Life settlement solutions are easy to find, but information on life settlements is not so easy to come by. Life insurance purchasers don't often mention life settlements, but sometimes this financial option can be a big help. A senior life settlement is the most common type of life insurance settlement.

Life insurance settlements are probably more common than most people realize. Through this transaction, policyholders in effect sell their policy to receive a lump sum. Those who purchase the policy, often life insurance settlement brokers, then become the policy beneficiary and take on the responsibility of paying premiums. Remember to consider the full meaning of a life settlement before making this decision:

1. Life settlement companies are going to create the best deal for them, not for the owner of the life insurance policy.

2. Choosing a life settlement eliminates the policy itself, which means no family members will benefit from the life insurance.

3. Life insurance purchasers are very easy to find, meaning there is opportunity to shop around.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider what choosing a life settlement means

Life settlements allow policyholders to receive immediate equity through life insurance. However, the money received through life settlements will be significantly less than the policy's worth. For instance, a $50,000 policy may yield a $25,000 settlement. Speak with life settlement agents to learn more about life settlements. Life settlement agents can also help you secure a purchaser for your life insurance policy, which helps create a lot less work for the policyholder.

I recommend: Get a life insurance appraisal to begin the process at Insurance Appraisal or Policy Refund.

Search for the best possible life settlement

Life settlement companies are extremely common and very easy to find. Explore the options by comparing these companies before settling on one. Look for companies that have a proven record and known reputation, as well as experience in dealing with life insurance settlements. You can also use a life settlement broker to help you find the best settlement for your policy. Life settlement brokers will do the work of comparing offers to find the best possible settlement for your policy.

I recommend: RTG Associates offers life settlement broker services. Advanced Settlements is one of the leading life settlement companies in the country.

Make a plan for funds after a life settlement

Every life comes to an end, and though this reality is grim, it must be faced. When opting for a life settlement, remember that this means there is no policy to provide for surviving family members. Have funds, or some other plan, in place for family members who will survive the policyholder's death. This plan may include another life insurance policy or some form of investment account that will provide for death-related expenses.

I recommend: Get a quote for life insurance at IntelliQuote. Look into an IRA with AARP.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A senior life settlement varies only slightly from other types of life insurance settlements. Seniors considering a life settlement should look for life settlement companies that specifically handle senior settlements.