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Avoid relationship penalties by creating both individual and joint bank accounts.

Merging lives often means merging finances. But it’s best to see eye to eye on money management before pooling your income. The “three-pot money system” is a wise option for many gay couples, largely because it’s a combination of accounts -- mine, yours, and ours. Create a joint fund for shared living expenses and financial goals like buying a house. But maintain your individual bank accounts for discretionary spending. This establishes a unified approach to significant joint assets yet still allows you to spend, say, $127 on Acqua di Parma cologne without necessarily drawing your partner’s ire. Each partner can contribute 50% of the mutual pot, or you could devise another ratio. “This system is also practical when there’s a disproportionate level in income,” says Helen Maynard, principal of Affine Financial Services. “For example, if Brad makes an annual salary of $210,000 and Daniel earns $90,000, they might fund the joint account with a 70-30 split to make things more equitable.”

Trading Faux Fun
Sports aficionados aren’t the only fanatics to have fantasy team games. Fiscal nerds have long managed their own fantasy stock portfolios with virtual trading floors like WallStreetSurvivor.com. For neophyte traders, WeSeed.com  is one of my favorite sites. This free site simulates the online trading experience, helping you develop your investing skills and learn about the market without losing real money. Since man cannot retire on mutual funds alone, every portfolio should have a few individual stocks for diversification. WeSeed recommends that you start with your personal interests. Let’s say you’re into gay rodeo and boot-cut jeans: WeSeed helps you translate your country-western affinities into stocks. Buy 1,000 shares of VF Corp. -- maker of those tight Wranglers -- and watch to see if your investment pays off.

In Defense of Luxury
A recession invariably puts conspicuous consumption on hold. But even though thrift and prudence are prevailing buzzwords with financial advisers, luxury tempts those trying to live within their means. “An occasional splurge here and there is part of what makes life interesting,” says Paula Gregorowicz, a life and business coach for lesbians. “As long as it’s tempered with enjoying what you have in the present as well. That’s the Holy Grail of financial planning -- finding that balance between splurging periodically because life needs to be enjoyed for our own well-being and saving for the future. You can’t constantly deprive yourself, or it’ll only backfire in the long run.”How then should you defend what you spend on nonnecessities? We shouldn’t have to defend our luxuries of choice. Consider the gym membership that many gays see as nonnegotiable. Technically it’s defined as a luxury, since luxuries are optional. But the label is irrelevant. If you can afford $89 a month to pump iron at Crunch and it brings you joy or some other benefit, go for it.

If working out is important to you but you can’t really afford it, then make a trade-off with other items in your budget. Remember that personal finance is just that, personal.

By Nina Smith

Surprising a spouse with a new car or an extravagant piece of jewelry is an expensive way to express affection, but at least there aren't tax consequences.

But gay couples, technically, should file a gift tax return -- gifts worth more than $12,000 come with tax consequences. So one could imagine the results if an individual decides to retitle a home or bank account, giving half to his or her domestic partner. These issues, which don't exist for the legally wed, are just the tip of the iceberg and underscore the importance of careful financial planning, whether you're filing your income taxes or planning for retirement and regardless of where you live. The same issues apply to unmarried heterosexual couples.

Same-sex couples need to keep in mind that even though domestic partnerships or civil unions are recognized by some states -- California, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maine and Hawaii -- and gay marriage is allowed in Massachusetts, you remain strangers in the eyes of the federal government. In fact, one financial planner points out that there are about 1,049 federal laws that benefit those allowed to take an official trip down the aisle.

"Any rights you would want to have as a married couple, you need to re-create in a legal document," says Todd G. Sears, a senior financial adviser who founded the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) financial-services team at Merrill Lynch & Co.

That will require a lot of paper. Some of the documents needed and the terminology will vary from state to state, but here's a basic list that same-sex partners should have:

Wills and/or revocable living trusts and pour-over wills: Without a will or revocable trust, you risk having your assets pass to family members instead of your partner. It also allows you to name a guardian for minor children. A revocable living trust -- in which assets are titled to the trust and your trustee distributes your assets per your wishes after your death -- is considered more difficult to contest. A living trust also keeps your affairs private because it avoids probate, unlike a will, which becomes part of the public record. A living trust should be used with a pour-over will, which will cause any assets left out to "pour over" into the trust after you die.

