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.

Category: Settlement Planning for Young Adults

  • Discover Pacific Life’s Payout Plus: Index-Based Growth

    Payout Plus is a new structured settlements annuity option from Pacific Life that enhances financial stability and growth opportunities for claimants. By offering indexed-based payments, it provides a guaranteed minimum with potential fluctuations, catering to those receiving personal injury or workers’ compensation settlements, while promoting financial resilience and flexibility.

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

    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.

  • The D.C. Circuit’s original decision held that a compensatory award for emotional and professional reputation damages is excluded from gross income and that IRC 104(a)(2) is unconstitutional in allowing taxation on compensation unrelated to lost wages or earnings. Some had hoped the feeling would spread to other Circuits to benefit those with such elements of…