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It is extremely important to understand the most important differences among brokers, because there is a segment of the structured settlement annuity industry that is quite different from the rest.
Most brokers have access to all of the life insurance companies offering structured settlement annuities and most will get the same rates from those companies. So, in that sense, any structured settlement broker can quote an annuity and have access to the same companies and the same annuity rates. However, though we have access to the same annuities, we do not lump ourselves as just brokers. We take a holistic approach to the process of advising injured plaintiffs. We approach the settlement of a personal injury claim as an opportunity to create a personalized "settlement plan" unique to the needs and goals of each client. Such a settlement plan may or may not include the use of structured settlement annuity. We serve as fiduciaries instead of salesmen. We seek to add value to the professional relationship in contrast with our "in-and-out" transactional counterparts who merely push an annuity product that may or may not be suitable for the circumstances. Depending on the issues involved, our services may include assessing dissipation risk, analyzing liquidity needs, planning for government entitlements, estate planning, tax planning, and reviewing insurance needs. The solutions may involve special needs trusts, spendthrift trusts, investment accounts, credit repair services, or budgeting advice. |