Structured settlements can provide individuals with a steady stream of income over a set period of time, but circumstances may arise where a lump sum payment is needed. In such cases, selling structured settlement payments can be an option. However, it’s important to choose a reputable company to ensure you receive fair value for your payments.
In this article, we will provide you with a list of five companies that are known for their experience, reliability, and excellent customer service when it comes to purchasing structured settlement payments. Keep in mind that it’s essential to conduct your own research and seek legal advice before making any decisions regarding your structured settlement payments.
Top 5 Best Companies To Sell Structured Settlement Payments In 2023
1. Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group is a well-established financial services company that has been providing customers with a wide range of insurance, retirement plans, and annuity products for over a century. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia and has a strong reputation for its reliable and trustworthy services.
One of the key offerings from Lincoln Financial Group is its comprehensive range of annuity products. Customers can choose from five different fixed indexed annuities, five variable annuities, one MYGA (Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity), and two income annuities. This broad range of options makes it easy for customers to find an annuity product that suits their individual needs and goals.
Lincoln Financial’s annuity products have relatively low minimum premiums, making them accessible to a wide range of customers. However, it’s worth noting that the minimum premium for a Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA) is higher than for other annuity products, which may be a consideration for some customers.
Overall, Lincoln Financial Group has a strong reputation in the annuity industry. The company has an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. Additionally, the company’s MYGuaranteeSM Plus product stands out as a unique offering, providing customers with two interest rate bands to choose from, depending on their premium size.
However, one potential drawback to Lincoln Financial’s annuity products is the lack of transparency around fees. Customers may need to do some additional research or speak with a financial advisor to fully understand the costs associated with their chosen annuity product.
In conclusion, Lincoln Financial Group is a reliable and well-established provider of annuity products. With a wide range of options available and relatively low minimum premiums, the company is a solid choice for those looking to invest in an annuity product. However, customers should be aware of the potential fees associated with their chosen product and do their own research before making any investment decisions.
2. Nationwide
Nationwide has been providing customers with retirement planning services for more than 85 years. The company is a popular insurer and paid over $18 billion in claims and benefits to members in 2021. One of the key offerings from Nationwide is its range of annuity products, which includes seven variable annuities, three fixed indexed annuities, two fixed annuities, and two immediate annuities.
Nationwide stands out in the annuity industry with its focus on variable annuities. These products offer customers the opportunity to invest in a range of underlying funds, which can potentially provide higher returns than fixed annuity products. The company offers a wide variety of variable annuities, each with unique features and benefits, such as the Monument Advisor, which has a flat $20 fee and over 350 investment options.
Nationwide’s annuity products have relatively low minimum premiums, with prices ranging from just $300 to $25,000. The fees for variable annuities usually come out to between 0.20% and 1.3% of the contract’s value, which is in line with industry standards.
In addition to its strong product offerings, Nationwide has also received high marks for customer satisfaction. In the 2022 J.D. Power study, the company was ranked 3rd in customer satisfaction for variable annuity products. The company also holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating a high level of customer trust and satisfaction.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to Nationwide’s annuity products. Some of the fixed indexed annuities have longer surrender charge schedules, which may be a consideration for customers looking for more flexibility. Additionally, some of the indexes and investment options offered by Nationwide’s annuity products are relatively new, so it may be difficult to predict their performance.
In conclusion, Nationwide is a strong choice for customers looking for variable annuity products. With a wide variety of options and relatively low minimum premiums, the company provides customers with the flexibility to choose an annuity product that suits their individual needs and goals. Additionally, Nationwide’s high customer satisfaction scores and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau are indicators of the company’s commitment to providing reliable and trustworthy services.
3. Allianz Life
Allianz Life is a top provider of retirement solutions, offering a wide range of annuity and life insurance products. As a subsidiary of the global financial services group Allianz SE, the company has a strong reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. Allianz’s annuity offerings include seven fixed indexed products and one index variable product. The provider’s FIAs are highly regarded for their quality and offer a variety of index options, with most having no annual fees.
Allianz’s most popular FIA product, the Allianz 222, comes with an income rider at no additional cost, as well as six market indices and five different crediting methods to choose from. Additionally, the provider’s index variable annuity product, Allianz Index Advantage, can be tailored to meet a client’s unique financial priorities, with options for an included Income Benefit rider, no product fee, or features designed to work within an advisory platform.
