Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Saturday, February 15th
When we search for quality in a structured settlement buyer, there is one thing we look for first and foremost: do they recommend you seek independent legal and financial counsel. If yes, it goes a long way towards assuring us of their quality. We found that Peachtree Financial is one of the more informative and ethical structured settlement buyers out there.
An ethical choice
When searching through Peachtree's offerings, not only does Peachtree clarify that their provided lawyer does not represent your interest, they helpfully state the qualities of (and questions you should ask) your own lawyer in deciding who will represent your interests. Taking steps to ensure that customers who may not know to look for independent legal counsel know that they should seek independent representation, is simply the ethical choice on Peachtree Financials' part. High marks for that.
An overall helpful website
While Peachtree Financial does not offer in-depth video explanations like some of their competitors, they lay out every step of the process so you know what to expect. They also explain how to best prepare so that you are not only ready for the court date, but ready with independent counsel to represent your best interests. It would be nice if Peachtree Financial more strongly emphasized how critical it is to seek independent legal and financial counsel, but when compared to their rivals, the materials here are downright saintly.
No promotion, no problem
While Peachtree Financial does not advertise any kind of signing bonus or deal on their main page, we don't think this is necessarily a detriment. The sale of a structured settlement can involve the negotiation of (potentially) tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Working with a fair and conscientious partner who recommends you seek independent legal counsel is much more critical than a simple $50 dollar bonus, or any similar kind of cheap promotion.
Unfortunate mailing practices
While we strongly appreciate Peachtree's informative structured settlement materials and recommendations to hire independent legal counsel, we are a little put off by the complaints on their Better Business Bureau page. These detail some spam-like contact practices involving multiple letters and calls from changing phone numbers. This is disappointing considering their otherwise customer-first materials, and has been accounted for in the slight lowering of our rating. While they still have received an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau, and have promptly responded to customer complaints, it appears that their affiliation with the larger JG Wentworth has led to the adoption of some unfortunate mailing practices.
A good buyer to consider
Overall we're impressed with the measured information provided by Peachtree to their potential customers. Still, they are a subsidiary of the JG Wentworth corporation, and as such they seem to engage in some unscrupulous customer contact practices. Even so, we think that if you are determined to sell your structured settlement, Peachtree Financial is likely a good choice to discuss with your financial advisor, and a strong competitor with which to negotiate and compare offers from other structured settlement buyers.
Well, it's a critical question, and one that should be explored with care. Many receive a structured settlement as an annuity paid over a long period of time in compensation for injury or malpractice. While the stable income of a structured settlement can be a necessary key to financial security, many people are often left in a bind when they need money for a sudden expense or emergency, and are unable to procure the collateral for a loan.
That's where structured settlement buyers come in. These companies offer a single lump sum of cash in exchange for your monthly payments, giving you the up-front capital you need to manage a crisis, or make a needed purchase/investment.
It almost goes without saying that you should take care when you sell your structured settlement. While there are reputable buyers out there, many companies appear out of nowhere, or engage in less-than-reputable business practices. As the sale of a structured settlement is a major decision, a bit of careful investigation to determine the quality of the buyer can go a long way towards a transaction you'll be happy with.
Typically the sale of a structured settlement requires that you appear in court to talk to a judge in order to determine that you understand the particulars of the sale of your structured settlement, and that the sale is in your best interest. While potentially annoying, your court appearance is a critical step in the process, and something that directly protects you as a consumer.
Before this step, companies are required to advise you in writing that you can hire independent legal counsel to review your sale in court with you. This is strongly recommended, as legal counsel and financial advice can give you power and leverage in your structured settlement sale, making it so you get a better deal, and potentially earning multiple-thousands more from the sale of your settlement. If you sign this away to another person or a company, they may represent their own best interests, rather than yours.
So, which structured settlement buyers are worth your time? As you investigate the options, here are some tips for you to keep in mind:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we want to make sure that our readers are well-equipped to navigate the sometimes murky waters of the structured settlement industry. We've gathered the best companies we could find, and ranked them based on their overall reputation and business practices. As you shop around for the best deal in the sale of your structured settlement, you should feel comfortable using our curated list as a starting point for finding a fair and honest buyer.
Select any 2 Structured Settlement Buyers to compare them head to head