Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Cash For Structured Settlement Payments - Will You Get What You Are Owed (cash for settlement)

By Steven Saunders

Cash For Settlement

Is cash for structured settlement payments possible? The simple answer is, yes, indeed you can. There are plenty of companies out there that are willing to "buy out" your structured settlement payments in exchange for a large, lump sum of money up front. Though this certainly sounds like a great idea, you need to make sure you understand all the ins and outs of the idea before you jump in with both feet.

First, consider the fact that you ultimately will be settling for less money. Yes, you'll get it all up front, but if the company buying out your settlement didn't charge something for the service, it would be a complete waste of time for them. These companies are willing to bide their time and wait for the money to roll in and make a profit.

Second, make sure you actually need the money. If you want to go on vacation or want to buy some new frivolous gadget, consider holding onto the payment plan. Emergencies such as unforeseen illnesses or disasters, on the other hand, may warrant you exchanging your payments for cash.

Third, exercise some patience. "Patience is a virtue" as the old saying goes, and it is certainly true. Just like some folks stick with a job they hate simply because they're close to retirement, you should consider sticking with your payment plan. If you can ride it out, it will have a greater payoff in the end.

Lastly, consider investment. There are plenty of investment plans out there that will allow you to have your settlement payments rolled directly into whatever financial investment plan works best for you. On the other hand, if you can afford it financially and don't mind taking more of a gamble, you can take the cash route and make a huge investment all at once. While this may result in a huge payoff, you should definitely consult with someone first unless you are an investment guru.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, only you can decide whether or not you should sell your structured settlement payments. You need to carefully consider your financial situation and your want and needs before making such a huge decision. You need to recognize that there is a difference between what you want and what you need. They are two very different things. If your settlement is fairly negligible, it may be a good idea to take the cash option, but if it is a major source of income, you may be best served by holding onto it. Many people will talk to a financial advisor before making such huge leaps, and this is a very good idea. Financial advisors can crunch all the numbers for you and lay it all out on the table in front of you. They can tell you whether or not cashing out is a good idea at this time. So yes, cash for structured settlement payments is possible, but you need to go over all your options in your head and with a qualified professional before making your choice.

Cash For Settlement