While Allianz’s FIAs do have some higher minimum premiums, the provider’s strong ratings from both the BBB and NAIC Complaint Index score make it a reliable choice for annuity customers. As CPA Mark Stewart notes, “Allianz is best known for the quality of its fixed indexed annuity,” and its offerings certainly live up to that reputation. Overall, Allianz’s wide range of annuity products and customization options make it a top choice for those looking to secure their retirement income.
4. MassMutual
MassMutual has been providing financial products, including life insurance and annuities, for over 170 years. The company holds an A++ rating from S&P Global Ratings and offers a limited number of annuity products, including a fixed annuity, a deferred income annuity, and a single premium immediate annuity (SPIA).
MassMutual’s annuity products have a $10,000 minimum premium and relatively low surrender charges ranging from 4% to 8%. The company’s income annuities are highly customizable and offer several payout options along with optional inflation protection. RetireEase Choice, the deferred income option, allows annuity owners to defer payments from 13 months to 30 years after the purchase date.
While MassMutual offers fewer annuity product options compared to other providers, the company’s reputation and long history of providing reliable financial products may make them a good option for individuals seeking a trusted provider. MassMutual’s income annuities have a wide variety of payout options, allowing individuals to customize their payments to fit their needs. Additionally, the low minimum premium for income annuities makes them more accessible to a wider range of customers.
Overall, MassMutual’s annuity products may be a good fit for individuals looking for a reliable provider with a long history of offering financial products. The company’s customizable income annuities and low minimum premiums make them an accessible choice for many customers. However, those seeking a wider range of annuity product options may need to look elsewhere.
5. Athene Holding Ltd.
Athene Holding Ltd. is a relatively new player in the annuity industry, having been founded in 2008. However, it has quickly established itself as one of the largest annuity providers in the United States, with a range of offerings that include fixed indexed annuities, multi-year guaranteed annuities, and registered index-linked annuities. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a low NAIC Complaint Index score of 0.1.
One of the standout features of Athene’s annuity products is their lifetime income guarantee, which is available on all of their offerings. Additionally, Athene’s fixed indexed and fixed annuities offer annual free withdrawal privileges, while their MYGAs have low minimum premiums and withdrawal charges. Athene’s products are designed to provide dependable, tax-deferred growth and are suitable for those looking to grow their wealth without taking on significant risk.
Athene offers three MYGAs, with minimum premiums ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 and surrender periods ranging from three to 10 years. These products are designed to offer guaranteed returns, making them a popular choice for those who want to grow their savings without worrying about market volatility.
Athene also offers six fixed indexed annuities, which offer the potential for higher returns than traditional fixed annuities. These products have a range of different features and options, including several different index options to choose from, annual point-to-point or monthly averaging crediting methods, and multiple riders to choose from. Athene’s fixed indexed annuities also offer lifetime income guarantees and annual free withdrawal privileges.
Finally, Athene offers two registered index-linked annuities, which are designed to provide the potential for higher returns through exposure to the stock market. These products are highly customizable, with multiple investment options and the ability to choose from a range of different crediting strategies. However, they also come with mandatory riders, which can increase the overall cost of the annuity.
Overall, Athene’s range of annuity products is designed to offer a balance between risk and reward, with a focus on dependable, tax-deferred growth and lifetime income guarantees. The company’s strong customer satisfaction ratings and low NAIC Complaint Index score make it a popular choice for those looking for a reliable annuity provider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selling structured settlement payments can be a complicated process, but there are several reputable companies available to help. Each of the top five companies mentioned above has unique features and benefits to offer, including competitive pricing, customizable options, and high customer satisfaction ratings. It’s important to carefully consider your needs and priorities before choosing a company to work with, but any of these top five options could be a good choice for those looking to sell their structured settlement payments.
FAQs
How is a structured settlement paid out?
A structured settlement is typically paid out in regular installments over a period of time, as specified in the settlement agreement.
Is selling a structured settlement taxable?
The sale of a structured settlement may be subject to taxes, depending on the circumstances and the laws of the relevant jurisdiction.
How long does it take to cash out a structured settlement?
The time it takes to cash out a structured settlement can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to several months.
Do you receive regular payments from a structured settlement?
Yes, structured settlements are designed to provide regular payments over a period of time, rather than a lump sum payment.