When you go through a legal battle, and a settlement is offered, one way the settlement can be offered is as a structured settlement. With a structured settlement, you don't get all of the money at once. Instead, the money is paid out to you over time.
1. Structured Payments Provide You with Regular Payments
When you agree to a structured settlement payout, what you are agreeing to is to get your settlement paid out to you over time. With a structured settlement buyout, you will get a set payment over time. Generally, you will get a set payment amount each year or each month. The payment will remain the same over time; interest is generally not added to your payments.
2. Structured Payments Can Be Sold
When you get a structured settlement payout, if getting the money spread out over time does not work for you, you can sell a structured settlement. This is often referred to as a buyout.
With a buyout, you sell your future payments to a particular lending firm. That firm gets all of your future payments from the party that you settled with for the life of the payment agreement.
In return, the firm will get you the money that you would get overtime in one upfront lump sum payment. There is a drawback to getting a buyout. When you get a buyout, you are going to lose out on some of the total money that you were awarded. You will be charged a buyout rate, which is essentially what the firm charges you so that they make money on the deal as well.
3. Can Provide Stability & Make Budgeting Easier
With a structured settlement, it will feel like you are receiving a regular income. You will either get monthly or yearly payments that you can use to pay for your expense. It can be easier to budget with a structured payment set-up. It can be easier to budget and make sure that you don't use all of your money that way.
There are advantages to getting a buyout as well. If there are things that you need to purchase right away that are expensive, getting a buyout can help you pay for immediate needs. For example, if you have medical bills that you need to pay right now or if you need to make serious modifications to your home, a buyout can help you with those expenses.
If you have been offered a structured payment, you are going to want to think carefully if you want to accept the offer. A structured payment can sometimes allow you to get more money over time. The regular payments will ensure that you have regular access to money and will provide you with stability. You can sell your structured payment, but you'll lose some of the money you would have gained over time.
For more information on your personal loan rate, contact your local financing office.