed.

When emergency arises, people need to have money immediately; they cannot wait for their annuity payments. It is a good thing then that there are various companies in the market that are willing to buy your structured settlement annuity so you can have cash when you need it most.

There are various reasons why people decide to sell structured settlement annuity; some do it voluntarily while others do it because they have no other choice. Whatever the reason though, having an annuity payment buyer to turn to in time of need is definitely a welcome option for anyone concerned.

Basically, what you need to understand about structured settlements is that they are just financial agreements wherein compensation from insurance settlements will be paid using an annuity. This can be in the form of regularly scheduled payment installment over a period of time instead of being paid bulk payout. A lot of people decide to sell the annuity payments from this kind of structure because they want to be free of the restriction of waiting for the disbursement.

Some people prefer to receive lump sum because they need it for their children's education, starting a business, or a medical emergency. You don't need to be concerned that selling your deferred payment from the structured settlement annuity is illegal because it is allowed in both federal as well as state laws.

You might be curious as to how insurance settlements are structured though; you need to realize that insurance companies purchases annuity with a lesser amount compared to your original settlements. The annuity will pay in a combination of the principal amount and the interest rate over a certain period of time until it earns enough for your monthly payment. But with the option to sell your annuity, you can sell your future payments immediately and be free of the disbursement schedule that was imposed by your structured settlement.

There are different types of structured settlements that an individual is allowed to sell. In fact even medical malpractice settlement, personal injury settlement, product liability settlement, or from a wrongful death settlement can be sold. So the questions most people want to ask are now answered. Because yes, you can receive lump sum cash for shared, partial, or even complete buyouts depending on the plan you choose.

Take note though that you should submit relevant documents for you to be able to sell structured settlement annuity. These include the completed copy of the application, the annuity policy documents, the extended release or the settlement agreement, a recent copy of the annuity check or stub, your tax return, two identification cards (one must have a photo), marriage license if applicable, divorce decree if applicable, a copy if the Will and Probate document if applicable, and copies of any assignment, revisions, and other papers that are related to the structured settlement annuity.

Meeting these requirements is actually quite easy if you have all documents at hand. If you decide to sell structured settlement annuity to an interested company, you should do some research on their rates because you may find another company that can buy your annuity at a higher rate.

But remember that most of all, you should be assured that the company you are dealing with is really reliable so that you can get the cash you need right away.

INDEX

2008-06-17T06:15:00.001-07:00

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Don't Screw Up Selling Your Structured Settlement - Stay Clear of These Common, Costly Blunders

2008-05-10T23:29:00.002-07:00

Selling a structured settlement is a major financial decision and as such, shouldn't be taken lightly. Ideally you would want to hold onto your structured settlement and continue receiving payments as-is since that will give you the most money in the long run. Selling all or part of your structured settlement might cost you some of the the earning you would have received down the road, but if you need to raise some fast cash, this can be a viable option.

But before you sell your structured settlement, you should be aware of some of the pitfalls people run into. These are very common mistakes people make when selling a structured settlement but by reading this article and understanding them, you'll be less likely to make the same mistakes.

Mistake #1: Not Knowing Your Financial Needs FIRST

The first mistake most people make is simply not knowing exactly what their financial needs are, why they're selling their structured settlement and how much money they actually need. Often times when we get in a cash crunch it's easy to let emotions and stress run our decisions, but it's extremely important to take inventory of exactly what your financial situation is and why you need to sell your structured settlement.

It may turn out that you can get by just fine by selling only part of the settlement rather than the whole thing. This will not only leave you with a steady stream of income over the life of the settlement (although less than before) but you'll end up with more money, in total, at the end of the term of the settlement.

Too often people simply sell the entire settlement and end up taking a significant loss and possibly having more money than they really needed or can effectively manage. That money might be better used by keeping it inside the structured settlement. So be sure to know exactly what your needs are prior to looking for a structured settlement buyer.

Mistake #2: Choosing The Lender Based On How Much They Offer

Sure, on the surface it makes sense that you would want to go with the lender than offers you the most money. That's obviously the best option in most financial transactions. However, look at the analogy of selling a house. You have multiple buyers all bidding on your place. Some probably seem more qualified than others. But what happens if you accept a bid from a buyer who simply wanted to offer whatever it took to get the property off the market. They may have no idea if they qualify, have no idea how they're going to get the money, and everyone ends up wasting time. Then they might start asking for concessions, lowering their price, asking if you can throw in the furniture or whatever. You end up being stuck with a buyer how just isn't serious and this can be a huge problem if you really need to sell fast.