 

Advance health-care directive; health-care-authorization proxy; durable power of attorney for health care: Generally speaking, these documents appoint an agent -- your partner -- to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. They also will allow visitation, which can be denied unless you're a spouse or family member. Sears also recommends giving your partner Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act authorization, a document that will authorize your insurer to release medical information to your partner.

Durable power of attorney for finances: This document designates an agent, whether it's your partner or an adviser who will keep your partner's interests in mind, to make financial decisions if you're incapacitated, says Philip J. Hoskins, an attorney in Los Angeles.

Domestic partner agreement: Much like a prenuptial agreement for married couples, this document -- also called a living-together or property-sharing agreement -- spells out who gets what in the event of a split or death. "There is no such thing as gay alimony," says Merrill's Sears.

Parenting agreements: Same-sex couples should visit with an attorney if they have or are planning to have children, because every situation is different. Depending on your circumstances and where you live, you might consider joint-custody agreements or second-parent adoption. If you're thinking of adopting internationally, one planner says to wait to document your partnership (such as getting married in Massachusetts) because attitudes in other countries toward gay unions may impede the process.

Beneficiaries: Be sure to review your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, stock options, life insurance and any other assets.

Domestic-partner registration: In certain states, couples can register as domestic partners and will be afforded state spousal rights, such as the right to inherit without a will. But even if you can and do register, experts advise documenting everything, no matter what your status.

"Whatever you do, put it (all) in writing, even if you register as domestic partners," attorney Hoskins says. "Don't leave things to chance. Otherwise, you are stuck with what the state tells you you're stuck with."

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/LoveAndMoney/Financial

PlanningForGayCouples.aspx

As the most robust season of the year for most real estate markets comes to an end, those whose properties have not yet sold face challenging decisions. Many eager buyers who came out of the woodwork in springtime and then finalized their purchases over the summer are now gone from the landscape, and less buyers means greater competition for sellers whose listings are languishing.

Here are half a dozen helpful tips for home sellers who want to attract a buyer and close a deal before colder weather sets in, real estate markets slow down, and most of those who are shopping for a new home go into hibernation until next year arrives.

#1

Evaluate Realtor Performance

First of all, evaluate your listing agent’s performance in an objective manner. Are they doing enough to advertise the property, and have they held any Open Houses to encourage visits from potential buyers?

If you live in a LGBT enclave, does your real estate agent understand the local LGBT market and have strong connections to those who live and work in the neighborhood? Sometimes hiring a broker who is also an active and supportive member of the LGBT community can be an advantage if you are a LGBT homeowner.

#2

Redefine Your Goals

As the brisk sales season winds down it is important that you reexamine your specific goals as a seller. Ask yourself whether you are really determined to sell and move, or whether you might be interested in alternatives such as refinancing, renting part of the home to a tenant for extra income, or waiting until the market improves and you can realize a greater return on your investment.

#3

Study the Competition

In a competitive market it is essential that you know what other sellers are doing. Know the listing prices of competing homes. Stay current regarding sales prices of homes similar to yours that have recently sold and how long were they were on the market.

Check out other homes. Examine their curb appeal and the conditions of important features and components such as the roof, the paint job, and the landscaping. If your home needs updating in order to compete, factor that into your strategy and pricing.

Analyze sales data and make sure that your offering price is where you want it to be in terms of being either on the high side, somewhere in the middle, or the best bargain on the entire street.

#4

Add an Incentive

By adding a home warranty, a repair allowance, or an offer to help pay your buyer’s closing costs you can often inspire hesitant buyers to get off the fence and sign a contract.

You can also offer intangible incentives through improved curb appeal, a home staging makeover (where you hire a professional to decorate your home to look like a model home), or a simple cosmetic upgrade that won’t strain your budget but will quickly dress up your property.

