News and Tips on structured settlement transfers.

Structured Settlements

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.

17
Feb 14

Finding the Structured Settlement Company that is Right for You

Structured settlement payments, provide a reliable, stable source of income for the long term financial future of people who receive them through winnings or settlements. Structured payments are better than lump sums for many reasons. Structured payments, for example, prevent people from spending all of their money at once, leaving them with a steady income paid over a set period of time. Even so, there could be situations that can occur where having a larger sum of money is necessary. A competent structured settlement company can be your best bet when these occasions arise.

Company Longevity

A good place to start when looking for a settlement company is to check how long they have been around. A company with a stable history behind it is always a solid choice, though there’s nothing wrong with working with a new company. However, newer companies won’t have the solid reputations and history of quality service that established companies will have. A newer company might be a solid, trustworthy business just getting started on the market. Or, they can close and disappear tomorrow.

Quality Service

You also need to take into consideration a company’s reputation for dependable service. Everyone wants to choose the best, most reputable company, but determining a company’s reputation can be a challenging task. Most customer reviews on a company website should be viewed with a critical eye; a better place to find the information you need is at the Better Business Bureau. This is a great tool for researching many aspects of the company in question. From their business practices, satisfaction ratings, and history, this is a great way to determine if you are looking at a legitimate and honest company, or a fly-by-night operation that will cause you more pain than they are worth.

Getting Results Quickly

If there is anything that the leading structure settlement companies will have in common, it will be the ability to get you a variety of quotes from buyers in a short amount of time. This allows you to look at the competing offers and compare them in short order, with no long waiting periods. This will enable you to get compare companies and pick the offer that best meets your needs.

Thoroughly researching and comparing structured settlement companies will enable you to take full advantage of the money that is owed to you, and help you get the deal that is best meets your needs.

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.

6
Jan 14

So You Want to Sell Your Structured Settlement

No matter if you are a lottery winner, or a claimant, your money will probably be in the form of a structured settlement. This can be the best option from many angle; It helps you receive a steady and reliable income and will keep you from blowing all of your money in one whack. It can also be easier on the company paying the settlement. But, this may not be the best option for every situation. Occasionally, the need for more money that a structured payment can provide will arise, which is where selling your payments comes in.

Locating the Right Company for You

Once you have decided to sell your structured settlement, you need to locate a reputable buyer. A lot of companies will make you an offer, but before you sell, you need to carefully compare companies and research them to make the best choice for you. Accepting the first offer from the first company you find is a great way to get less than the amount you deserve for your settlement.

The Best Offer

Keep in mind that if you sell your settlement, you won’t get the full amount won or awarded to you through the payment agreement you originally settled on. No matter which company you choose, you will only get a percentage of your original total amount. This can be acceptable to many people, however, when the need for a large, lump sum payment arises. If you are going to sell your settlement or award payments, try to find a company that will offer you the highest percentage for your settlement.

Do Some Investigating

You should always research any company you are thinking of entering an agreement with. You’ll find that not every company has your best interests at heart. Spending time now to fully look into a company’s business practices, business ratings, and customer satisfaction can help you find a trustworthy company. That way, you can be sure you won’t be taken advantage of by a predatory company.

All the Info You Need

Trying to do everything on your own may not be the best decision you can make. A settlement broker can help you by supplying a variety of quotes from many different companies, ensuring you of all the information you need in order to make the best decisions regarding your money that you can possibly make. Making well informed, and thought out decisions regarding your settlement can be the best thing you can do for your financial future.

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.

23
Dec 13

The Possible Problems of Selling Your Structured Settlement

After suffering injuries or damages, you may be awarded a structured settlement to ease financial difficulties and help relieve any pain or inconvenience you might have endured. Although, you may discover that your structured settlement payments aren’t meeting your needs and may considering selling them. While you can sell your settlement in part or in whole, it isn’t a simple process. Some problems can arise, but if you know what to do, you can avoid them.

Appearing before the Judge

Many people don’t realize that in order to sell their payments, or “transfer” them, they must go back before a judge. Deciding whether or not the sale is actually in your best interest is the judge’s job, and they will consider many criteria when making this decision. The judge will look at your financial situation or circumstances and base their decision on that. And, he will deny your transfer if your immediate need isn’t proven to their satisfaction.

Examining your Offer

The company making your offer can also be a factor the judge looks at when determining your best interests. Your transfer will be denied if the judge decides the terms they are offering are not fair to you. What terms will the judge consider to be fair and in your best interest? In this case, the judge’s job is to make sure you aren’t ripped off, and that most of the funds awarded to you actually go to you and aren’t lost to the buying company. The amount varies from company to company (which is why it pays to comparison shop when looking for a buyer), but many times you can get up to 90% of the money you are owed.

Hire a Professional

You may not realize it, but having a competent lawyer on your side can be important if you are considering selling your structured payments. Competent counsel from a lawyer can give you an idea of whether your offer will be approved or denied by a judge. They can also stop a predatory company from taking advantage of your situation and ripping you off.

Compare Companies

Comparing offers from competing companies is the best way to ensure you get the best deal, and an expert settlement broker can get you offers from many companies in a short amount of time, allowing you to choose the best company for your financial needs.

Let Companies Compete to Buy your Structured Settlement!

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