Is a Structured Settlement Equity Annuity In Your Best Interest?

By: Ken Austin
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:16:43
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Are you looking for some inside information on structured settlement equity annuity? Here's an article thattakes a closer look at the subject of structured settlement equity annuity.

Among your choices if you're owed a settlement is to invest the money in a structured settlement equity annuity. Before you make this choice, there are some issues about which you should learn.

Structured settlements are long-term payments paid to injured parties by the offending party as a result of settling the case in lieu of (or sometimes as a result of) a trial. Once you've won and are due the settlement payout, you have choices to make about what to do with the money.

One attractive option is a structured settlement equity annuity. This provides the best balance between security of your principal (the settlement payout) and potential for growth. It pays you whichever is higher: a minimum guaranteed interest rate or stock market return. Equity refers to stocks, also called equities.

Another option when you get a structured settlement is to sell it and take a lump sum payment from a third party. While this may be an attractive option, depending on your financial situation, you stand to lose a lot compared to a structured settlement equity annuity.

People in retirement (or very near) are usually better off with the safety and guaranteed minimum returns an equity indexed annuity provides. Still, many people winning structured settlements opt for the lump sum payout, even knowing they are forfeiting a percentage of the settlement to the company that buys the settlement out.

Most of this information comes straight from the structured settlement equity annuity pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

Selling a structured settlement to get a large cash payout at one time is also fraught with negative tax effects. Not only will you lose a percentage to the buying company, but taxes will eat another percentage. With a structured settlement equity annuity, most or all of the money you get will be tax-free (or taxed very little).

If you decide to pursue a structured settlement equity annuity, take the time to research your choices thoroughly. Look for a long track record of successful returns and competent management. Don't risk what you've won!

If your decision is to sell your structured settlement for one lump sum payment, it's imperative to hire a lawyer to help you deal with companies and to advise you. Some unscrupulous companies are out there that will use slick sales approaches to convince you that taking only half (or even less) is somehow a good deal for you.

They prey on your desire to get a bunch of cash in hand as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can keep you from making poor decisions that are emotionally driven. He or she can also help you pick a structured settlement equity indexed annuity that will give you the best long-term results.

Whichever way you're leaning, the smart play is to research all your options and hire a lawyer you trust to give you his or her wisdom and experience in the structured settlement equity area. It's too important a decision to make on a whim.

Don't limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about structured settlement equity annuity. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what's important.

Ken Austin is the webmaster at Structured Settlement Tips and Structured Settlements and Annuities.

Article source: Expert Articles