Well the same applies when selling a structured settlement. You need your money fast! You don't have time to play the run around with a buyer who's just going to get you under contract with the lure of a high bid, only to turn the tables on you once you're stuck working with them. Unfortunately, this happens pretty often since lenders realize you're probably under the gun to get some cash in your pockets quickly. The best thing you can do to avoid this is to get several quotes from multiple lenders before making your final decision. It might take a little more time on the front end, but it will make for a much smoother process once you decide which lender to work with.

Mistake #3: Taking the Lender at Their Word When They Promise a Quick Closing

This is another one of those things that can be easily avoided with proper planning. That way, you're not dependent on a quick closing or enticed by the lenders promises to do so. The fact of the matter is that state law, rather than the lender's prowess, determines how long it will take to close on your transaction. In general, plan on at least a month for your closing to take place. At the extreme end, it can take four months or more, depending on the state in which you and your lender are located.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When You Sell a Structured Insurance Settlement

2008-05-10T23:29:00.001-07:00

Many people receiving payments from structured insurance settlements often wish they could get their money in a lump sum amount instead of receiving payments for what seems like forever. However, most do not realize that is a very real option for someone that wants to break free from the periodic payments of a structured settlement. If someone is really interested in selling a structured settlement for a lump sum of cash, there are a few common mistakes they should avoid.

Mistake #1 – Being too Hasty

Being in a hurry is often a bad idea when it comes to financial dealings. It is when we are rushed to complete something that we do not read the fine print and practice our due diligence in a business transaction. The same is true when selling a structured insurance settlement. Do not let the promise of a big check cause you to make rash decisions that are not necessarily in your best interest. In this process, it is better to take your time, research various companies, and choose wisely before you get caught up with a company that does not have your best interest at heart.

Mistake #2 – Wasting the Money from the Sale

Structured insurance settlements are designed to save people from themselves. They are meant to keep people from frivolously spending all of their money and being left with nothing. Show financial responsibility when making decisions with your newfound wealth.

Mistake #3 – Not Educating Yourself

You do not have to know every detail of the process of selling a structured settlement; however, if you have no knowledge, you are likely to be taken for a ride. You have heard the saying, “knowledge is power” - this is true in many realms of life, including selling an insurance settlement. Take the time to know what you are talking about to be sure to get the best deal possible.

Questions To Ask A Structured Settlement Buyer

2008-05-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right structured settlement buyer can seem like a daunting task but if you know the right questions to ask and the important information to obtain, this process can be relatively painless.

While the highest quote from any potential buyer may look tempting, you need to be comfortable with the company and its reputation before choosing a buyer. Selling a structured settlement can be a complicated legal process; you need to know the company can be successful in obtaining your money. Don't be afraid to question anything that appears suspicious. If they can't answer questions to your satisfaction, then it might be time to look at other buyers. Remember it's your money!

Here is a list of questions to ask and items to know about any potential structured settlement buyer:

1) How long have they been in business?

2) Is their contact and business information verifiable?

3) Are they bonded or insured?

4) What is their underwriting criteria?

5) How is their Better Business Bureau rating?

6) Do they handle your type of structured settlement?

7) How many structured settlement purchases do they do a year?

8) Are they familiar with your local courts and state practices?

9) What is their success rate in obtaining structure settlement requests in your state?

10) How will they price your structured settlement?

11) What discount rate did they use in the quote?

12) Can they provide a time table for the process?

13) Do they use multiple financing sources for your quote?

14) Are they a principal or a broker?

15) Are they associated or member of a larger corporation?

16) Do they have a privacy policy?

17) Are they members of trade and professional organizations?

18) Are they professional in all communications and business presence?

* Please consult a lawyer, licensed insurance agent, securities broker, or other financial professional for advice regarding your personal situation.

Sell Structured Settlement Payments

2008-05-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

An injury or an accident can be very devastating, considering the expenses that you will have to pay, especially if you need to rest and can’t work for a couple of months or years.

The good thing is that structured settlements now form part of personal injury claims, as well as worker’s compensation claims. Structured settlements are payments given to the injured claimant in regular installments. You can receive these annually, semiannually or quarterly, depending on the terms that you and the insurance company have agreed on.

The benefit of having these structured settlement payments over the lump sum amount is that you can actually pay your present expenses and future ones. However, because of the continuous increase in prices, you eventually need more money, especially if unexpected expenses arise such as healthcare costs and other fees. Or maybe you need money for a college education or for a new business venture. You may decide to sell your structured settlement payments.

