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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Category: Staten Island Settlement Planning
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by John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC As more structured settlement designs reference external indices such as CPI‑U, the terminology used to describe them has expanded. Words like index‑linked, index‑based, and occasionally index‑backed appear in product materials and industry discussions, sometimes without clear differentiation. This brief guide provides a neutral, carrier‑friendly framework to…
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Recent discussions among attorneys highlight how structured settlement payments are treated in bankruptcy, focusing on the payee’s situation. The courts prioritize the purpose of payments, proper legal documentation, and allocation clarity. A well-structured release is essential, as effective planning and documentation can protect payees’ interests during bankruptcy proceedings.
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The Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act (H.R. 2347), introduced on March 25, 2026, aims to exempt survivors of sexual assault from taxation on compensatory damages and settlements. It simplifies the process by removing the medical record requirement and aligns tax practices with IRS policy, ensuring dignity for survivors while reducing legal complications.
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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.
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by John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC 1099-Misc Overview This post explains When Box 3 Applies What is Box 3? Box 3 on Form 1099‑MISC is labeled Other Income and is used to report payments that do not fit into the form’s other specific boxes. Settlement administrators and defendants sometimes report the entire…
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The key take away is that it is the damages that are tax exempt. With a properly established structured settlement, that starts with an obligation to make future periodic payments as damages on account of personal physical injury, An annuity commonly funds the periodic payment obligation.
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Settlement Planning Opportunities and Considerations With The Excelsior Scholarship and Collateral Benefits as New York offers free full-time undergraduate tuition at public colleges and universities to students with an annual family income of $125,000 or less.
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Sometimes better structured settlement prices can be had by blending the strengths of two or more companies. One company may excel at earlier payments and another for later payments. Sometimes there are unique considerations. Always work with a credentialed structured settlement expert.
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Potential abuse of Qualified Settlement Funds observed by a leading settlement tax authority.
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Level premium term life insurance which can go out to age 95 is now available at very attractive long term premiums so that older plaintiffs, plaintiff attorneys and others who can’t afford, or choose not to pay, higher premiums for whole life or other permanent coverage.