Not at all. Structures are just one part of a complete financial plan. Settlements can—and probably should—always include up-front cash, timed lump sums for big life events (like weddings, retirement, college tuition), as well as other features like professional administration or special needs trusts. You can structure as much or as little as you want. The whole idea is to structure your plan to match your unique and individual needs.
Structures provide secure, scheduled, tax-free payments that are immune from creditors, bankruptcy and divorce agreements…and coordinated with other benefits and needs. Cash has its place, but so do structures. It’s a matter of creating a balanced plan. All or nothing—all cash or all structure—is usually not the optimal financial plan.