A lot of people choose to sell their structured settlement payments for an immediate need. Even if these payments provide enough, it is long-term financial security. If you need to pay something urgently, you have to sell to get a lump sum amount. But you have to take note that it is not easy to sell these payments. You have to secure a court order first before you can start looking for brokers to give you quotes.

Talking to your attorney is the first thing that you should do if you are considering selling your structured settlement payments. Your attorney can help you determine if it is really a wise move. If there is indeed a need, then the attorney can help you go through the process of securing a court order, so you can sell the structured settlement payments.

Best Way To Sell Structured Settlement Payment For a Lump Sum of Cash

2008-05-10T23:25:00.002-07:00

More and more people are choosing to sell structured settlement payment rather than receive their monthly annuities. Why? Because money today is always worth more than money tomorrow, and some people like the certainty that comes with getting a lump sum of cash in hand.

What is a structured settlement? Essentially it is an agreement reached between an injury claimant and a defendant whereby the injured party is paid a certain amount of money every month for a certain period of time. It is referred to as an annuity, and this money is not subject to federal or state tax. It is usually advantageous to both parties, as the victim receives money every month to cover payments such as medical bills, rehabilitation, in-home care, etc. and the payor is able to settle the case and spread payments over a period of months or years to soften the blow.

However, for many people selling structured settlement notes makes sense. They might be at retirement age, need to make a big purchase or stumble upon an amazing investment opportunity. As such, a lump sum would be much more useful to them rather than small payments coming in every month. Even though the lump sum would be less than the total settlement amount, investing that money in even at a moderate rate of return could yield many times the initial amount.

That's why selling structured settlements is appealing. Also, you don't have to sell the entire note, you could sell a portion of it, called a partial, and retain the rest of the payments for yourself. That way you get a lump sum of cash for whatever you need it for and the residual income of the remaining annuity. There are other ways to arrange it as well and a qualified note buyer can spell out all of your options.

What will you get when you sell structured settlement payment?

Well that depends on a variety of factors that the note buyer takes into account when assessing your annuity. Some of these include the outstanding balance, inflation concerns, time span and financial strength of the payor. Remember, it has to make sense financially for the notebuyer as well. He or she is assuming your risk when you sell structured settlement payment to them...the payor can always default, inflation could decrease its worth, market conditions can take a turn for the worse. You never know what can happen.

As such, a lump sum today, even though it is less than the total amount of the structured settlement, is a guaranteed payment which essentially removes all of your risk exposure...that peace of mind you really can't put a price on!

So if you would rather have money in hand than a promissory note, you might want to sell structured settlement payment today and take advantage of a large lump sum of cash. Just make sure you find a qualified, reputable note buyer who can offer you the most when you're selling structured settlement annuities.

Sell Your Structured Settlements - Why, When and How!

2008-05-10T23:25:00.001-07:00

With a structured settlement, you do not simply get money at a regular interval to cover your basic living costs and other expenses like medical costs; you also have the option to sell the right at any point of time to get a lump sum amount to meet up sudden needs.

At the same time, you can also settle for periodic payment options to cover occasional costs like education, marriage if you have other means to support you in regular life. In reality, a structured settlement offers you enough flexibility to plan your income depending on your financial conditions.

To add to this, the amount you receive on a regular interval is completely free of federal or state tax. Whereas if you had taken a lump sum amount and invested them otherwise to earn a monthly income, you would have ended up in paying a big part of your earning as tax. For the last comment, we assume that the concerned person have invested the amount wisely.

These are reasons enough that people in general love to get a secured structured settlement instead of a onetime lump sum amount.

Nevertheless, here comes the crux – why, when and how do you sell your settlement in an urgent need! Say, you settled with your company for a monthly coverage option but all of a sudden, you got yourself deep in soup and needed some liquid cash urgently.

What would you do if you do not have any other option to support yourself with a lump sum amount! If this is not enough, you may find some people who sell their settlement to get lump sum amount to start their own business or to build their portfolio.

If there is no option left, you can sell the right of your structured settlement and Government allows you the provision to do so.

Many companies purchase the structured settlement rights at a discount price. The amount you can get depends on your attorney’s negotiation skills and market reputation of your previous employer and other conditions. Often the settlement purchaser demand for a higher discount rate not only to cover all the risks involved in the process but also to draw a bigger profit margin.

