Archive for May, 2008

How to Make Promotional Postcards Work

There are three phases in the postcard creation. The first is the planning stage. This phase is used to create an idea of how your postcards would appear, what materials are to be used and what content will be suited.

The phrase being the end in mind can be applied. The phase may mean consider the business goal. If it is to promote a product or a service, be it. If it is to maintain the market standing of the business, then, postcards must be used to attain the purpose.

The second phase is the production. In this phase, little by little, the concept will materialize. Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe PageMaker can be used to bolster your postcard design.

Finally, we have the printing process. There are two choices available in the printing process. The first one is the doing it yourself. Here, you can use your desktop printer and begin making your printouts. If you are already satisfied with the paper, color, brightness, contrast, and the content has already been proofread several times, then you are ready to print.

On the other hand, if you choose to go outsourcing, you can go for a skilled commercial printer which is offering quality postcard printing services. You know you get the right one when you worry no more about your postcard printing needs. The commercial printer knows exactly what to do with them. Not only that, the moment you receive them, they are exactly the way you want them to be.

Now, your postcards are ready for mailing. You can mail them in the conventional way via first class mail.

Aside from printed postcards we also have online postcards. These postcards are affordable and easy to distribute. To create, you just have to choose from the wide-array of available postcard templates. After that, put in your promotional content. Be sure that it reflects you company and call to action. Then, you are ready to send it to the recipients. Viola! In just a matter of seconds your e-postcards are sent. Fast, easy and worry-free!

Please visit postcard printing services site at www.rushpostcardprinting.com/postcard-printing-services.html for comments and inquiries regarding this article.

Published in: Plugging Things | on May 31st, 2008 | Comments Off

Business Ideas: 5 Uncommon Ways To Generate More Online Business

Sometimes, it is not an obvious business idea that will make
you more money.

It may be what is not so obvious, which most people never think
of that may make you money.

I will now tell you a few of these business ideas.

Use them well and succeed.

1. Ask people to find a hidden link in your ad copy. If they
find the hidden link tell them they will get a prize or freebie
by clicking on it. This will increase the chance that they will
buy your product or service because they will read your
whole ad copy.

2. Start a members only web site. Tell visitors what’s in your
members only site and what it costs to get access. Offer them
a free membership, if, in exchange they link to your web site,
post your banner on their home page or agree to advertise
your web site in their e-zine for a set period of time. Usually
they will agree to the free advertising to save money. This is
a powerful way to get free advertising.

3. Want a popular discussion board? This technique is based on
the number of postings made by any one person. You could
give away a free product or service to any person that posts ten
or more messages on your discussion in a month. It could be a
free e-book, report, e-mail consulting etc. Just keep track of
everyone’s postings each month. This could also work for e-mail
discussion lists.

4. Give your visitors an instant article directory. Tell your
visitors they can instantly add a free article directory to
their web site by linking to yours. Just place your ad or banner
ad on top of the article directory for your main product or
service. All those links can add up to a large amount of traffic
for your web site.

5. There a millions of web sites on the internet. Instead of
marketing your web site as a web site. Market it as a free web
book. Design your web site with a title page, table of contents,
chapters, etc. Just place your ad or banner for your product or
service on the top of each web page.

May these business ideas help you to make a lot
of money.

Warmly,

I-key Benney, CEO

I-key, a Millionaire CEO from New York City is the creator of “Mscsrrr: Millionaire Secret Cash System”, (home based business) which has helped thousands of ordinary people from all over the world to attain financial security and shining success during the past 2 yrs.

Mscsrrr Millionaire Cash System helps you to generate $1,500+/Week for life, from home or office, part time or full time. No large investment or hassles. Win $1000-$2000 free “cash”…

Published in: Plugging Things | on May 31st, 2008 | Comments Off

League Two Betting Review - 2 April 2006

Grimsby are within three points of leaders Carlisle after easing to victory over play-off outsiders Wrexham. The Mariners, hammered 5-0 at Lincoln last week, took the lead through Gary Jones after 25 minutes and Michael Reddy ensured an 8/11 home victory two minutes from time.

Northampton kept their automatic promotion campaign on course with a 1-0 victory at Peterborough United. Former Posh striker Scott McGleish netted the crucial goal, his twentieth of the season, after 21 minutes to seal a 17/10 away win.

Promotion-chasing Leyton Orient were denied all three points on their visit to Notts County. Wayne Corden gave the O’s the lead three minutes into the second half but Mike Edwards levelled on 74 to set-up a draw at odds of 9/4.

