Im just hoping that all the right heads weigh in on this one. Karen, I know you can't possibly do without the income; that goes without saying. The only question is, could you get Unum to give you enough money so that if you put it in CDs you could withdraw the same amount each month as you get now, and not have to deal with them.

That decision depends upon two things: First, would they go for a settlement? Second, what is the "present value" of the settlement amount and life expectancy that you want to work with, as well as them.

When I was working this out for myself, I had lots of help with the numbers, and the assumptions, and was able to get a settlement which seemed reasonable, compared to what I was going to have to go through for life, and what they would be paying me.

So, I hope Aussie and Len (Silverlady's hubby) are able to help you on this.

My guess is that you have to figure you'd not live to 65 to come out ahead of them. If you assume you live to 64, you can win. Each year you take out of your life expectancy, you do better by settling with them. But that's not a fun way to think about it.

Anyway, it's probably time for this discussion to go private, except in the most general terms.