There is a common misconception that you must sell all the annuities at one go. However, here you have all the flexibilities to sell your annuities partially and thus you can sell only as much as needed to overcome the immediate expenditure. The rest can be left, as it is, to cover your regular expenditure.

The first thing you need to do is to hire a professional financial advisor and/or an attorney to get the best

deal for you. An attorney can guide you further through the legal procedures like

Strategies for Handling a Structured Settlement Cash Award

2008-05-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

Many consider research to be dull and often boring. But some people love doing it. And few in this rare group are also skilled writers who present their results in an engaging and entertaining manner. Like the author of this article on structured settlement cash award.

Read it, and you'll see how nicely fact and skillful writing are woven into a nice little article that is instructive and useful.

A structured settlement involves cash payments on a regular schedule from one party to another as a result of a legal judgment or binding arbitration (or even a simple agreement between the two parties to avoid a legal confrontation). For many recipients, the lure of a big lump sum of structured settlement cash in their hands right away is overwhelming.

Enter structured settlement cash companies. They offer to buy structured settlements in return for one big payout to the recipient of the settlement. They make their money, of course, by offering only a percentage of the total settlement amount in return for giving the recipient a bundle of cash at one time. This happens all the time, although some critics believe it is borderline illegal, or at the very least distasteful.

If you're in this situation and you decide to pursue a lump sum alternative, do your homework! Investigate the structured settlement cash company's history thoroughly. Check with the Better Business Bureau, search the Internet, and by all means, hire a competent attorney. There are some tricky legal issues at play in these cases, and you don't want to have problems later on with the law or the structured settlement cash broker with whom you've made these arrangements.

It's smart to take some time after you learn that you'll be getting structured settlement cash to get over the emotional high and return to more rational thinking. There is much to recommend keeping the structured settlement as is - that is, taking regular payments over time instead of selling the settlement for fast cash. One advantage is the tax shelter an annuity provides. You can set it up, with the help of a skilled attorney, so that it provides you with payments that are tax-free.

Now, pay attention closely. What you're about to read will help you save hours of frustrating, wasted hunting, and let you hone in on some of the best material on this subject of structured settlement cash award!

However, often there are high fees associated with the management of an annuity. While the fees seldom come close to equalling the tax advantages, some people simply prefer a large lump sum in hand. Reasons include wanting to make a big purchase they've been putting off, such as a new home, or to pay down delinquent taxes or medical bills.

If you choose to sell your structured settlement cash award for a lump sum payout, it's vitally important to hire a lawyer. Don't let the $ signs in your eyes overrule the reasoning part of your brain. Slick companies have been known to settle with some folks for as little as one-third of the total amount of the structured settlement cash award! Those companies rely on a significant number of people who jump before thinking it through. This is why an attorney is so crucial. He or she can help keep you in the right frame of mind.

Other reasons to enlist the aid of a trained structured cash settlement lawyer include dealing with certain legal restrictions, tax implications, and related obstacles. It varies from state to state, so be careful. Whatever you decide to do with your structured settlement cash, arming yourself with the correct information for your situation is the key.

A Better Way to Sell A Structured Settlement - Via Auction

2008-05-10T23:23:00.002-07:00

Structured settlements were introduced in Canada and the United States in the 1970's. They were introduced as an alternative to lump sum payments, common in insurance settlements and lottery winnings. In the decades since, they have also been accepted as legal financial instruments in England and Australia. The aforementioned common law countries have decided to include structured settlements in their statutory tort laws. These four countries handle tort law and the settlement packages a little bit differently, but the general overall definition applies across the board. In a nutshell, a structured settlement by legal definition is a statutory agreement to pay a specified sum of money over a period of time, on a payment system.

Payment Arrangements

When someone wins a court settlement (or if they settle the case beforehand), the insurance company often gives the winner a choice of taking a specified amount of money in a lump sum, or a bit more money if the insurance company can enter into a structured settlement arrangement. Of course, it is in the insurance companies best interest to pay the claimant in a structured settlement, because the insurance company can earn interest, during the structured payment cycle, on the full sum of money it would have paid in a lump sum.

The insurance company wins in the profit game, when they get to enter into a structured settlement. They will be able to invest the full sum of money owed, and they get to earn interest or dividends on the money in hand during the payment period.

Structured settlements are most often paid out in the form of an annuity over a period of time. An annuity is also legally classified as a financial instrument. Once again, the financial institution will gain an additional financial advantage, because they can collect interest or earn other kinds of income on the bulk amount, during the payment period.

