The situation
An automobile accident left Michelle paralyzed from the waist down and unable to continue her work as a project manager. As a single parent of two children, she needed both immediate accessibility improvements and lasting financial security.
Planning priorities
- 01The risk of rapidly depleting unrestricted cash
- 02Lifetime income and possible future care
- 03Coordination with Medicare
- 04Education and first vehicles for two children
Settlement allocation
Structured settlement annuity
Lifetime monthly income and annual Medicare Set Aside funding
Medicare Set Aside seed
Initial Medicare eligible expenses
Market based structured settlement
Additional income and an inflation hedge
Minors’ trusts
College and a first vehicle for each child
Cash
Home modifications and an emergency reserve
The outcome
The plan created predictable lifetime income, prepared for future care, funded accessibility changes, and reserved resources for both children. Immediate cash remained available without leaving the entire settlement exposed to rapid spending.
This case study is educational and does not constitute legal, tax, benefits, or investment advice. Individual results and appropriate strategies vary.
Return to all insights