Summer Sessions, a dynamic interview series spotlighting the incredible individuals behind Independent Life. From structured specialists to finance, sales to compliance pros, we’re sitting down for bite-sized interviews that showcase the people who make the difference.
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Corrine Schulter, Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey – Structured Settlement Specialist
I typically spend my summer…
Summer is the time I cherish most because it lets us slow down and focus on what really matters… spending quality time together. Living so close to the beach feels like a gift, and I love taking advantage of it by doing spontaneous things with my kids, like waking them up early to get a Wawa donut and catching the sunrise over the ocean before camp or work begins. Watching them try new things like guitar or surfing is such a joy, and after a few years of them surfing, they finally convinced me to give it a go. I’m no pro, but I’m holding my own, and surfing together has become one of our favorite ways to connect and laugh, though I’m pretty sure they only wanted me out there so they could say they taught me. Every summer we make sure to take a trip that turns a shared passion into an adventure. My kids love pushing me out of my comfort zone, which has led to some unforgettable moments. Not many people can say they swam in a pool full of sharks and lived to tell the tale. I like to think it proves I’m either brave or just haven’t figured out the concept of self-preservation yet.
The perfect day looks like…
Traveling with the kids where we can explore something historical or try something completely new, ideally both. I like to keep things relaxed and avoid over-scheduling so we actually enjoy the trip instead of racing through it. We’d sleep in, grab a great breakfast, and spend the day following our curiosity, maybe a local museum, a hike, or just wandering a new town. Then we’d come home to a healthy dinner I didn’t cook, served on dishes I don’t have to wash, and end the day curled up together with a good movie. Simple. Full. No alarms required.
A ‘small win’ in my day that actually feels massive…
Some days I feel like I am running a very chaotic and unpaid circus. I like to say I run a tight shipwreck. School/camp drop-offs, work, school/camp pickups, dinner, activities, bedtime, repeat. So, a small win for me is finding 30 quiet minutes to do something just for me. Whether it is a workout, sitting by the beach with my Wawa coffee, or reading a few pages of a book, it feels like striking gold. Scheduling in these small, intentional pockets of time, what I like to call micro-wins, is so important. They help recharge my mind and soul and, honestly, make me feel more grounded and present in everything else I do.
A part of my work that makes me feel like I am building something bigger…
When I hear the stories behind the cases we work on. Even though I do not interact with the individuals directly, we hear about what they have gone through, and it really sticks with me. It is a powerful reminder that life can change in an instant. Knowing that I play a role in helping provide financial stability during such a difficult and uncertain time feels incredibly rewarding. It is meaningful to know that the work we do can help support someone as they adjust to a new version of their life.
The biggest myth about structured settlements…
That they are rigid or limiting. While it is true that once a plan is selected and finalized it cannot be changed, but kind of like deciding on a tattoo, there is actually a great deal of flexibility beforehand. Working closely with brokers and case managers, each plan is thoughtfully crafted to meet the unique needs of the individual, whether that involves long term medical care, education costs, or a steady stream of income over time. Structured settlements are not a one size fits all solution. The customization happens upfront, allowing us to build something that truly supports stability both now and in the years to come.
Book, podcast, or documentary that’s been influential…
A book that really stuck with me was Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss. A friend gave me their copy, and I have read it several times over the past few years. It is about a psychiatrist whose sessions with a patient unexpectedly led them into past life memories, and it completely changed the way he viewed healing and the human experience. Whether you believe in the idea of past lives or not, the book offers powerful insight into fear, growth, and the idea that we may all be connected on a much deeper level than we realize. It really made me think about how much more there might be to our experiences than what we see on the surface.
A cause or passion I care about…
One cause that is especially close to my heart is supporting survivors of domestic violence. I just recently started to volunteer with an organization that provides women and their children with a safe place to stay as they begin to rebuild. From there, they slowly help them reestablish themselves with things like housing, job support, and emotional resources. It is all about helping them regain peace, stability, and inner strength. Being part of that journey, even in a small way, is something I truly care about.
I personally measure success…
For me, the measure of success is best summed up as Financial Comfort + Meaningful Work + Balance + Lasting Connections. It means living a life where I feel secure and fulfilled. Being financially stable enough to enjoy life without stress and create lasting memories with loved ones. Since work takes up so much of our time, it is important that I find purpose or enjoyment in what I do rather than just chasing promotions. Above all, success is about balance. Showing up for the people I care about, taking care of myself, and growing in all parts of life. At the end of the day, I want to look back and know that I lived a life full of joy, love, laughter, and meaningful moments that stay with the people I leave behind.
One thing people wouldn’t know about me…
I have a habit of going on deep dives into obscure topics. I might start by checking the weather and somehow end up learning how octopuses change color or that ancient Romans may have used crushed mouse brains in their toothpaste. I’ve always been endlessly curious and love learning just for the sake of it. The facts I uncover rarely come in handy, but I can’t help sharing them with anyone who’s willing to listen. If you’re a fellow nerd who loves diving into odd and fascinating tidbits, we’ll get along just fine.
You can connect with me for…
Brokers, case managers, and attorneys can connect with me when they need guidance or support with structured settlement documentation. I provide templates and review documents to ensure they meet regulatory and tax requirements. I’m available to answer questions and help clarify any issues related to the paperwork, so everyone involved understands the process and stays compliant. By supporting the team with expert advice on documentation, I help brokers focus on their clients and have peace of mind throughout the settlement process.