Annuity & Structured Settlement Buyouts

Structured Settlements for a great deal of clients are the ideal solution. Payments spread out over a period of time allow clients to balance their finances and pay bills in the years to come. Some people get their settlement payments $300, $1000 or even more each month. Sometimes they may include lump sum payments many years in the future. This is fine as long as their life is humming along and their bills are being paid. Yet, circumstances sometimes get in the way, and people need the lump sum cash right away to solve some issue that has come up in their lives.

Because both annuities and structured payments are a legally-binding financial agreement, those items can potentially be transferred to another person under the terms of the laws that have been set up to manage these financial products. But, when faced with a serious financial crunch, some people hastily sell their annuities and structured settlements to the first company who would be willing to buy them for a lump sum amount. These companies who are willing to buy-out annuities and structured payments are commonly referred to as "Factoring" companies, because they use "Factors" to determine how much future payments are currently worth, and how much they should buy them for.

The Standard Method of Selling A Structured Settlement - Persistence and Patience (not always used)

We have all seen the countless ads on TV from a various companies, "Get Lump Sum Cash Now." For years, people have turned to factoring companies in their time of financial need. Smart consumers will learn from the insurance companies. Have you ever been involved in a car wreck? The insurance company requires for you to get three estimates and then they will pay the company that offers them the best deal.

The smart consumer will also invest a little bit more of his or her time to make sure they get the best deal for their annuity or structured settlement. They will call at least three factoring companies and get competitive bids from each. Then they will go back to the three aforementioned companies and see if any are willing to beat their best offer. It can be tiring and time-consuming to follow through in this process, but for the average person, it could be worth several thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars in one's bank account at the end of the process.

The Better Method of Selling a Structured Settlement - Open Marketplace Auction

A new service has been introduced by Quote Me A Price.com (QMAP). This website allows Structured Settlement owners the ability to list details of their payments, and receive cash bids directly from Top-Rated Funding firms. The process is relatively simple. Clients sign up for a free account and list the details of the payments they receive. Once an account is created and the details of the payment arrangement are known, Funding Firms can log in and make cash bids directly on the purchase of the settlement. Each firm can see the current highest cash offer, and if they wish to beat it with a higher cash price, they can do so. Sellers do not need to worry about being called countless times by salespeople because the contact information of the settlement owner is not shared. When a factoring company makes a cash bid on the settlement, QMAP notifies the settlement owner of the new bid via email. Having settlement buyers compete in an open marketplace lowers the profit margin for funding firms, and forces the lowest possible discount rates to be applied when funding companies compete to buy future payments. This in turn ensures that clients can get the maximum amount of money back from their settlement.

The Importance of Comparison Shopping (actual Quote Me A Price.com client)

Two siblings had been receiving separate, but identical annuity payouts in the form of a structured settlement from an accidental family member death. Sibling one got into a financial crunch. When this happened, sibling one called a "Factoring Company." She was offered a lump sum buyout, and although the offer was much lower than the value of the settlement, sibling number one didn't realize the importance of shopping the competition, and sold her settlement for $70,000. Sibling number two heard about the buyout and thought that it would be nice to have her cash now also. But, sibling number two was not as desperate for an immediate buyout. Sibling number two took the time to shop around for a better deal. Sibling two managed to uncover Quote Me A Price.com, and they helped to secure the best offer possible. Sibling number one got a $70,000 buyout and was initially happy with her cash buyout. Sibling number two came to QMAP with the same initial $70,000 buyout offer for the settlement. After working with QMAP, sibling number two got offered $100,000 for the same settlement sibling number one sold for $70,000. Sibling number two sold her settlement for $100,000 to JG Wentworth who is an auction partner in the QMAP service. While sibling number two did get the best possible deal, sibling number one unfortunately has to live with the fact knowing that she made a $30.000 mistake by not shopping the competition.

In Conclusion

Your structured settlement or annuity is the foundation of your financial future. If you find yourself in financial need now, you should at the very least give yourself a couple more weeks to shop your deal to the competition. You might be telling yourself that you cannot afford to wait, but the truth is that you cannot afford to take the first bid that you are offered. In some cases, jumping at the first offer could be the equivalent of financial suicide to a structured settlement owner.

So, be patient and persistent in the process of finding a buyer for your settlement. And remember, if you are willing to negotiate with a car dealer on the price you pay for a car, then there should be no reason in the world that you should not negotiate with a factoring company when you are looking for a buy-out of your settlement.