#5

Crunch New Numbers

Holding on to houses across the winter season can mean that you will face higher utility bills, especially if you live in an older home that is relatively expensive to heat. The longer you keep the home the more taxes and insurance you’ll pay, too – but you will also reap some tax benefits by paying mortgage interest. Crunch the numbers with the help of your Realtor to understand the bottom line benefits to holding or selling. That information will help you decide whether to wait for higher prices next year or to lower your price to inspire a sale now.

#6

Use Calendar Benchmarks

Even houses that are difficult to sell will move if the price is attractive enough to buyers. But sellers often procrastination when it comes to dropping the price – even if they believe it is a smart thing to do – because they get too emotionally involved.

Remove the emotions and avoiding costly delays by relying upon the calendar – not your feelings and whims – to trigger price drops. If you plan to drop the price 20 percent to motivate a faster sale, for instance, one strategy could be to drop the price 10 percent if nobody makes a serious offer within 15 days. Then if the house is still not attracting enough attention, automatically drop to the 20 percent off mark when the 30 day deadline expires.

Mark the dates on the calendar and give instructions to your Realtor to set things in motion if time elapses past a designated deadline.

If you absolutely need to sell right away, then prepare to do whatever it takes rather than trying to hold out for a slightly higher price. And if you happen to be upside down in your mortgage like many Americans, talk to the lender or a credit counselor about loan modification. The worst thing is to do nothing, so remain proactive and positive to invite success.

Remember to trust the sale of your home to a professional committed to equality, integrity, and hard work in service to the LGBT community at www.GayRealEstate.com. Or call toll-free 1-888-420-MOVE (6683).

Most people shopping for a home this year are keenly aware that a special $8,000 new home buyer credit is being offered as part of the government’s emergency economic stimulus legislation. But the clock is ticking toward the expiration date and unless the provision is amended or renewed to extend the deadline, buyers only have until the end of November to finalize their purchases. First timers are urged to do whatever they can to streamline the real estate shopping experience, and working with a gay-friendly Realtor and lender can often save valuable time for LGBT new home buyers.

 

A gay or lesbian couple may need to seek legal and financial advice in order to help them better understand their rights as owners, for example, since many of the benefits related to real estate ownership are only available to those couples who are legally married according to state and federal statutes. An experienced Realtor accustomed to working with LGBT clients will either know the answers immediately or be able to quickly refer the buyers to a reputable real estate attorney who is well-versed in complex LGBT legal issues.

Similarly, those who want to buy together gay may encounter complications along the way when trying to secure mortgage financing. They may need guidance regarding whose credit report or income to submit on the loan application, or they may need reassurance that, for example, the mortgage documents and deed are crafted in such a way that they reflect equitable sharing of assets and liabilities. For a loan processor unfamiliar with mortgage financing for LGBT partnerships this may create confusion, and when mortgage applications encounter people who are confused that usually translates into frustrating delays.

 

Plus, the harsh reality is that many people do not support equal rights for gays and are reluctant to roll up their sleeves to help expand the LGBT community in their own neighborhood or city. While they might not openly discriminate against their own clients or customers because they are gay, they may decide to do only the bare minimum to assist them – which is a common tactic of covert discrimination. When working with someone who engages in foot dragging or is not as attentive as possible, precious time gets spent without successful results – and with $8,000 on the line there is really no time to waste. A better strategy is to work from the very beginning with professionals who are known within the community for doing excellent, enthusiastic, tireless work on behalf of satisfied LGBT buyers.

 

Keep in mind that the government and the IRS define first time home owners in a broader sense, so you may still be entitled to the tax credit even if you have already owned a home sometime in your life – or have even bought and sold dozens of them in your lifetime. That’s because according to the official definition of a first time buyer you must not have owned or co-owned your principle residence during the past three consecutive years. So if you have been a renter over the past few years, for example, and have not owned your own principal residence for at least three years, then you are considered a first time buyer. 

