Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog 2026

Structured settlements expert John Darer reviews the latest structured settlements and settlement planning information and news, and provides expert opinion and highly regarded commentary. that is spicy, Informative, irreverent and effective for over 20 years.

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The STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS 4REAL® Blog is a highly regarded source for structured settlement news, information, and commentary, led by structured settlement and settlement planning subect mater expert John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC. With two decades of operation, the blog and 4structures.com are recognized as comprehensive resources, offering detailed guides and specialized insights. Established in 2005, the blog caters to a broad audience, including legal professionals, injured individuals, families, and various stakeholders, providing reviews and opinions on settlement planning. John Darer, President of 4structures.com LLC, is a seasoned structured settlement expert with over 40 years of financial services experience and 31 years specializing in structured settlements. Based in Stamford, CT, he is a Certified Financial Transitionist and Registered Settlement Planner, holding insurance licenses in 45 states and the District of Columbia. John Darer is dedicated to transparency and advocacy, he emphasizes the importance of engaging trained and licensed professionals for settlement planning, offering valuable insights through his investigative journalism and professional commentary.

Instant Money For Your Settlement Brings Its Problems: Sure You Want All Cash For Your Settlement?

by John Darer® CLU ChFC MSSC RSP CLTC

Yet another sad dissipation story appears in today's New York Times. This story involves a Kentucky man who won the lottery in 2000. In less than 5 years his life and that of an ex-girlfriend, with whom he shared his winnings, is turned upside down and she is dead. We have all read factoring company ads stating that "its your money" so you should "sell your structured settlement" payment rights.

The temptation to take all cash or to "sell your structured settlement" payment rights may seem right to you but be very very careful and always get qualified independent professional advice.

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One response to “Instant Money For Your Settlement Brings Its Problems: Sure You Want All Cash For Your Settlement?”

  1. Mark Wahlstrom Avatar
    Mark Wahlstrom

    John,
    I read this same story and linked it over at The Settlement Channel. This is a classic case that is seen too often in our business of people who “take the cash” and in a short time a either dead, drug addicted, buried in law suits and other problems. The biggest safety net many people have in a structure is that it gives them the ability to tell their “friends and family” I only get a monthly check and I can’t give you the $200,000 you need for your lhama farm. An instructive story.

    Reply

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