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Among the options open to you if you’ve received a structured settlement from a lawsuit or arbitration is what’s known as structured settlement mutual funds. You should take some time before you choose an investment vehicle for your settlement money and learn the pros and cons of the mutual fund option.

Always keeping your long-term financial security in mind, structured settlement mutual funds offer advantages and disadvantages when compared to other investing options.

When you are awarded a structured settlement, an insurance company sets up an annuity in order to pay you small portions of the money at regular intervals. The safest option is to keep the money”in house” and get a guaranteed scheduled payment that will never change. The downside to going this super-safe route is that your money will not grow (much, if at all).

With structured settlement mutual funds, however, the money is invested in one or more mutual funds. Mutual funds are groups of individual equities (stocks), the make-up of which is closely managed in an effort to maximize returns. The individual stocks in any mutual fund can change regularly.

This introduces an element of risk – sometimes significant risk. So, if you have your structured settlement money in a structured settlement mutual funds set-up, you have the potential for higher rates of return, but you also incur more risk that you’ll lose some of your money.

In most structured settlements, the annuity that is set up is guaranteed. You are assured of getting the same amount, month in and month out, until the settlement money runs out. It’s a good option for those seeking to avoid any risk.

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Structured settlement mutual funds are not guaranteed. The upside is the potential for earning more if the mutual fund’s value increases. It’s like getting a raise, but it isn’t a sure thing.

From a tax standpoint, income you receive from a fixed annuity is tax-free (in most cases). However, structured settlement mutual funds are subject to capital gains taxes and the possibility of some income taxation. Keep in mind that if your mutual fund loses money, the losses can be written off of your tax bill (under most circumstances), so it’s not all bad if things don’t go well.

Choosing a standard structured settlement fixed annuity means you are locked into a set payment amount and schedule. If your needs change down the road, this may cause you some financial hardships. With structured settlement mutual funds, you are allowed to move money around (within certain strict limits) from fund to fund. This will allow you to adapt to changes more readily.

As should be clear by now, this is not an easy decision. There are many pros and cons, whether you choose structured settlement mutual funds, the fixed annuity option, or any other alternative. This is one reason why it’s a smart move to enlist the services of a competent lawyer who specializes in this area of the law. It’s also wise to educate yourself as thoroughly as possible before making the final decision.

The day will come when you can use something you read here to have a beneficial impact. Then you’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about structured settlement mutual funds.

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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.

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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.

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Ideally, you will leave this article with an enriched perspective on the topic of structured settlement cash award. The facts and analysis presented here were written with a single goal: to help you the reader to learn more about this fascinating topic.

If you have been hurt in an accident, chances are you have hired an attorney to pursue your claim for compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering. This is a fairly common occurrence for those who have been put through the harrowing ordeal of having to endure an accident for which they were not at fault. For many years when a settlement was awarded to the victim, the amount of money that was awarded would go to the victim in the form of a lump sum. However, this is generally not the case anymore. Nowadays the more common manner of paying money to the injured party is in the form of a structured settlement.

What is a Structured Settlement?

In the simplest of terms, a structured settlement is a payment to the injured party made in regular installments over a period of time. This is different than getting a cash award in a lump sum up front. For example, if a person was in an accident and it was ruled that the other party was at fault, the other party may have to pay damages. If the amount was one million dollars, instead of a check being cut for one million dollars, it would be paid out in monthly installments over a period of a few years. For instance, a one million dollar settlement paid out monthly over ten years would mean a check paid to the inured party in an amount a little over eight thousand dollars per month. A structured settlement can vary as to how it is paid out. Some forms of structured settlement are paid out monthly and others annually.

Structured settlements first started to gain popularity in 1982 when Congress passed the Periodic Payment Settlement Act. This was introduced to allow settlements to be paid out over time in order to benefit both the party paying the claim as well as the victim. Those people who have had a personal injury due to an accident or who have had a worker’s compensation claim can benefit greatly by having the money from the settlement arrive in regularly scheduled amounts across a long period of time. A structured settlement is a good idea in most cases.

Benefits of a Structured Settlement

There are many long term benefits to having a structured settlement. First, the person who was injured and awarded the settlement is likely suffering from a debilitating injury that will forever affect their life and livelihood. This could be anything from a condition that makes life uncomfortable to a serious crippling injury that forever changes the person. Regardless of the severity of the injury the victim has to become used to living their life in a different manner. Adding to this the stress of dealing with a large sum of money they are not used to can make the transition even more difficult.

A structured settlement, though, can help alleviate some of the stress. It is especially difficult to manage a large sum of money if you will no longer be able to earn a living for the remainder of your life. Whatever sum of money you were awarded must be invested and used wisely in order to last throughout your lifetime. This is not always an easy feat. Often people have to hire financial advisors and investment advisors to keep track of and administer the money so it does not run out. With a structured settlement, though, this process becomes much more manageable.

Without a structured settlement, many victims had to rely on a third party. In a lot of cases, the money ran out quickly. This is for several reasons. The victim may have had poor spending habits. Faced with a large sum of money, they were not thinking about the future but instead were thinking of fun ways to spend a lot of money they never had before. Not long after that, they find the money is gone and they still have to live their life.

