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Why A Structured Settlement Payment Is So Popular
By: George Hostetler
Structured settlement payments are becoming popular because of the advantages
they offer over other forms of payments and investment options. The payments
which are available in the form of annuities are tax-free at the state and
federal levels. Moreover, the payments are secured by state and federal laws.
The annuities can be invested in U.S Treasury Securities and other low-risk
government insured options.
As against a structured settlement, a lump sum can be difficult to manage by an
individual who will have to grapple with the complexities of financial
investment and tax laws. Moreover, if the management of a lump sum amount is
handed over to a third-party who turns out to be unscrupulous, the resulting
loss can be very heavy. In contrast, with structured payments, the loss is
usually of an amount due at a given time. Structured settlements offer
flexibility and the payment cycle can be fixed according to the beneficiary’s
convenience. Structured settlement payment schedules and amount are decided
after carefully considering the beneficiary’s present financial condition, age,
and responsibilities. The annuity money can be used to pay off a large bill
upfront and the remaining money can be obtained over a period. People who meet
with an accident and are unable to earn for themselves prefer a structured
settlement payment that keeps the money coming in regularly. It allows them to
plan for their future and the future of their near and dear ones.
The Federal tax code was amended in 1982 to allow for structural settlements;
this was done so as to allow individuals better security with large sums of
money. A major advantage of structured settlements is that they are adjusted for
inflation so that their sum is greater than a lump sum payment for the same
amount. The paying party, which is frequently an insurance company, also prefers
structured settlement payments because the payments are bought upfront in the
form of an annuity and the amount they pay is less than the sum received by the
beneficiary. A defendant too favors a structured settlement as it saves him the
cost of court expenses and stiff attorney fees. Thus, structured settlements are
beneficial for all involved.
About the Author:
George Hostetler recommends
http://www.structured-settlements-guide.com/2006/03/why_a_structure.html
for more information on selling a structured settlement payment. |