Litigation

You just turned 18 and you find out you have this structured settlement that your parents set up for you years ago. The structured settlement provides annual payments tied to what are meant to be your college years.

Now, like the Sirens of ancient Greek mythology, the fat J.G. Wentworth Viking chick is calling to you, people are falling all over themselves to offer you trinkets in exchange for your structured settlement. These people are a dime a dozen pushing the "cash now" drug. Don't you think it makes sense that it's something valuable if these companies are being so aggressive about getting to you?

But man, it's so tempting isn't it? You can just smell the cash and what it can do for you, the car you can buy, the boat, the tennis bracelet for your girlfriend, the new closet you'll need for your new collection of Jimmy Choos, all those people you THINK you will impress. Perhaps the fat Viking chick or Mr. Wentworth in his conductor suit even turns you on. Be honest now!

Then, hopefully, you think again and realize that it's not all about instant gratification AND, if you play your cards right you will eventually be able to afford all of that (if you wish), without destroying the opportunities for the future that a college education offers.

Sandra Block's  "Your Money" column in Tuesday's  USA Today presented the results of a Sallie Mae/Gallup Poll on how the average family pays for college

Parent income/savings 32%
Student Borrowing 23%
Parent Borrowing  16%
Grants/scholarships 15%
Student Income/Savings 10%
Friends/Relatives Support 3%

This means that on the average, mom and pop can't afford to send you to school of your choice on their own. Your structured settlement payments can help afford you that opportunity. Don't blow it!

"From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover you have wings". ? Helen Hayes