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: Workers Comp Structured Settlements

  • Structured Settlement Factoring Company in Inappropriate NY Workers Comp Annuitant Solicitation

    The NASP membe rep offered $700K for more than $1MM and then purportedly said if you go these guys (investment guys) they can double your money. Such talk if made by an actually licensed financial adviser (instead of a “hustler” masquerading as one, would be unlawful.

  • Understanding Rated Ages in WCMSA Proposals

    Understanding Rated Ages in WCMSA Proposals

    CMS clarified its requirements for rated age language in Workers Compensation Medicare Set Aside Proposals (WCMSA) in a recent memorandum. A revised certification is mandated, attesting that all relevant rated ages are included in WCMSA submissions. Acceptable proof must come from insurance carriers or settlement brokers to ensure compliance.

  • Structured Investment Vehicle IS NOT a Structured Settlement

    by John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC A number of people have been confused by the term "structured investment vehicle" to the degree that they believe it has something to do with the term structured settlement. Rest assured that a structured settlement IS NOT a structured investment vehicle, as that term is defined…

  • Liberty Life Offers Program to Ease Structured Settlement Rated Age Underwiting Back Log

    In April 2009  Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston introduced its Concierge Underwriting Program. This new program allows for underwriting on any case that you submit for a rated age, regardless of carrier. To qualify for Concierge Underwriting, a broker must place $500,000 in non-Liberty Mutual Group premium with Liberty Lifeper quarter, and Liberty Life Assurance…

  • The Case of “The Dreaded Shrimp”

    Timothy Richardson a former employee of the St. Louis branch of the Red Lobster restaurant chain, was left comatose in 2003 by the effects of a shellfish allergy hours after breading shrimp on the job. DealFlow Media’s report of the case on May 30, 2008 inaccurately states in its headline that the Richardson was "awarded a…

  • S&P Lowers Liberty Mutual Rating to A- Post SAFECO Acquistion, Liberty Mutual Responds

    When one company acquires a "safeco" your first inclination is that this is a good thing. Purportedly under pressure over its reaction time in the current financial crisis apparently Standard & Poors doesn't feel that way. Last week Standard & Poors lowered its ratings of the Liberty Mutual group of companies from A(Excellent) to A-(Excellent).…