But just having a purchase contract or an approved mortgage application is not sufficient to qualify you for the tax benefit, and deals often get postponed en route to the closing table. That is especially true during months with major holidays. Real estate attorneys and title companies may, for example, work fewer days or limited hours as Thanksgiving approaches. Buyers counting on getting their real estate transactions closed at the end of November may find out that the preparation of final documents cannot be scheduled on time, and that could be a potential nightmare.

 

Buyers should, for instance, expect that there will be a flurry of late November activity as other new home buyers also rush to close on time. The anticipated surge in last-minute transactions may create delays at banks, mortgage companies, and law offices that handle real estate closings. So a better strategy is to get sales settled way ahead of time – ideally before the end of October.

 

Finding and successfully closing on a new home can be a time-consuming effort with many unexpected hurdles and frustrating delays, even under ordinary circumstances. But according to the Commerce Department low interest rates, the big federal tax credit, and deeply discounted prices have caused residential real estate sales to jump to the highest level in months. In June, for example, new home sales experienced their sharpest increase in nearly a decade. That may cause underwriting delays, and with $8,000 at stake it pays to be proactive to facilitate the home buying process, find the best deal on an appropriate mortgage, and get to closing to claim the tax perk before time expires.

For expert help with all your real estate and home financing needs contact www.GayRealEstate.com and www.GayMortgageLoans.com. The members of these networks are dedicated to supporting the GLBT community. Or call toll free at 1-888-420-MOVE (6683).

##

 

The largest Internet-based real estate company on the planet, GayRealEstate.com, has just released its 2009 picks in the category of “Top 5 Gay Getaways” and the timing could not be better. Prices are down, interest rates are still attractively low, and summertime is finally here. That makes this the ideal time to browse around for the perfect seasonal getaway in a spectacular GLBT vacation destination.

 

#1

 

South Beach, Florida

 

South Beach requires no introduction. But what may deserve emphasis is that property prices in Miami have plummeted, and the downward trend has finally hit recession-resistant “SoBe.” Today prices are 20-25 percent lower than they were last year, and undervalued pricing is attracting investors from all over the world. But prices are expected to rebound within the next several months. That will reward those who buy now, but will most likely put a velvet rope around prime South Beach real estate, making vacation homes there beyond the financial reach of all except the most well-heeled of international buyers.

 

#2

 

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

 

The GLBT enclave of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is located just two hours from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA – and only four hours from NY – making it a choice destination for anyone along the mid-Atlantic looking for a vacation getaway. Rehoboth has an authentic and charming small town feel and you can enjoy salt water taffy and retro amusement park thrill rides – or gourmet cuisine in one of its many restaurants. The white sand beaches are gorgeous and there is a mile-long boardwalk. In October the Sea Witch Festival provides a unique way to celebrate Halloween and harvest time – with a treasure hunt, broom-throwing contest, golf tournament, and an old fashioned community bonfire and clam bake on the beach. Those buying foreclosures in Delaware are enjoying discounts of nearly 45 percent off list price this year, and some of those bargains are located in and around Rehoboth Beach. Visit this summer and while you’re there pick up a permanent vacation home as a keepsake souvenir.

 

#3

 

Ogunquit Beach, Maine

 

Ogunquit is another quaint village with beautiful beaches, an abundance of recreational and entertainment amenities, and an unusually large and well established lesbian demographic. The quintessential New England town has picturesque harbors and even a unique drawbridge for pedestrians. The Ogunquit Playhouse attracts star talent and there are several small repertory companies in town. The Marginal Way hiking trail leads to a high and craggy promontory above the rocky coastline for a stunning view. Fresh caught seafood is served up in the town’s fine restaurants, and you can go deep sea fishing or take a scenic voyage on a local pleasure boat. But there is nothing old fashioned about the attitude of the community. In fact you can get legally married to a same-sex partner with a ceremony on the beach because Maine is now one of the few states in the USA that recognizes gay marriage. The real estate decline has not affected Maine as much as it has many of the more high-flying markets, because prices in the state never fell victim to frenzied overpricing. But prices have slumped, especially within the past few months, and this is an excellent time to invest in Ogunquit Beach.

