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November 06, 2009

Structured Settlement Consultants Who Flout NSSTA Guidelines for Promoting the CSSC-5

The list of those who hold the Certified Structured Settlement Consultant designation but mischaracterize or misrepresent their credentials has been updated. Please click below to see the current list of

Settlement Consultants Who Flout the NSSTA Guidelines for Promoting the CSSC

The list includes a sitting NSSTA board member whose reticence for change deserves the most consternation in that the NSSTA board of directors voted on the guidelines.

All information has been obtained from what is ALREADY IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Minimal effort is required to move from mischaracterization, or misrepresentation, to more truthful representation of the credential that is within the guidelines of the organization that confers the designation.

This author encourages a company like Ringler Associates, which has a substantial number of people on the list to institute a global audit of its associates and change the bios on their website. Another firm, Millennium Settlement Consulting did it and their associates were promptly removed.

One person has asked why I didn't send personal emails to each person. I believe I have already answered this question in my September 13, 2009 post and in this video commentary on the Legal Broadcast Network

Once again:

(1) The certificate that was issued to CSSC designees is clear that the designation is conferred by the National Structured Settlement Trade Association and the name of the institution where the program is "hosted".

(2) That the NSSTA just issued guidelines at this author's instigation is irrelevant in light of #1.

(3) Correct the errors, submit written evidence or a link to this author and the name will be removed from the list.

It is this author's understanding that the upcoming 2009 CSSC class will have a segment on how to use the CSSC so that future generations of CSSCs will not make the same errors.

Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants" 

-Louis D. Brandeis , Supreme Court Justice 1916-1939 from Other People's Money - and How the Bankers Use It, (1914) complete text from Louis D. Brandeis School of Law

Footnote: As a reminder structured settlement consultants who do business in the State of Oregon should consider having a separate set of business cards. The new law in Oregon effective November 1, 2009 seems to preclude the use of the CSSC.

Posted at 10:11 AM in James Logan, Misinformation About Structured Settlements, National Structured Settlement Trade Association, News About Structured Settlements, NSSTA, Settlement Planner Credentials, Settlement Planning Ethics, Structured Settlement Broker Business Practices, Structured Settlement Brokers, Structured Settlement Credentials, Structured Settlement Industry News |

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Structured Settlement Best Practices Corner

  • New York Insurance Advertising law requires the full name of the Insurer to be listed along with the city and state of the principal office. Stating that you represent these fine companies using Insurance company logos without the preceding information are also illegal
  • When it comes to settlement documents it is the ultimate responsibility of the lawyers or claims adjusters who receive input concerning the structured settlement aspects of the documents to actually read the entire document, exercise independent thought and advise their clients properly
  • Be aware that financial advisors use of testimonials is prohibited or restricted
  • Most states require that Testimonials represent the CURRENT opinion of the person who made the testimonial. Be prepared to back it up.
  • Number of States That Prohibit Payment of QSF expenses by licensed agents and brokers
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Why Take a Structured Settlement?

  • A structured settlement offers guaranteed financial security to personal injury victims, wrongful death survivors and their families. A structured settlement involves a customized stream of payments, provides long-term stable tax-free income, for a period of years or a lifetime. Unlike other income annuities. a structured settlement annuity can have multiple payment streams to address multiple needs in a single contract.

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