News and Tips on structured settlement transfers.

Cash

Annuities


3
Mar 14

Is Legal Assistance Required to Sell Annuity Payments?

You won’t need a lawyer to sell your car, nor will you need one to sell a radio or a camera. But the sale of something like annuities raises issues that have no easy answers. Do you really need a legal representation in order to sell your annuities? The answer to that is fuzzy at best, but you should learn a little about the process and the need for experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel when deciding to sell annuity payments.

Making the Case for Counsel

There are currently only eight states in America where legal counsel is required for people who are considering the sale of annuity payments: Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina and Ohio. While only these states require competent legal help for those attempting to sell annuities, all other states heavily recommend it. The advice you should seek out in order to sell your annuity payments will cover tax, legal and financial questions, and a lawyer with experience in these matters can be of great help to anyone attempting to transfer payments.

A Wise Choice for You

Although only a handful of states make you seek advice from a competent adviser, it’s really not a bad idea to speak with an attorney or a financial planner before making the decision to sell annuity payments. A financial planner can guide you toward making the right financial decision, and a lawyer can help you ascertain whether or not your annuity payments can be legally sold or transferred, as there are cases where sales of annuity payments are prohibited, including but not limited to inheritances or where sale is blocked by a trust. In any case, it is always a good idea to seek out counsel from a competent lawyer or financial planner if such counsel is not required by law in your area.

Seek Out Your Own Legal Advice

You may consider using the attorney working for the transfer company you’ve decided to sell your payments to. This might seem like a good idea to you, because you assume you both have the same goals, though this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you decide to seek counsel, then hire a lawyer or adviser of your own choosing. The attorney working for the transfer company has their best interests in mind, which don’t necessarily coincide with your own.


24
Feb 14

Finding an Annuity Purchaser Online

Structured payments have been around for quite a while, and selling these payments and annuities has become commonplace today.  Selling these settlements and annuities can be a viable option for anyone who has a financial need greater than a structured payment can satisfy. Searching for a buyer online is one choice sellers often make, but it isn’t as easy and straightforward as it might seem. Before you start searching the internet for someone to buy your settlement, there are a few things you should understand.

Get the Facts

You should do your research and gather all the information you can before you go online to start your search. For example, take the information spouted during late-night infomercials with a grain of salt. The procedure for selling your payments or annuities is a little more complicated than simply making a phone call. The process is long and time consuming, and will depend on a judge’s decision before the sale can move forward.

Ask for Assistance

Whenever you are thinking of starting a search for a buyer, help from a competent and qualified person can be a great decision. Don’t look to the company offering to buy your settlement for help, though. Instead, choose a settlement broker, who can help you find the offer that is best for you, not the buyer. They can help you get the offers you want quickly, and know who the best buyers are in order to find you the best deal for your situation. Of course, you can do this by yourself, but you’ll lose the benefit of an experienced and intelligent assistant with knowledge of such matters.

Research your Broker

Never enter into a partnership with a broker that you haven’t check out thoroughly. You want help from someone with the background and education to guide you through this tricky process. Choose the broker with a history of providing quality care and service to their clients. Check with the Better Business Bureau to be certain your brokers have your best interest at heart, and not that of the company offering to buy your settlement. A broker is there to help both sides, but you need to be sure to protect yourself from any unscrupulous dealings.

There are many things to consider when deciding to look online for a buyer for your structured payments and annuities, but a competent and qualified broker can ease the stresses involved and make the process much smoother.


10
Feb 14

Helpful Tips for Selling Your Annuity Payments

A reliable and steady income from annuity payments or structured settlements is essential for many people to live comfortable and stable life. Sometimes, however, a situation arises that requires a larger lump sum than is possible with payments. When this happens, having access to a large sum of money can be the difference in turning a bad situation around. Selling your settlement may be an option when the need arises, but careful consideration must be taken to decide if you really want to sell.

