Showing posts with label Annuity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annuity. Show all posts

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Is a Structured Settlement Equity Annuity In Your Best Interest?

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.

Pension Annuity

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Selling Your Annuity Payments

Selling annuity payments can be an option that a lot of people are looking for information on if they are in a situation of whether or not to get a lump sum or keep taking their annuity payments. The people that may be in this situation are people who have won a court settlement and are receiving a their payout via monthly payments. Other individuals may find themselves in this situation when they won a contest such as a lottery and the five million dollars they won will be paid out over 40 years bi-monthly.

If you are one of those individuals that has an annuity and is trying to decide whether or not to sell that annuity then there are some things that need to be looked at before making your decision. One of the first things that needs to be looked at are the tax implementations. For certain annuities there are tax implementations if you sell it and take a large lump sum. If you have questions about your particular annuity it is best to talk with a tax lawyer or even your certified public account can point you in the right direction.

Another thing to think about is how much you can sell your annuity for. There are specific companies that will buy your annuity. These companies range from very good and trustworthy to companies that you probably do not want to deal with. It is best to do your research to find a reputable company to ask for a quote on what they would buy your annuity payments for. Another option is that you can get quotes from a few different companies to compare what your payments can be sold for. The Better Business Bureau can also point you in the right direction to find a company they feel is okay to work with on these types of transactions.

Selling your annuity payments can be a great decision if you need the lump sum of money to invest in your life today. It is also nice if you want to get rid of tons of dept and your monthly payments are not enough to help with this. There are a lot of different situations you can find yourself in where you may want to sell your monthly payments to a company. Make sure you do your research on the company you may sell to and also make sure you realize the tax implications that may come about if you decide to go this direction.

Annuity Settlement Options

Monday, December 14, 2009

Income Annuity Accounts For Guaranteed Payments

Consumers who need a guaranteed, stable monthly or yearly income will establish an immediate annuity account. Also know as an annuitization or an income annuity, these accounts provide a systematic payment for a specified period of time to the owner and the named beneficiaries. The payments will consist of principal and interest and continue for the term selected.

Several factors will determine the monthly payout including the annuitant's age and gender, amount invested, current interest rates, payout duration, and whether the owner(s) wants the payment to be adjusted for inflation.

Annuity Terms to Choose From

One of the first options to determine is the duration of the income stream. A client might only need income for ten years as part of a structured settlement or litigation award. In this case, an initial deposit can be calculated in order to determine a guaranteed monthly payment for ten years.

In other instances, clients will need guaranteed income for their lifetime. This is known as a life annuity and it is guaranteed to make payments for the life of the annuitant(s). Life annuities are often structured with a period certain to guarantee return of premium to the owner(s).

Life Annuity with Period Certain

For example, if a client owns a life annuity with a 20 year period certain then the income payment would be guaranteed for at least 20 years should the owner pass away prematurely. The remaining payments would transfer to the named beneficiary on the policy. Insurance carriers will usually allow for a period certain of up to 50 years. However, the longer the selected period certain, the smaller the monthly payments will be.

A life annuity with no period certain will provide the largest monthly payment to the owner. This type of account is best for someone who needs maximum monthly income, but who is not concerned with providing benefits to a beneficiary.

Income Payments Adjusted for Inflation

Younger annuity owners may desire a payment that can be adjusted for inflation on a yearly basis. Most common are accounts that will increase monthly payments by a compounded rate of 3% or 5% year over year. Monthly payments in the first few years will be smaller than an income annuity without an inflation rider, but will increase substantially over time.

Income payments compounded at a desired percent take into account the time value of money. A $1000 monthly payment today will not buy $1000 worth of goods and services 20 years from now. Inflation protection allows consumers peace of mind as they grow older, especially if they have invested in a life annuity.

In summary, purchasing an annuity designed to take care of future needs will take careful consideration. Shopping for the best is just as important as selecting the term and inflation rider. With the help of an experienced agent, annuity income planning can be designed to provide for a lifetime's worth of needs. It is best to work with an agent who can provide quotes from several well rated carriers as payouts can differ significantly depending on the annuity parameters.
Learn more about income annuity accounts.

Viatical Settlement Broker