Pros And Cons Of Selling Your Structured Settlement Future Payment

2008-05-10T23:23:00.001-07:00

While structured settlements are always meant for securing you’re a stable income in long term, you do not need to limit yourself with the periodic payment. You can, instead of getting a periodic payment, sell your entire or part of your future structured settlement payments. In exchange of the future periodic annuity, you will get a big lump sum of instant cash when your settlement is sold.

There are both pros and cons in selling structured settlement. As the structured settlement buyers are in the business of money making, you should bargain for the best deal and maximize the money you can get from your annuity.

What’s good in structured settlement selling?

As mentioned above, structured settlement meant for securing one’s income in long term. In most cases, structured settlement recipients are those who lost part of their working ability and could not generate the same amount of income like they used to be. The idea of structured settlement system is to balance back the losses on the income column of their financial balance sheet.

The structured system sounds perfect for those who are too lazy or incapable to make good financial plans, but it is actually a huge waste of opportunity cost. Imagine if you have a big sum of money instead of periodic payment, investing the money wisely in mutual fund, blue chips stocks or real estate might have secure you a much better income than the original plan.

Imagine if you have a good business idea, selling the structured settlement gives you instant money modal. Say the real estate market crush and you see properties are on half-price sales; wouldn’t it be better to have the money in lump sum? If you are suffering high interest home mortgage, wouldn’t it better to payback the loan and save for the interest?

Long story short, selling structured settlement gives positive impacts to your financial balance sheet as long as you are using the money at the right place.

What are the disadvantages then?

When it comes to bringing more greens into your pocket, Uncle Sam has his eyes (and hands) there. A structured settlement payment is not taxable and it does not affect your social benefits at all. However, if you sell your future settlement payment, every penny you earn with that lump sum of money is taxable. Say you started your business after selling your annuity, the money earn from the business is taxable. So do the money you earn from share dividend, estate investment, or mutual fund.

Wrapping things up

Generally, considering the pros and cons listed above, a selling decision should be made based on the potential impact to your financial balance sheet. If selling your structured settlement tends to generate more income for you, then sell it; else, if you are selling the future payment in your structured settlement for some expensive luxurious (for example, a sport car) that lead to more expenses (the fuel and high maintenance fees), then perhaps you should think twice in using that money.

Cashing Out An Annuity

2008-05-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes to save their money and watch it grow. It's a great feeling to know you've put a little something away for a rainy day, a little bit for the children once you're gone, or a little something for that hobby or retirement pastime.

Historically, cashing out stocks, bonds, or mutual funds was easier than cashing out an annuity. And if that annuity was already paying out sums to you, if was more than likely you were stuck with it. That was the past and thankfully, it's not that way anymore. It is possible now for people with annuities to sell them off in most any shape and get a lump sum for them.

Still, there are several good reasons why it's not a good idea to start shopping around for a company when cashing out an annuity. First off watch the payment dates closely. An annuity that will pay you $100,000 dollars in 2015, is not going to pay that much if you try to cash it out today. Often, if you try and cash out early, you'll be lucky to get one quarter of what you might at the payout date.

The bottom line is another serious consideration. You could lose up to half of your annuity by cashing it out early, and although that example is high end, you really need to ask yourself if losing any large amount is worth it. Beyond medical emergencies and other crisis type pratfalls, it's easy and sometimes the wrong thing to look at the short-term gain at the expense of long-term stability. Always ask yourself rationally if what you are getting is worth what you are giving up.

You should also read the fine print carefully. Cashing out your annuity could easily cost you in terms of charges, fees and taxes that you didn't initially consider. Here's some things to consider before you make any decision.

If you're under 59 years of age, a 10% penalty on the taxable portion of the annuity is forfeited to the IRS. That's the price you pay for not taking advantage of the IRS tax treatment portion of the annuity. And there's no easy way to get around the cash penalty. If you buy another annuity it won't matter. Since the cash has already passed through your hands, the tax penalty will still hold.

There are several other alternatives to cashing out that annuity. The 1035 exchange is one of these where you can exchange one kind of annuity for another but obviously that doesn't help those people with cash flow problems that need to get their hands on some money fast.

Looking into waivers is another option to ward off those kinds of tax penalties describe above. Again, read the fine print. Some of these annuities allow for withdrawals without penalties for serious illness or nursing home confinements. Under some of these circumstances, some insurers will allow you to take out as much as 10 to 15 percent.

