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.

Category: Financial Security of Insurers

  • Insurance Company Bankruptcy: Insurance Company CANNOT File Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 (With Few Exceptions)

    The Federal Bankruptcy Code expressly denies bankruptcy liquidation relief to insurance companies by providing that “Neither a domestic insurer nor “a foreign insurance company”, engaged in such business in the United States” are eligible for relief under Chapter 7. 11 U.S.C. § 109(b)(2)-(3).”

  • Structured Settlement Accounting and Insurer Investment Challenges on Long Tail Liabilities

    Insurers attempt to earn a “spread” between what it earns on its investments and what it pays out on its products.Insurers invest in a manner that tries to match the duration and cash flows of its investments with the required cash outflows associated with its life insurance and structured settlements products

  • Hartford Repays TARP Money

    Hartford has REPAID its US government bailout of $3.4 billion it took in June 2009. The company repurchased all of Hartford Financial Services Group’s preferred shares issued to the United States Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program (a/k/a Troubled Asset Relief Program, a/k/a TARP).

  • Prudential Financial outlook improves says A.M. Best

    The Prudential Insurance Company of America underwrites structured settlement annuities. A.M. Best states that the revised outlook is due to Prudential’s robust market presence across its diverse businesses, enhanced liquidity, and capitalization, consistent net operating profits, and the potential for augmented organic growth.

  • Financial See Saw Continues For Some

        Stocks Are Down 2.5% today (at time of writing) in another sharp sell off Bank Take Overs in 2010  (FDIC, CNBC) 72 Banks on Troubled List Now   (FDIC, CNBC) 775 Banks on Troubled List August 26, 2008  (CNBC) 117 More food for thought… S&P 500 Down 10% Since April 23, 2009 (CNBC) Dow S&P…

  • Hartford Financial Services Group Stable Says Moodys

    Good news about The Hartford Moody's Investors Service changed its ratings outlook on The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG) to stable from developing, saying the struggling life insurer's capitalization and financial flexibility has improved.