A Matter of Time

Time is but one of many factors you need to consider when you are thinking about selling your settlement. If you need money immediately, then selling your structured settlement is probably not going to be the best option. It can take a month or longer to go through the process of selling your settlement, depending on your state and local laws concerning the practice, and any court decisions regarding your need to sell. You must weigh the time factor heavily if you are thinking about selling, if your needs cannot wait, you may want to seek other options.

Options for Sellers

Before you sell your settlement, you should think about exactly why you need to sell for a lump sum. If you rely on the regular, smaller payments to pay bills and meet financial obligations, then only sell a small amount of your settlement. If need be you can sell larger amounts, even the full amount of your settlement, if you absolutely must have a large lump sum of money. You should be aware, however, that once you sell your settlement, you are no longer entitled to any payments other than your lump sum payout.

Possible Fees are Another Consideration

Sometimes, there are large fees, called surrender fees, which you should consider before making your decision. Taxes on your settlement or annuity may also need to be paid as well. Work with an expert firm, with a reputation for connecting sellers and buyers, which can be helpful when making these considerations. Working with a brokerage or firm can help you get all the information you need to make smart, well-informed decisions concerning your annuity payments.

When you decide to hire a brokerage firm, make sure to research them carefully, and look for one with a reputation for putting sellers in touch with the best, highest quality companies. The will ensure you get exactly what you need to meet your financial goals.


3
Feb 14

How Structured Settlement Money can Help You Meet Today’s Needs

Many structured settlements are the result of winning a personal injury case, or a liability case, against a company or individual that caused harm to come to you. Financial settlements are set up to help ease monetary struggles and meet your current needs, but these needs, like many other factors, can change over time. Still, many need the steady and reliable income for making today’s ends meet.

Life is Dynamic

Life is an ever changing process. Change is often a major part of the process, and can be a good thing, though sometimes it isn’t. For example, personal injury settlements can help pay for medical expense that were the result of your injury. But what if you have permanently lost your means of support after the injury? What if you have significant debt and are now facing daily calls from the bill collectors? When these situations arise, monthly payments may not be enough to change your situation, and a larger lump sum of cash is what is needed to rectify your problem.

Using your Settlement to Meet Your Needs

Once your case is settled, and your settlement terms are set up and agreed upon, you’re stuck with it. You can’t go back and change your terms to meet the rising costs and changing needs you are faced with today. However, there is an alternative; there are companies that will buy your settlement for a lump sum, which you can then use to remedy your situation and help you meet your goals.

A Simple Solution

There are several ways a company can purchase your settlement payments or annuities in order to help you meet your financial needs. For instance, you can sell only a part of your settlement for a small lump sum that can help you through the difficult times.  Conversely, you can also sell your entire settlement for an even larger sum, but you will no longer receive any settlement payments after that. Even though your payments will no longer be coming, you can get the most money possible in this way, which can go a long way toward solving your money problems.

This can be a simple and easy solution, but it isn’t that simple. In order to get the best deal possible, you should work with a reputable broker, who can guide you through the process and help you make the best financial decisions concerning your settlement. A skilled and competent broker can introduce you to the best companies for buying settlements, and help you get the help you need to make a positive change, no matter what your situation is.


27
Jan 14

Sell My Annuity – Converting a Structured Settlement into Cash

If you have ever laid in bed at night, thinking to yourself, “I must sell my annuity” to convert its worth into a lump sum of cash, you are not alone. Many individuals have been awarded a structured settlement annuity for the damages or injuries incurred from an accident or negligence of another. As a result of their damages, the court may have issued an award through an annuity instead of a large sum of cash. While there may have been no other option from the court except to receive monthly payments for the amount awarded, it does not always mean it was the best solution.

The Benefits of Cash

There are times when receiving a lump sum of cash in a single payment, rather than living off a monthly annuity, would be significantly more beneficial to you, your family and your lifestyle. Luckily, there are simple ways to “sell my annuity” to third-party companies that are eager to purchase your structured settlement for a percentage of its remaining worth. Like any other type of financial product, your structured annuity has great value in the investment world.