Buyers Of Structured Settlements

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You can invest your money in structured settlements or you can also offer the same to buyers of structured settlements as a kind of compensation for the damage suffered by an individual. If you want then you can sell a portion or the entire settlement in turn for a huge amount of money. On the other hand, you can also use the settlement for the purpose of cyclic payments.

Most of the time people sell such an investment when they face health related or legal emergencies. Thus, buyers should think of these entire issues prior to opting for a structured settlement. In case of a person suffering from injury, the settlement provided to him should be sufficient to pay for the medical expenditures and the everyday necessities of the family of the injured person. The situation should never arise where the sufferer would have to sell a portion or the entire settlement to cover these expenditures.

Prior to purchasing this investment, buyers should speak to structured settlement brokers as well as legal representatives. It is the main job of the broker to deal in these settlements and as such, the suggestion of a broker will be helpful. Buyers of structured settlements have to think carefully regarding the various offers offered in the market. They can get a lot of information regarding such offers from the broker. The broker can give buyers advice regarding the different deals offered and he will also tell them the deal, which will be great for any situation. Since the brokers assist in the sale of structured settlement, they are in the position to ask for maximum gain for buyers.

If buyers intend to buy the settlement as a kind of investment for periodical payments then they should look out for the best offer. If they purchase the settlement with the assistance of a broker then buyers of structured settlements will be able to cover all the required expenditures.

This kind of investment will suit the minors the best, as the buyers of structured settlements will be able to receive a huge sum of money when they reach the age of consent. Thus, the minors should purchase this kind of settlement

How to Sell Structured Settlements

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Structured settlement is defined as a legal contract wherein an individual makes payments in exchange for a release of liability. It could be the outcome of a personal damage or some other form of injunction. The payment is done over a period of time in fixed installments rather than a lump sum amount.

There are various situations that entail selling of structured payments. Individuals may resort to this option when they are faced with a personal injury or crisis in terms of an accident, divorce proceedings, the loss of a job or a medical emergency. The most viable option for finance in such situations is the liquidation of a part of the structured payment.

The first step in the process of selling a structured settlement is to create an information file with details such as the residing state, the insurance company party to the settlement and the payment schedule document. An individual possessing a structured settlement contract could approach a company that is interested in the purchase of the settlement for a lump sum payment.

In approximately two-thirds of the states in the U.S., the sale of structured payments is restricted. Additionally, tax-free settlements are liable to federal restrictions when the sale is to a third party. Insurance companies may not assign or transfer annuities to third parties. These factors discourage many from the sale of structured payments. The other factors that make selling of structured payments difficult are the individual's state of residence and the current status of the annuities.

The prime advantage in the sale of a structured payment settlement is the reduction in tax payment and in some cases, the total nullification of tax liabilities. The drawback of a structured payment is that they cannot be borrowed for use. The companies interested in buying a structured settlement typically look to profit from the purchase and hence the offers may be lesser than the expectations. In such a scenario, it is advisable to shop around and opt for the company that offers the highest price.

Structured settlements are a good source of finance when an individual finds himself in an unanticipated financial crisis. However, it is essential to ensure that the company is a well-established set-up with sufficient funding. Individuals should also consider consulting their attorneys prior to entering an agreement.

Five Reasons To Sell Structured Settlement Payments

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A structured settlement is a legal payout where someone who's been injured and otherwise hurt is given monetary compensation. A structured settlement annuity come in the form of a series of payments made over the course of a period of time. The bonus to this type of payment is that the aggrieved gets a steady stream of income coming in for a long period of time, the downfall of this type of settlement is that the person getting the funds might find themselves in a situation where they need a lump-sum for unexpected expenses or a big ticket item they might have their eyes on.

To consider the nature of some of the unexpected expenses someone receiving settlement payments can incur, one needs to consider the nature as to why people receive a structured annuity. Often, the settlement comes as the result of a court case where the claimant receives money as a result of some accident suffered. Often, these injuries can be severe enough the claimant could have serious medical conditions arise, conditions that might only show up after the person has settled there case.

They might need some quick money for an operation and selling off settlement annuity payments is a good way to get the cash owed to them in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. Of course, medical emergencies can quickly arise with any member of a family as well.

Another reason to sell off a structured settlement rings with a more positive note. As there are no legal reasons why a claimant cannot decide to sell off this asset, some of the more shrewd claimants keep an eye on the stocks and other markets to see if they can't transfer a lump sum from an annuity into another kind of moneymaker. Still, when considering this, it's important to realize that selling off a structured settlement will include a fee to the company helping you with the transaction.

