5 Tips for Selling Your Structured Settlement

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.

Bonus: Additionally, before you sell your structured settlement, be sure that the company you've chosen addresses all legal ramifications, Torre adds.

Purchase Structured Settlements - How Does it Work?

You may have heard of structured settlements and the buying and selling of structured settlements. It may be that you are looking for more information on this subject. This article will give a brief outline of what happens in the purchase of structured settlements.

What is a structured settlement? In basic terms, it is the final decision which is made by a lawyer or another type of legal professional when something is in dispute between more than one individual or groups. The decision is made when both parties are in agreement to all of the terms which have been discussed in the dispute. Once all are in agreement, payments are made. There will be payment terms to the settlement, and this is the structured part.

So what about the purchase of a structured settlement? Today, there are many firms, individuals and companies that will purchase structured settlements once everything is finalised and the decisions have been made. This should be no surprise as when it comes to money or many things in the financial world, a niche market will exist to cash in on it.

Why would these companies want to purchase a structured settlement? The short answer is that they are in business and looking to make a quick profit. But it is not all one way as the seller will also benefit. This works as the seller will usually sell the structured settlement as they would like to have their for money up-front. In many cases, the company looking to purchase the structured settlement will have no problems waiting to be paid as they are not short of funds.

However, as with any financial transaction like this, the person who has the most money usually comes off best. In a scenario such as this, it is the side that wants to purchase the structured settlements. The buyer is in a position to negotiated terms to which will be best suited to them as they are putting the money up.

The buyer will also assume some risk as in a few cases, they will not be paid back the full amount.

As stated before, this is only a brief outline of this subject. It would be highly advised to do your own research and ask the right people the right questions.