Which of the following best typifies the use of a structured settlement annuity?

The use of a structured settlement annuity is best illustrated by the scenario involving Shirley, who was awarded $2 million to be paid out over a 20-year period following her injury from a car accident. Structured settlement annuities are specifically designed to provide a regular stream of income over a defined time frame, often as a result of a legal settlement. This arrangement is advantageous as it ensures that the individual receives steady payments rather than a single lump sum, which can help in managing long-term financial needs and provide additional security.

In contrast to this, other scenarios do not represent structured settlement annuities effectively. A large lump sum payment received immediately does not offer the prolonged financial support characteristic of structured settlements. Similarly, while receiving monthly payments after a legal ruling could suggest a structured settlement, the context does not imply that those payments are part of a pre-arranged structure over an extended period. Lastly, investing a fixed amount for retirement focuses on a completely different financial strategy rather than the payout structure derived from an annuity associated with a legal settlement.