Some of the people receiving a settlement annuity think about investing in something that's a little more tangible. A fair number of these claimants decide to buy homes with the proceeds from a structured settlement factoring transaction because the investment is something they can enjoy and pass along to their families when they pass on. Again, selling off these payments for this purpose demands careful attention to detail. Often, first time homeowners don't factor in all the little 'hidden' expenses that go with homeownership and these expenses can be especially worrisome when there's no stream of income coming in.

The final reason to sell off a structured settlement is perhaps the most realistic but at the same time the saddest. Often due to the nature of their injuries, people receiving structured settlements have shortened lifespans. So, it's not unusual for these people to want to take care of their families and cashing in a portion of their settlement annuity can help their families live a better life.

Guide to Selling a Structured Settlement

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Many people throughout the world have structured settlements or annuities with the desire of turning these future payments into a lump sum of cash. In other words they wish to sell their future or periodic payments.

This is SSQ's official guide to selling structured settlements.

1) Determine the exact amount of money that you need and the reason that you are cashing out your fixed income.

2) Next you need to find out your payment details. This can be accomplished by calling the company or entity that is making your periodic payments (usually an insurance company). For example, they will state you are receiving 146 additional payments of $500 per month.

3) With the payment details established, you will be able to estimate the total amount left to be paid. Most structured settlement factoring companies customize the payment plans for their clients. Perhaps you would like to sell the first half of your payments and keep the second half for some fixed income.

a) Discount rate- As defined by Wikipedia: The discount rate is based on the

future cash flow in lieu of the present value of the cash flow.

b) There are varied discount rates associated with each payment plan that

you choose. The payments that are further away will have a higher

discount rate and are worth less money.

4) After deciding which payment plan best suites your needs, it is time to find an ethical and trustworthy structured settlement factoring company.

a) Shopping around has been the most effective way to receive the most money for your structured settlement payments. Log on to this site to see the information needed to process your structured settlement quote. http://www.structuredsettlement-quotes.com.

5) As you begin to receive quotes from the factories settlement companies, it is a good idea to obtain your annuity contract from the insurance company or entity making your payments. This step is necessary to secure the quote from the structured settlement factoring company. It is always good idea to get a second opinion from a financial advisor. This is not required but recommended.

6) Once you begin to receive quotes from the factoring companies it is a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been any complaints against any of these companies.

7) Once you have chosen a factoring company an interview process will occur and several documents will be required to begin the process. Specific information about your structured settlement will be needed. The process can be facilitated much quicker if all the information is collected prior to the interview process. At the minimum this takes between 3 to 10 days.

8) Once the factoring company receives the documents, the underwriting process occurs. This takes between three weeks and several months to complete.

9) Upon completion, the factoring company submits the settlement to the court where a judge will approve or disapprove the transfer of payments based upon the client’s best interest. The factoring company typically covers the fees associated with this process. You are under no obligation to go to court with the factoring company, however seek the advice of your financial advisor as each case is unique.

10) Once approved, arrangements are made with the factoring company for the transfer of your funds.

5 Tips for Selling Your Structured Settlement

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Consumers choose to sell their legal settlements (also referred to as structured settlements) for many reasons. While many sell their payments to help with college tuition, debt reduction, medical expenses or mortgage payments, most people sell their settlement to gain financial flexibility when personal or financial needs change. "The long payout periods of most structured settlements - typically up to 30 years - work well for many holders, but not all," said Andrew Torre, Chief Compliance Manager for J.G. Wentworth. "Many people find that they need access to their money now to pay for legitimate needs."

However, consumers often are unaware of their options when selling their structured settlements. What price is too low? Which company is reliable? Can I sell just part of my settlement? These are just some of the many questions that arise when considering selling your structured settlement. Torre recommends doing thorough research ahead of time. He offers these 5 tips to consider before selling a structured settlement:

1. Search for specialty finance companies that are able to purchase your structured settlement. Be sure to research their reputation and testimonials - what clients (past and current) say is invaluable.

2. Torre recommends not accepting the first offer to purchase your policy. Why? Browse multiple companies to make sure you're getting the most value for your settlement.

3. Evaluate your current financial standings, and then decide whether you need to sell all or part of your structured settlement.

4. If you can't understand the legal jargon, consult an attorney. Make sure you understand the documents and any tax ramifications that occur with liquidating your structured settlement.

5. Evaluate your financial obligations that will accrue in the future. Re-consider whether selling all or part of your structured settlement will be beneficial for you. Also, consider how accessing your assets will affect your income.