 

#4

 

Denver, Colorado

 

OutTraveler.com named the Mile High City as one of only two places in the USA to make its “Top 10 Up-and-Coming Destinations for 2008.” Denver enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year – which is more than either San Diego or Miami – and the winters are surprisingly mild. Outdoor cafes, restaurants, and golf courses are open all year ‘round, and the high altitude summers are known for low humidity and temperatures that peak out around 85 degrees during the hottest month of August. Denver has one of the best GLBT Pride celebrations in the world and there is even an annual gay rodeo event. But the city was hit unusually hard by the real estate crisis, and that means there is currently an unprecedented opportunity to lasso a dream vacation home in the Rockies.

 

#5

 

Asheville, North Carolina

 

The small Appalachian city of Asheville, NC is famous for its ancient mountain scenery, antique architecture, and forward-thinking attitude. The downtown offers dozens of restaurants and shops and is both pedestrian and GLBT friendly – plus it is a stone’s throw from some of the best outdoor recreation in the USA. Enjoy hiking, climbing, and kayaking or a sophisticated urban night life – and highly affordable mountain homes and condos just a few hours from Savannah, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

 

Choose a mountain hideaway to escape the stifling heat and humidity or head to the coast to soak up some sun and sip umbrella drinks with your toes in the sand. Whatever your preference, there are some great GLBT friendly destinations awaiting you and 2009 offers a rare investment opportunity.

 

To find a fabulous vacation or investment property this summer, visit www.GayRealEstate.com or toll free at 1-888-420-MOVE (6683). The brokers in this exclusive network specialize in serving the GLBT community.

Guest Author: Lara Sawyer

With today's economy in a downward spiral, you may be feeling some of the economic fallout in the way of rising energy costs and inflated food prices. It costs more and more to feed your family, keep a roof over your head, and get back and forth to jobs. In the midst of it all, you may have even let your credit go downhill by missing important payments for things like your credit cards, car loans, or even your mortgage. Perhaps the thought of refinancing your existing mortgage may have entered your mind, only to be snuffed out almost instantaneously because you have bad or damaged credit.  

But there are lenders who are willing to refinance your mortgage - despite your bad credit history. These types of lenders specialize in refinance packages for people who need nothing more than a second chance in a stifling economic time. They are specialists at helping to rebuild your credit history while lifting the burden of huge payments from your ever-weary shoulders. These lenders have a reputation for turning lives around, and you can be next.   

Kick Your Adjustable Rate Mortgage To The Curb   

Those who might benefit most from refinancing are those with an adjustable rate mortgage. If you have this type of mortgage, you interest rate fluctuates with the rise and fall of the market. This means that the payment that you were initially making just five years ago may have increased substantially, sometimes even doubling. With a bad credit mortgage refinance, you can get a great new rate with new terms that are easier to manage. You monthly payment will be lowered down to a figure that will not take the biggest part of your income to maintain, and you will save money while having a rate that is fixed and predictable.   

Refinance Your Fixed Rate Under New Terms To Save   

If you have a fixed rate mortgage, refinancing can benefit you because you can refinance on better terms, for longer periods of time, and with a smaller monthly payment. You can also get cash above the amount of the mortgage that you can use for paying down other debt. A lot of borrowers find that using the cash that they have available during a mortgage refinance to pay down expensive credit card debt both saves them money and improves their credit score at the same time.   

Apply Online For Even More Savings   

There are quite a few reputable lending institutions that have established websites on the Internet that make the refinancing process for your bad credit mortgage more streamlined. These sites can not only get you the best rate by doing a bit of comparison shopping, they also tend to have higher approval rates for borrowers because they a variety of sources to chose from.  

The convenience of doing the entire process online is another reason to look on the World Wide Web for your bad credit mortgage refinancing; the simple application can be finished and approved sometimes before you can make the drive across town to a traditional lender. With top notch customer service and user-friendly websites, these lenders have went the extra step to gain your business.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/you-can-refinance-your-home-even-with-bad-credit-962457.html

About the Author:
Lara Sawyer is a professional loan advisor used to solving bad credit problems and helping people secure home loans, carloans, personal loans, unsecured credit cards, home equity loans, refinance mortgage loans and plenty of other financial products. Whether you want to learn more about Consolidation Bill and Bad Credit Bankruptcy Loans or find information about other loan types, just visit:    http://www.fastguaranteedloans.com/

Guest Author: Elizabeth Williams

Few industries have the power to invoke the primal emotions many consumers now feel toward the credit card industry. Consumers have watched in disbelief as seemingly recession proof businesses have failed one after another. It should have come as no surprise that eventually the credit card industry would take a turn in the spotlight.

