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.

Recent Posts

about

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: Uncategorized

  • When a Brochure Uses the Word “Annuity” for Something That Is Not an Annuity

    When a Brochure Uses the Word “Annuity” for Something That Is Not an Annuity

    The MJ Settlements brochure misleadingly promotes factored structured-settlement payment rights as “Secondary Market Structured Settlement Annuities,” creating a false impression of insurer backing and protection. This misrepresentation exposes retirees to significant risks, as they believe they are purchasing regulated annuity products when they are not. Clarity and accurate terminology are essential.

  • Qualified Assignment Annuity: Stopping a Misnomer Before It Starts

    Qualified Assignment Annuity: Stopping a Misnomer Before It Starts

    The term “qualified assignment annuity” is a misleading phrase emerging in secondary-market marketing, combining unrelated statutory concepts. It misrepresents structured settlements, potentially confusing consumers about the distinct nature of primary and secondary markets. If left unchecked, it risks spreading misinformation and promoting financial illiteracy among consumers regarding structured settlements.

  • MetLife Announces NQA-Flex Deferred Payment Solution for Non-Physical Injury Settlements

    MetLife Announces NQA-Flex Deferred Payment Solution for Non-Physical Injury Settlements

    MetLife has launched the Non-Qualified Assignment Flex Agreement (NQA-FA), providing enhanced payment flexibility not restricted by IRC 72(u). This product supports deferred payments, lump sums, and annual increases, allowing for customization. It serves as a settlement tool for non-physical injury claims, offering reliability and strong repayment features.

  • Structured Settlement Collection Agency in Henderson, Nevada Is Still Not a Structured Settlement — Nevada Law Makes That Clear

    Structured Settlement Collection Agency in Henderson, Nevada Is Still Not a Structured Settlement — Nevada Law Makes That Clear

    In October 2024, a post revealed that a Henderson, Nevada business named “Structured Settlement” misrepresented itself as a structured settlement company instead of a collections agency. In 2025, Nevada clarified definitions of structured settlements in law, emphasizing their distinction from collections, ensuring consumer understanding of this regulated financial term.

  • Crypto Still Isn’t Suitable for Injury Victims — A Reminder From This Week’s Headlines

    Crypto Still Isn’t Suitable for Injury Victims — A Reminder From This Week’s Headlines

    The post warns against the dangers of promoting crypto investments to injury victims. It emphasizes that structured settlements offer financial stability, while crypto amplifies volatility. Recent Bitcoin slumps highlight the risks for inexperienced individuals, reinforcing that crypto is unsuitable for those navigating significant life transitions.

  • Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act Introduced

    Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act Introduced

    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.

  • ⭐Equitable–Corebridge: What the Merger Means

    ⭐Equitable–Corebridge: What the Merger Means

    Corebridge Financial and Equitable Holdings are merging in a $22 billion all-stock deal, creating a new company named Equitable, trading on the NYSE as EQH. Corebridge shareholders will own 51%, while Equitable shareholders will hold 49%. The merger aims to enhance service for over 12 million customers and diversify offerings.

  • 🎉 Happy Birthday, MetLife — 158 Years Strong

    🎉 Happy Birthday, MetLife — 158 Years Strong

    MetLife, founded in 1868, has demonstrated exceptional durability in the financial sector, surviving numerous economic challenges while remaining a reliable presence in structured settlements. Its 158-year history showcases adaptability, stability, and ongoing relevance in an industry marked by change. Happy birthday, MetLife, for continuing to evolve and thrive.

  • Private Credit Contagion: Why It Matters for Structured Settlement Annuitants and Receivables Investors

    Private Credit Contagion: Why It Matters for Structured Settlement Annuitants and Receivables Investors

    Private credit has surged into a multi-trillion-dollar market, with insurers heavily involved, raising concerns about their investment stability. Key risks include liquidity issues and valuation challenges linked to opaque assets. The implications for structured-settlement payments necessitate vigilance from annuitants and investors regarding their insurer’s financial health and asset exposure.

  • ⚖️ New York Structured Attorney Fees and the $20,000 Retirement Exclusion (Updated for 2026)

    ⚖️ New York Structured Attorney Fees and the $20,000 Retirement Exclusion (Updated for 2026)

    By John Darer® CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC ⚖️ Can retired New York lawyers exclude structured attorney fee income under the $20,000 pension and annuity exclusion? No. New York’s pension and annuity exclusion under NY Tax Law §612(c)(3‑a) applies only to qualified pension and annuity income. Structured attorney fees are non‑qualified deferred compensation, not…