Another reason is because professionals were hired to advise and administer the money appropriately. Without some knowledge of financial endeavors, the victim may have hired someone incompetent or unreliable. The money would not be invested wisely and gone before they knew it. Another common reason is the victim relies on assistance from family members thinking they would have his best interests at heart. Unfortunately, this is often not the case and greed gets the better of the family member. A structured settlement reduces the risk of these issues substantially.

When is a Structured Settlement Best?

A structured settlement is not the answer for everyone. Some victims will prefer and benefit from a lump sum payment. However, there are very specific cases where a structured settlement is ideal for the victim. This generally occurs when the victim is in need of long term or permanent care. When an accident occurs that leaves a person unable to work and earn money for themselves over a long period of time, they will need the funds to care for themselves and whatever medical care is necessary. Whether it is an injury that will take a very long time from which to recover or a permanent disability that will prevent the victim from working for the duration of his life, a structured settlement is ideal in these situations.

For anyone who has any type of guardianship, a structured settlement is also a perfect solution. For example, if someone dies as a result of an accident through no fault of his own, a settlement may be awarded. However, the settlement is going to the victim’s family as opposed to the victim. The money may be used for funeral expenses and for the care of the surviving family, especially if the victim was the provider of the family’s income. Spouses and children are generally the beneficiaries of a structured settlement. Minor children can especially take advantage of the benefits of a structured settlement. Their housing, food and other every day expenses will be ensured. Plus, very often their education and college expenses will also be taken care of so they can lead a productive life even without the assistance of their loved one.

Structured settlements are financial agreements allowing compensation to be paid through an annuity in regularly scheduled payments, for either a fixed period of time or for the life of the claimant. Since it is suitable for individual plaintiffs, the structured settlement may also include an up front payment to cover any contingency.

Structured settlement payments are normally funded by annuities. These annuities are established to protect recipients of legal awards, insurance settlements, and lottery winnings. A great percentage of structured settlements are prearranged to provide for long term care and living expenses of plaintiffs who have been injured and are unable to work.

Structured settlements have not always been accessible. The Periodic Payment Settlement Act of 1982 was enacted to make large awards more agreeable to all parties and protect claimants. It also affords the insurance company and the plaintiff certain tax advantages.

Some situations are well suited for a structured settlement. For example: Cases that involve catastrophic injuries Wrongful death lawsuits that include replacing the lost income of the deceased Disabilities, either permanent or those requiring extensive recovery time Workers Compensation cases Gambling and lottery winnings

Many people choose a structured settlement over a lump sum payment, and courts often award them in civil actions where there are long term living and health care expenses. The anticipated need of cash at some future date is taken into account when setting up a structured settlement agreement.

Structured settlements can be established in a number of ways, according to the needs of the damaged party. The most basic structured settlements provide regular periodic payments for the life of the agreement; for example, a fixed payment every month for 10 years. Structured settlements do not pay interest, so anticipated gains in the underlying annuity are factored into the amount of the periodic payments and are non-taxable.

Claimants choose structured settlement agreements over lump sum awards for a number of reasons. The idea of guaranteed regular payments offers a feeling of security for many people who have been injured and are unable to earn a steady income. Instead of having to worry about how to invest a large cash award, the details are handled by the attorneys and the insurance company.

An important benefit of a structured settlement agreement is that it is tax free. The tax consequences of receiving a lump sum of cash can be staggering, turning what seemed like a fortune into an amount that may not meet future living expenses. A structured settlement relieves the claimant of the responsibility of planning a tax shelter for their award.

Because of the many benefits structured settlements offer both plaintiffs and defendants, the case can often be settled out of court, saving both parties a great deal of expense. Since the agreement is beneficial to both parties, the process is usually completed quickly, and there is no time lost to a prolonged battle in court.

There are some cases for which structured settlements are not suitable. An award for a minor injury sustained in an accident would probably not warrant the use of a structured settlement. In situations where extended hospitalization or long term treatment is not necessary, a lump sum award may be sufficient to provide for the needs of the damaged party.

Once a structured settlement agreement is enacted, the terms are fixed, and there is no allowance made for unanticipated circumstances. This is one reason many people choose to sell their structured settlement payments. Life situations change, and people may decide to buy a different home, start a business, or return to school and train for a new career. A lump sum of cash offers greater flexibility and more control over the money than a structured settlement.

Perhaps the most persuasive argument for selling structured settlement payments is that over time, inflation can severely erode the value of the periodic payments. A dollar today is worth more than the same dollar in the future. A lump sum of cash properly invested today could surpass the future value of a structured settlement.

When selling your structured settlement payments, you can choose to cash in only a portion of your future payments. This option offers immediate cash, while preserving some of the long term security of a structured settlement. If you decide to cash in a structured settlement, sell only the portion of your future payments necessary to meet your financial need.

Finally, you should carefully choose a structured settlement buyer that has been in business for at least several years. Check out potential buyers with the Better Business Bureau, and do some research to determine if past customers have been pleased with the company’s services. Doing the research now will insure that you get the most cash for your structured settlement.

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

What Is a Structured Settlement?

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

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

Structured Settlements Not Always the Best Fit

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

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

How Getting Cash for a Structured Settlement Works

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

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

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

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

Legal Issues of Receiving Cash for a Structured Settlement

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

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

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