Blog
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My Financial Implosion: Back to School in a Bad Economy
‘œThe difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.’ ‘“ Tom Bodett This Friday, our teen daughter goes back to school. In years past, this has resulted in a flurry of shopping and spending lots…
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Gearing Up to Downsize
Over the last couple of months, we have been formulating our downsize plans. First we’ll move to a smaller rental and eventually use the savings to build the tiny-eco-healthy house of our dreams. Step 1 was set to occur after November when our current lease is up but, as the fates would have it, we…
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Can an S corporation save me money?
With the economy in the doldrums, many folks are starting businesses to bring in a little side money. If you decide this is for you, there are a few important steps to take in forming your new venture. I’ve written before about the importance of forming a limited liability company (LLC) to protect your personal…
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Can You Afford Jury Duty?
Well, I just got home from the Courthouse… No, I didn’t go to jail… I got that little piece of paper in the mail that said, “Congratulations!! You Are Summoned For Jury Duty.” Happily I went as the foundation of our country and the equal application of its laws are dependent on those people sitting…
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Meet the $8K Home Buyer Deadline with Help from LGBT Pros
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…
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“That’s So Gay” Commercials
As queer folks, we already know that we’re the butt of many a joke. We might be the well-toned, designer-clad butt of the joke, but we’re still a source of laughter for the straight world. This collection of advertisements shows just how funny we are. But there are also some advertisers who see us not…
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Should we have another child? A decision influenced by economics and other factors.
For various reasons (just one being economic), Jeanine and I have been talking lately about whether we will have a second child. I think the decision to add to our family is just as important as the decision was to start one’¦ perhaps, even more important. The expectation is that if you have one child,…
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Queercents Weekly Roundup: Credit Cards and Cash for Clunkers
Sometimes when I’m reading articles to use in the roundup, a theme emerges and today it just happens to be wonderfully alliterative. A lot of people seem to have credit cards and cash for clunkers on their mind and so here is this week’s themed roundup. Detergents and fabric softeners often contain some gnarly chemicals.…
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Selecting a 529 college savings plan
The other day I did my research on 529 plans and yesterday I spoke with my financial advisor. The first thing I learned was that California doesn’t offer a state income tax deduction for 529 plans so there’s isn’t any advantage to go with our state’s plan. If your state does offer this, then check…
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Dating On A Budget: Absolutely Free!
After traveling for a month, I was definitely in need of a free date with my honey. I wanted to save cash but still have a lot of fun. Spending up to $10.00 did cross our mind for dinner out; but we discarded that idea and went with the no money concept. First, we…
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