Wycombe’s bid for automatic promotion suffered a major blow as they slumped to a third straight defeat. Vistors Bristol Rovers, 10/3 outsiders on the day, found themselves 3-0 ahead at the Causeway Stadium through a Junior Agogo brace and Richard Walker penalty before Jermaine Easter scored a consolation.

Darlington kept their slim play-off hopes alive by defeating fellow optimists Lincoln 4-2 at the Williamson Motors Stadium. Guy Bates headed the Quakers into the lead three minutes after the break but Marvin Robinson levelled on 53. Matt Clarke put Darlington back in front four minutes later before two goals from on-loan Jemal Johnson on 61 and 71 secured a 6/4 home win. Jamie Forrester netted a consolation on 76.

In the battle at the bottom, Rushden & Diamonds swapped places with Torquay as they won 1-0 at Nene Park. Drewe Broughton struck the winner for the 5/4 Diamonds two minutes before the break to give their survival hopes a boost.

Chester eased their relegation worries with a much-needed win at the Deva Stadium against Macclesfield. The in-form Derek Asamoah netted his first of the afternoon for the 7/5 Blues five minutes after the break but the Silkmen levelled through Kevin Townson on 75. With the match heading for a draw Asamoah struck a late winner.

Bury extended their unbeaten run to three games as they got the better of fellow strugglers Stockport at Edgeley Park. Jon Daly netted the decisive goal for the 12/5 Shakers after 32 minutes.

Barnet slid further into relegation trouble after losing 2-1 at Boston. Lawrie Dudfield broke the deadlock after 16 minutes for the 9/10 Pilgrims while Mark Greaves doubled the advantage on 35. Lee Roache pulled one back for the Bees on 73 but Boston held firm.

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.

Published in: Sports + Movement | on May 31st, 2008 | Comments Off

Disability Benefits: Talk to Your Doctor First

You can save yourself a lot of trouble by talking to your doctor before you apply for disability benefits. Here is what you need to know about applying for disability and making it easier to have your claim approved.

The basic requirement for receiving disability benefits from Social Security is that you have a medical condition that lasts for 12 months or longer and prevents you from working. You should talk with your doctor about how the sum of your medical conditions affects your ability to work. If you doctor agrees that you should be out of work for at least 12 months to recover, or recovery sufficient to resume work is not an option, contact Social Security to schedule an appointment.

In order to be approved for Social Security disability benefits you need to have sufficient medical evidence to support your claim. These evidence needs to show the nature of your disability and how the condition prevents you from working. You should discuss your medical records with your doctor. If the progression of your disability cannot be clearly documented through existing records, you should have your doctor order the necessary tests, MRI, or x-rays to support your claim. It could help your case to have the doctor write a letter regarding your condition and why you need to be out of work; have the doctor place this letter in your medical records.

To learn more about applying for disability benefits and having your claim approved, visit the website “Social Security Laid Bare” using the links below.

Jack Burton specializes in helping people understand Social Security programs for Retirement, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Disability Benefits. The website Social Security Laid Bare presents information on all of Social Security’s programs in an easy to read format, without technical jargon. For more information visit Social Security Laid Bare: http://www.socialsecuritylaidbare.com

Jack Burton - EzineArticles Expert Author
Published in: Best Insurance | on May 30th, 2008 | Comments Off

Does My Bum Look Big in This?

If a good manager asks his workforce for their opinion of him he will receive their expressions of approval and be satisfied that he is doing a good job.

If a bad manager asks his workforce for their opinion then he too will receive their expressions of approval because as we all know, the best way to get a bad manager off your back is to agree with him.

The problem for the manager is how to find out if he is good, and adding value to the organisation, or if he is bad, interfering and preventing the workforce from performing tasks that they are perfectly capable of doing well on their own.

To get honest feedback we have to be able to look in the mirror.

The problem the boss faces is that his own behaviour distorts the reflection away from the true one towards the one that the workforce thinks he wants to see.

If a boss asks his workforce what they think of him the answer will be coloured by the fact that the boss is the person who decides wage increases, promotions and allocation of work.

The employee is going to find it very difficult to tell his boss something that he does not want to hear.

The responsibility therefore lies with the boss to create the environment in which the employees can provide a true reflection

This requires an understanding of what behaviour the boss exhibits that stops the employee providing a true reflection and the discipline to once having identified this behaviour, stop doing it.

What is the required answer to the question, Does my bum look big in this?

And what is the real answer.

The behaviour of the person asking the question determines the answer they get, not whether it is the right answer or not.

The behaviour of the Manager towards his workforce determines whether the workforce tell him the truth or not.

