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: Staten Island Wrongful Death

What is the Kaiser Formula in New York?

May 15, 2015

The Kaiser formula is a method of determining proportionality that a New York Surrogate judge may use in his or her discretion in evaluating the appropriate manner of apportioning wrongful death proceeds in any given proceeding
What is a Non Qualified Structured Settlement Used For?

April 10, 2012

Depending on the non qualified assignment facility used, non qualified structured settlements can be funded with annuities, United States Treasury obligations, professional money management (based on objective formula) and/or structured settlement payment rights.
Constructive Receipt is the Grim Reaper of Structured Settlements | Avoid Constructive Receipt

March 1, 2012

“What is constructive receipt?” How to avoid constructive receipt to take advantage of structured settlement benefits. Avoid the Grim Reaper of Structured Settlements.
Are Structured Settlements Really TAX-FREE?

March 15, 2008

The claim that structured settlements are “tax-free” is misleading. While most structured settlement payments are exempt from federal and state income taxes, other taxes, such as estate taxes and certain excise taxes, may apply. Advertisements must accurately convey these nuances to avoid deception according to federal regulations.
Structured Settlement 411 | Why You Can’t Win a Structured Settlement

February 6, 2006

John Darer discusses the concept of settlements, emphasizing that they are negotiated compromises rather than victories. He clarifies that settlement agreements explicitly state they do not imply liability. Additionally, he critiques misleading advertisements that suggest one can “win” or be “awarded” a settlement, reinforcing the importance of accurate terminology.