Issues Surrounding Structured Settlement and Reverse Mortgage Choices

By: Ken Austin
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:16:43
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Current info about structured settlement and reverse mortgage is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes some interesting information on structured settlement and reverse mortgage.

Both a structured settlement and a reverse mortgage allow recipients to draw income from sources that will give them the opportunity to outlive their financial obligations and maybe pass on a bit to relatives. It's about peace of mind. With both, issues are involved that need to be understood in order to make the wisest decisions.

How a Structured Settlement Works

A structured settlement is an award of money resulting from an injury or illness suffered because of a company's legal culpability or responsibility. Depending on how the recipient decides to get the payment, it can be paid over several years in a fixed annuity, invested in a mutual fund, or sold outright for one lump sum payout.

The most common choice is to place a structured settlement award into an annuity. The payments are set in stone up front and paid out on a regular basis, making it entirely predictable and stable. In most cases, the payments from a structured settlement fixed annuity are entirely tax-free, as long as the money was awarded as the result of physical injury or illness. An insurance company provides and manages the annuity, which keeps the money in its 'in house' account.

How a Reverse Mortgage Works

How can you put a limit on learning more, especially when the topic is about about structured settlement and reverse mortgage? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

The federal government's Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) concocted the most common form of reverse mortgage - the reverse annuity mortgage. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years of age and live in the home in question. The mortgage must be paid in full or have a large amount of equity built up. The government insures your reverse mortgage, so it's fully protected. The purpose in establishing reverse mortgages set up around annuities is to give aging folks the opportunity to draw income from the equity in their homes.

Once approved for a reverse annuity mortgage, the homeowner receives regular, tax-free monthly payments. This type of mortgage is later paid when the home is sold or passed on to surviving relatives. In some cases, reverse mortgages can be paid in one lump sum to the homeowner. Qualified people can even open up a line of credit that is secured by the reverse mortgage. Basically, the amount a homeowner qualifies for is determined by age, credit rating, amount of equity, and the interest rate for which they qualify.

Structured Settlement and Reverse Mortgage Scams

Unfortunately, both structured settlements and reverse mortgages - because they deal with large sums of money - are rife with scammers seeking to make a quick buck off unsuspecting people. To avoid this unattractive possibility, it's smart to hire a competent attorney who is well versed in these aspects of the law. You should also educate yourself fully about all the options available to you before you make any firm decisions.

When word gets around about your command of structured dettlement and reverse mortgage facts, others who need to know about structured settlements will start to actively seek you out.

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

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