Real estate appraisals are powerful, particularly in today’s nervous market as loan underwriters take a more skeptical approach to approving mortgages for buyers and homeowners have more trouble qualifying for home equity loans. The appraised value of a home is, after all, the benchmark banks use to calculate collateral, so it directly affects sales prices. Even if a buyer offers a higher price the sale will not go through – unless it is a cash sale not involving a mortgage – until the lender’s appraisal supports and validates the offering price. When the appraisal report comes in too low, for instance, the loan is denied and the buyer either walks away or the homeowner agrees to sell at the lower price.

Guest Author: MIKE SELVON

Many people who have been foreclosed upon hire a credit counselor to help mop up that messy credit report. Not only are all the missed payments tarnishing your record, but there's a "Notice of Trust Sale" and a "Trust Deed Sale" sitting ugly as well. Chances are, there is more than one area you are struggling with, so prioritizing with a counselor can definitely help. It's good to have someone working with you to improve your situation and increase the bad credit scores you've suffered. 
 
While the full impact of a foreclosure isn't likely to go away over the next year, you needn't suffer mercilessly for the next seven. Remember that the last 12 months factor most prevalently on your credit score, so a quick rebound is your best chance at regaining financial freedom once again.

 

Guest Author: John Grant

Debt management is a very important subject to discuss because many people today experience problems regarding the appropriate management of their finances. It is through debt management that you can get your finances under control.
 
With the development of credit cards, problems concerning debts continue to increase. The use of credit cards also affects business establishments, especially in situations where business owners stop their operations because of their inability to handle debts effectively. To help businesses manage their finances, here are some important points to consider about credit and debt management.

Each year we choose our Gay Ghetto Top 10 by cross-analyzing demographics against real estate sales data to discover those especially prized metropolitan areas throughout the USA that are most in vogue with the diverse GLBT community. When the number crunching is over, we usually have 10 distinct winners, individually ranked by virtue of their popularity. But for 2008 we have some unique and special surprises – including three 2-way ties and a 3-way tie. Our top 10 are so outstanding, in other words, that they rate higher than ever.

The word “candidate” derives from the word “candid”, and politicians running for office this year have learned that voters prefer frank talk, not a sales pitch. The same is true for homeowners shopping for a mortgage. As we prepare for springtime – which is historically the best time to buy a home – it is appropriate to talk about ways to weed out the hype about exotic residential mortgages in favor of old-fashioned fixed rate loans.

Guest Author: Robert

Whichever way you look at it, American families are suffering unprecedented financial hardships. The collapse of the subprime mortgage market is forcing homeowners into foreclosure and is having a ripple effect on other borrowers, who are finding themselves in dire straits or in bankruptcy court. "Although people desperately want to gain control of their finances and build wealth, there has been an overwhelming trend in the opposite direction," says Lakeycia Jefferson, a consultant with Wealth Masters International (www.wmitoday.com/wealthtransfer).

Guest Author: Tom Tessin

In today's world, most of America is in debt. If you don't want to be a part of this crowd, it's important that you start to save your money as soon as possible to get out of that negative hole. If you're already on a budget plan, that's great. If not, it's time that you jot down these helpful tips and start working on them. 
 

Guest Author: Bernard Pragides

Over nine million people each year report that they are the victim of some type of identity theft. As criminals continue to find new ways of committing fraud, we must also continue to remain diligent about protecting our personal information.
 
As more and more people use credit cards and debit cards to shop or pay bills, it's getting easier for thieves to steal sensitive information as well as completely assuming someone's identity. Here are four simple ways to protect your identity and your hard earned money...

