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: Nassau County Settlement Planning

Co‑Signing Without Signing: The Hidden Credit Traps That Can Derail Settlement Payees

February 28, 2026

The article discusses the dangers of hidden credit entanglements that can harm individuals, particularly injury victims and settlement payees. Co-signing occurs informally through arrangements like shared phone plans and utility accounts, leading to significant credit damage. This vulnerability is exploited by predatory actors, creating a cycle of financial distress and manipulation.
NYC GMVA Look back Window | A Second Chance at Justice: Understanding NYC’s 2026 GMVA Lookback Window and How Settlement Planning Supports Survivors

February 27, 2026

New York City’s 2026 amendment to the Gender-Motivated Violence Act introduces an 18-month revival window for survivors to pursue civil claims previously dismissed due to outdated statutes. This amendment allows claims regardless of timing and expands institution liability, providing a renewed path to justice and support for survivors through structured settlements.
Taxable Equivalent Yield Explained for Structured Settlements

May 8, 2025

The article discusses the misleading nature of high “rate of return” claims in structured settlement proposals, often characterized by terms like “tax-free rate” versus “taxable equivalent yield.” It emphasizes the importance of accurately understanding Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculations, noting that different cash flows may yield varying results.
Settlement Preservation Trust v Special Needs Trust

April 30, 2012

A Special Needs Trust helps preserve the plaintiff’s/ trust beneficiary’s eligibility for Medicaid, SSI and other governmental programs. A Settlement Preservation Trust is an alternative less restrictive settlement management trust for spendthrift protection, controlled liquidity, flexibility
Chartered Financial Consultant® Program Aims “To Put More Distance Between It and Other Credentials in The Field”

February 3, 2009

The American College has enhanced the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation, now requiring nine college-level courses starting October 1, 2009. This includes elements of the CFP certification and specialized electives. Established in 1982, the ChFC® signifies a high standard of knowledge in financial planning, distinct from the CFP credential.