Sell My Annuity

The quickest way to convert your structured settlement annuity into cash is to shop around. There are numerous trustworthy and reputable companies that specialize in structured settlement purchases. Finding a recommendation through a family member, colleague or friend can help narrow down the companies to obtain a quote. There are also structured settlement companies available online.

Obtain at least three quotes from structured settlement companies and consider each offer carefully. Every company utilizes their own network of investment funders that will all offer a competitive bid for the remaining worth of your structured settlement. It is imperative to never accept any offer unless you are completely satisfied with the terms.


20
Jan 14

Beneficiaries Sell Settlements to Convert Annuities into a Lump Sum of Cash

In the years past, many individuals that were awarded a payment as a result of a judgment concerning malpractice or accident would receive their money as a lump sum. However, many times the court system allows the defendant to provide a structured settlement annuity that delivers monthly payments instead of a large sum of cash. While it might be the logical solution for many individuals that need monthly income, others sell settlements as a way to generate enough funds to pay their medical bills.

Which Option Is Better?

When a claimant accepts a lump sum, from the corporation or individual that owes them money, they receive the entire amount due in a single payment. This large sum of cash can quickly pay off all medical bills, fees and expenses incurred from the accident, or medical malpractice.

Alternatively, other claimants receive a structured settlement annuity. In lieu of receiving a large amount of cash in a single payment, the lump sum is used instead to purchase a structured settlement annuity that can pay out annually, quarterly, monthly, or other scheduled way. Many times, installments can pay out for many years, and even for the remainder of the claimant’s lifespan.

The Benefits of Both Options

There are significant disadvantages and advantages to receiving a lump sum or a structured settlement annuity. Probably the biggest disadvantage to a lump sum of cash is the ability to spend it unwisely and quickly. The greatest advantage is having enough money to get back on his or her feet.

Providing scheduled payments is the biggest advantage of a structured settlement annuity. However, the payments might not be enough to cover all expenses. In times like these, many beneficiaries choose to sell settlements as a way to generate a lump sum of cash.

Picking the best option should always be based on personal circumstances. Individuals that have made the wrong decision and chose the annuity, can always sell settlements to obtain a lump sum of cash.


13
Jan 14

Reputable Settlement Buyers Buyout Annuities for Lump Sums of Cash

Before accepting any payout option from settlement buyers, it is critical to understand all the options that are available. Individuals that own structured settlements often seek ways to obtain a lump sum buyout by giving up their monthly, quarterly or annual payments. It is imperative to know that settlement buyers who purchase annuities are companies in business to generate profits from every purchase, which often results in a low offer or bid.

Once the decision has been made to accept the payout from settlement buyers, the beneficiaries can often pay for unforeseen medical expenses, ongoing living expenses or to pay down existing debt. Nearly every state in the union has strict statutes that govern how structured settlement annuities can be sold. Many of the laws allow individuals to sell their remaining payments only by proving they have met strict requirements that include:

  • Listening to Professional Advice – Many judges require that the structured settlement annuity beneficiary listen to professional advice to fully understand the details and financial terms of the buyout.
  • Time to Cool Off – Many courts require a specific amount of time to cool off in case the beneficiary changes their mind about selling the annuity.
  • Talking with the Judge – Usually, before the sale or buyout can be completed, the beneficiary will need to participate in a hearing to allow the judge to take full consideration of the beneficiary’s best interest.

It is beneficial to approach at least three different companies or settlement buyers interested in purchasing the annuity. Every company should be reputable, well-funded and established in their industry, with years of business under their belt. In some states, the seller will have to present the offer to the judge in court to receive approval for the buyout. It is always a wise decision to consult an attorney before ever selling a settlement, or agreeing to an offer.


30
Dec 13

What Are the Duties of a Structured Settlement Broker in a Personal Injury Case

An annuity broker, or structured settlement broker, negotiates the buyout of structured settlement annuities to determine the payout schedule after an individual has won their lawsuit. Usually, the annuity was awarded in a lawsuit concerning a personal injury often due to willful misconduct or negligence of the defendant. The compensation for the injury is an amount paid out as the settlement in the case, which is not usually determined through a jury trial.