A recent survey of a random selection of people from across the US consisting of about 5000 people resulted in a very surprising discovery – almost half of those surveyed had no idea of what their credit score is or even what range it fell into.  Even more surprising was the discovery that more than a third of those surveyed said that it had been more than five years since they had even seen a copy of their credit report.

Such news is both surprising as well as showing that there is a distinct lack of knowledge amongst most consumers as to why knowing one's credit score is important information.  A significant number of those surveyed admitted that they had NEVER requested nor seen a copy of their credit report and had absolutely no idea what data it contained about them.

PlanetOut Inc. , the leading media and entertainment company exclusively focused on the gay and lesbian market, today announced that following the receipt of stockholder approval for a reverse stock split at the special meeting of stockholders held on August 29, 2007, its board of directors set the ratio of the reverse stock split of PlanetOut common stock at one-for-ten. The reverse stock split is expected to become effective on or about October 1, 2007, when PlanetOut files an amendment to its certificate of incorporation with the State of Delaware.

As a result of the reverse stock split, every ten shares of common stock of PlanetOut will be combined into one share of common stock. The number of shares subject to PlanetOut's outstanding options and warrants will be reduced in the same ratio as the reduction in the outstanding shares, and the per share exercise price of those options and warrants will be increased in direct proportion to the reverse stock split ratio.

With the real estate bubble having burst and the financial system in a tizzy over the attending fallout in the mortgage markets, bankers, investors, homeowners, and CEOs are calling on the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to cut the federal funds rate in an effort to avert a financial meltdown.  However, the Federal Reserve should see through these self-serving calls and hold rates steady for the time being...

You have the right to ask that nationwide consumer credit reporting companies place "fraud alerts" in your file to let potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity theft. A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. It also may delay your ability to obtain credit. You may place a fraud alert in your file by calling just one of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies. As soon as that agency processes your fraud alert, it will notify the other two, which then also must place fraud alerts in your file.
     

Equifax: 1-877-576-5734; www.equifax.com     

Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com/fraud     

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com

An initial fraud alert stays in your file for at least 90 days. An extended alert stays in your file for seven years. To place either of these alerts, a consumer credit reporting company will require you to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which may include your Social Security number. If you ask for an extended alert, you will have to provide an identity theft report. An identity theft report includes a copy of a report you have filed with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency. For more detailed information about the identity theft report, visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Financial planning is the process of wisely managing one’s finances to achieve certain goals and dreams, while at the same time helping negotiate the financial barriers that inevitably arise in every stage of life. The financial planning profession exists to help people make those financial decisions and achieve their life goals.

A Financial Planner or Personal Financial Planner is a practicing professional who helps people to deal with various personal financial issues through proper planning, which includes but not limited to these major areas: tertiary education planning, retirement planning, investment planning, risk management and insurance planning, tax planning, estate planning and business succession planning (for business owners). The work engaged in by this professional is commonly known as personal financial planning. In carrying out the planning function, he or she is guided by the financial planning process to create a detailed strategy tailored to a client's specific situation, for meeting a client's specific goals.

Andrew Martin feels strongly that it is critically important for gay and lesbian couples to choose a CPA who is both sensitive to and experienced in handling their needs because the tax and financial issues they face are radically different from those of married heterosexuals.

Martin is the managing partner of Martin & Wall, P.C., a CPA firm founded in 1994, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, dedicated to helping gay and lesbian couples as well as entrepreneurs navigate through complex tax matters, wealth management, and financial decisions. The firm's three partners each have 15-20 years of professional experience, multiple licenses, and certifications.

A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is a method used in various countries for paying personal unsecured debts (which typically have gotten out of control in the sense of payments due taking too large a portion of income, or even exceeding it) that involves cataloguing all the debts, assessing income and budget, and re-negotiating interest rates and payments with the lenders, based upon evidence that the result will be a higher likelihood of collection by the lenders.

A DMP is typically managed by a third party group. There are two types of DMPs. The first type is a fair disbursement of available funds from the debtor to their creditors based on a percentage of debt.