Investments

In earlier articles, we've seen the benefits of structured settlement annuities over lump sum payments. For some, this protects them from the temptation of spending the bulk of their payment on unsound or unwise investments. Protection and incoming cash flow over the long haul are what structured settlement annuities provide. However, not every person faced with a lump sum payment necessarily will be tempted to spend the money rashly. Obviously, there are people who are savvy investors and think that given the opportunity with a lump sum payment over a structured settlement annuity, they will be able to make more money investing on their own.

Bank Of America Investment With that in mind, let's take a look how a structured settlement annuity compares with one of the most popular investment vehicles, the equity income mutual fund.

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Investment Opportunity First, let's look at who issues the annuity and the mutual fund.
A structured settlement annuity is issued by a life insurance company. An equity mutual fund is issued by and investment company that pools the assets of multiple investors in equity securities.

Competitive Rates of Return With concerns over inflation and making sure that investments will meet our future needs, many people have turned to the equity market for higher returns. It makes sense when you consider how well the S&P 500 index has performed historically. Traditional Annuity Benefits Equity index annuities offer the same benefits as traditional annuities. deferred growth and early withdrawal of funds without penalty. This early withdrawal is usually conditioned upon the annuitant's death or admittance to a nursing home.

Banc Of America Investment Next, let's look at the long term capabilities of each to provide a lifetime income.
An annuity payment plan is created up front and is a predictable and dependable source of income that can not be outlived. A mutual fund can be a high paying investment. However it can also be highly volatile and unpredictable based on market conditions and can actually lose money and stop your earnings if the fund performs poorly.

loss provision. It is known as the equity index annuity. This new type of annuity is not a security, as you might suspect, premium traditional annuity. It is an annuity because it meets the strict insurance department requirements for interest guarantees and guarantees against loss of principal, and it provides traditional annuity benefits. Let's look at what makes this such an attractive savings option.

Banking Investment What about guaranteeing the payouts?
An annuity is guaranteed by the issuer of the annuity based on the terms of the structured settlement. A mutual fund is solely dependent on market activity and thus can not be guaranteed.

One core issue raised in the report was how much access could retirees have to their account funds. Would they be allowed to take lump sums upon retirement, -insurance contracts that guarantee monthly payments for life If annuities are required, will a government entity or private insurers provide them Under current law, insurance is regulated by the states, but a greater federal role might be desirable. And if retirees are given choices about purchasing annuities, who will advise them and to what extent would advisers be responsible for bad investment advice

Investment Solution Strategic What about costs?
The annuity has no cost associated with it. A mutual fund can be subject to a number of fees, like a sales load, yearly management fee, and marketing expenses. Even the lowest cost index funds have some costs associated with them.

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Investment Banking Services What about keeping up with inflation?
A structured settlement annuity can have a cost of living adjustment incorporated into the annuity at the time it is designed. An equity mutual fund can outperform inflation based on how the underlying securities perform. However it is difficult to predict what the return will be and remember "past performance is not and indicator of future results."

Bank Investment But what about the dreaded T-word....Taxes??
A structured settlement annuity is tax free as long as the money received is the result of personal physical injury or physical illness. As income is earned from an equity mutual fund taxes, capital gains, income etc, must be paid.

Alternative Investment What about flexibility?
A structured settlement annuity payment amount and schedule may not be altered at any time. Conversely, money can be moved in and out of mutual funds. However, taxes, sales loads etc may be applicable with each transaction.

Online Investment Services Michael DeGeorge has done extensive research on structured settlements and shares a wealth of information on his website
http://structsettle.gitgoingnow.com. Download your free Structured Settlement Annuity information today.

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