Many times, a structured settlement broker will provide an alternative to a lump sum payment. The annuity will be provided by an insurance or annuity company that has a payment schedule that provides money every month, quarter or year. To acquire an annuity, the defendant (losing party) will make a one-time premium payment to the insurance company in exchange for a payout schedule for the awarded party.

Determining the Settlement Value

One of the most critical duties completed by the structured settlement broker is determining the value of the settlement. By calculating medical costs (past and future), incurred by the injured party along with all the associated needs including a home nurse, physical therapy, medicines, and any needed surgery in the future, the broker can determine the economic costs of the case.

The structured settlement broker will also determine non-economic costs including mental anguish, disfigurement, pain and suffering, inconvenience, well-being, mental health, and any loss of consortium – the diminished affection, cooperation, aid and intimacy between wife and husband. Determining the past, present and future burden placed on the injured party helps the broker calculate a rough estimate of the current loss, and any expected future loss.

The projections made by a structured settlement broker are a key component to being able to construct a settlement in the court case. The functions and responsibility of a broker are crucial in many personal injury cases where damages are challenging to calculate.


2
Dec 13

Why Should You Cash in Your Annuity

Getting an annual annuity payment makes a lot of sense for some people. An annuity can afford you the security and reliability of a regular income, regardless of whether it is from an insurance policy or from winning the lottery. Or at least, that’s what it is supposed to do. Annuity payments can guarantee you a regular income over a specific time-frame that allows you to live a normal life and plan for your future. Things don’t always work out like we want, however, and sometimes annuity payments aren’t as beneficial as we would have thought.

Growing Expenses

Some people may need to cash out their annuity to pay off unforeseen expenses, like emergency medical bills, that can arise suddenly through no fault of your own. Annuity payments may be great for the average person’s everyday life, but a medical emergency can quickly become too expensive for your payments to cover and leave you owing a lot of money. Annuity payments are nice for what they are, but if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation, then you may find yourself facing mounting bills and calls from collectors when your income simply can’t cover all your expenses.

Where to Look

When looking to cash in your annuity, there are things you can and can’t do. You can’t simply go ask for the rest of your money at the bank, for example, even though technically all the money is yours to begin with. They don’t have to give you anything until time for one of your payments, and then they will give you that, and only that, which you agreed upon when setting up your payments. However, you can sell your annuity to a company that specializes in buying annuities and structured settlements. This will let you get a lump sum of cash to take care of any needs or circumstances you might have found yourself in. Paying for education, repairing your home or car, paying bills, whatever you need to do. Not all buyers are the same, though, and different companies may offer differing amounts for your annuity. That’s why it is always a good idea to shop around and compare offers to make certain you get the right offer for you. That is why working with a broker is a great idea. By using their knowledge and expertise, you can get the offers you need in a timely manner, and be able to choose the option that is right for you and your family.


25
Nov 13

Find the Best Annuity Buyer

Most of the time, an annuity is going to be a relatively small payment given yearly, or monthly with the case of some types of settlements. Having that money coming into your pocket each month can be nice, but sometimes, it just is not enough to take care of all of the emergencies that can crop up. Medical expenses, home repairs, and other issues could all cause huge problems in your life if you do not have the money to pay for them. Those who are receiving payments do have another option though.

You could consider finding an annuity buyer that would be able to purchase the payments from you and provide you with a much larger payment. This can be quite valuable for those who need to have money right away. However, you need to make sure that you are working with the best buyer possible and the right one for your needs. One of the things that you have to remember though is that if you do choose to sell the annuity, it could have some tax implications. Make sure to consider those when selling, and talk with a professional about how it could affect you and how you might need to claim them on your taxes.

Take your time to find a reputable annuity buyer who can work with you. Look at the offers from a couple of different companies so that you can be sure you are getting the best deal for the annuities you are selling. Get a number of quotes from those companies and research the companies to see how long they have been in business and what other users have to say about them. The more research you do now the happier you are going to be later. Find the buyer that is right for you.

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