IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Settlement Plus, a professional life settlement firm that has secured millions of dollars for its clients through the life settlement process, is proactively educating its clients and the CPA community about the opportunity to unlock the hidden assets that may exist in current life insurance contracts.
In the midst of billion-dollar bailouts and an escalating national debt, Americans are being hit hard financially as 2009 quickly approaches. With this in mind, Settlement Plus has taken a transparent and proactive approach to ensure that its clients understand and develop a broad perspective of all of the options that they may not realize exist regarding their life insurance contracts -- including the life settlement option.
A life settlement is a financial transaction in which a policy owner possessing an unneeded or unwanted life insurance policy sells the policy to a third party (institutional funder) for more than the cash surrender value offered by the life insurance company.
According to Conning Research and Consulting, Inc., more than $12 billion in U.S. life insurance face values were processed through life settlements in 2007, representing the most significant industry growth since 2005. Further, the research firm predicts this increase will continue to fuel its expectations for market growth through 2010.
"Now more than ever, Americans are seeking new ways to navigate this financial crisis we are in. Many individuals who currently own life insurance contracts aren't aware that a life settlement can generate substantial impact and achieve financial freedom by transforming an un-realized asset into immediate capital," said Bob Larsen, president and CEO of Settlement Plus. "Our clients have used their settlement funds for a variety of reasons -- to eliminate debt, start new investments, purchase replacement insurance that is more relevant to their current needs and even help family members who may be suffering financially and need the capital now."
Leveraging a proprietary analysis tool, Settlement Plus provides policy owners with a 360-degree view of their unique options, outlining the economic benefits, tax ramifications and estate planning rationales for selling, maintaining, replacing or purchasing additional insurance for their estate or business planning needs.
If a life settlement is chosen by a client as the best option once the policy appraisal and in-depth analysis is complete, Settlement Plus works with nearly 30 of the most credible, reliable and qualified institutional funders to secure the highest offer possible. Unlike many of its competitors, Settlement Plus is proactive in disclosing the gross and net offers to every client to ensure absolute transparency throughout the entire life settlement process.
In addition to working directly with clients, Settlement Plus also takes an industry leadership role by hosting regular educational webinars for CPAs and financial planning professionals. Each webinar provides attendees with valuable information, topics and trends regarding the life settlement industry and how it may be a viable option for their own clients.
"Our clients appreciate knowing the true economic value of their life insurance and welcome the Settlement Plus appraisal process -- the result is real added value," said P. W., CPA in Orange County, Calif. and Settlement Plus CPA partner.
About Settlement Plus
Settlement Plus is a professional life settlement firm providing outstanding service and results for clients by utilizing our network of institutional funding sources, industry expertise and advanced policy appraisal tools to secure the highest offers. With nearly 30 years of experience and proven capabilities, Settlement Plus has effectively generated millions of dollars for our clients through life settlement transactions. For more information about the Settlement Plus or its CPA educational webinar series, please visit: www.settlementplus.com