The Soft Skills that enable the Manager to behave so that what he hears is the truth, are the key skills for a Manager.

Juggling numbers has no value if the numbers that are being juggled do not represent the system they are alleged to model.

Peter A Hunter

EzineArticles Expert Author Peter Hunter

Peter Hunter’s career started on a nautical theme. After leaving school he spent six years as a navigating officer in the Merchant Navy working within a strict hierarchy. It was not until he joined the Royal Navy in 1988 that he began to realize how valuable people really were when they were allowed to be. Peter studied for his master’s degree at Cranfield Institute of Technology before going to Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth as an Instructor Office in the Royal Navy. He rose to become Head of Department at the RN Strategic Systems School, Faslane where he further developed the concept that “management is a two way thing”. After 8 years with other consultancies Peter formed his own company on the West Coast of Scotland. Hunter Business Consultancy associates are now based all over the United Kingdom and are expanding into Europe. Peter is the Author of the book “Breaking the Mould”.

Published in: Management Parlor | on May 30th, 2008 | Comments Off

Healthcare in Canada - Essential Information on the Canadian Healthcare System

Healthcare in Canada is a vital subject for anyone moving to or residing in Canada. The Federal Government does provide some funding from the taxpayer for the health system, however, each Province is individually responsible for its own Healthcare system.

There is a basic free system (Alberta, BC and Ontario charge the residents a healthcare tax or premium to pay for this!) that every legal resident and citizen of Canada is entitled to which includes access to a family doctor and most hospital treatment (definitely emergency care). This is governed by the Canada Health Act (1984) which lays down the basic entitlements of free coverage. Prescription drugs and supplies are provided in the hospitals in most cases as long as you remain an in patient.

The costs start to mount up for prescription drugs and medical supplies when you are not in hospital. Drugs are bought from the pharmacy at the standard cost which for specialist drugs can run into hundreds of dollars for one course of treatment. Other medical services will probably not be covered such as Physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment and massage therapy. Custom made medical supplies such as knee braces or orthotics can cost over a thousand dollars to purchase in some instances.

The amount of coverage and standard of Healthcare in Canada is described in detail on the main Government site but does vary between Provinces however. The federal taxes are used for some level of coverage by being distributed between the Provinces - the residents of each Province may then have to pay additional levies.

Each Province also has its own regulations for the practitioner’s qualifications and even nurses will have to recertify if they move between Provinces. This does cause confusion to new migrants to Canada as most foreign qualifications just may not be enough and will most likely result in some level of retraining. Dental treatment is normally NOT included in the healthcare system and you will have to pay for treatment. Dentists are private practitioners so don’t expect cheap prices - definitely ensure you have dental coverage if possible.

Many Canadian employers offer fairly comprehensive benefits packages that include coverage for Prescription drugs, Dental and other services such as physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment though this is most often only up to 80% of the cost. As each Province has different rules for qualifying times to gain access for the free service ensure you thoroughly research your Province of choice via the links above. You would normally pay for the drugs/services and then claim back the allowance so keep your receipts.

If your employment doesn’t come with coverage or you wish to improve it you will need to take out a private policy - there are many available so ensure you research each one and find one that is suitable to your budget and needs.

If you require short term coverage for when you first arrive in Canada, make sure you have a proper policy (travel insurance may not be sufficient) and CHECK you are covered.

For detailed information please visit http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/healthcare.html

The author immigrated to Canada in 2003 and has constructed a free information website
http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com about Canadian Immigration and life in Canada based on his family’s experiences. This site is a free onestop information resource for Canada and has over 150 pages packed with great information!

Published in: Political Activism | on May 29th, 2008 | Comments Off

Taking Your Golf Game to the Next Level

Here is a quick guide to help you take it to the next level.

If You Shoot Over 100

If you currently shoot over 100 you are probably new to the game. Golf is game that takes plenty of practice and understanding. At your level, you’re probably very excited to just get out to play. You always have a big grin on your face because you’ve found a new hobby that gives you a little exercise and gets you breathing some fresh air. Unfortunately, shooting over 100 will get old very quickly especially if you’re a competitive person by nature. So your smile will start to turn into a frown and you may end up giving the game up. It is quite easy to break 100 if you know what to do.

What to Do To Break 100

If you’re new to the game you have not ingrained any bad habits yet, so before you do, take some lessons from a qualified pro. It’s usually quite easy to teach you the proper fundamentals of the golf swing because you’re eager to learn and never second guesses the teacher. If the relationship between the student and teacher is good, the speed at which you will see results is very quick. Usually within a month or two the “over 100″ shooter can easily take 10 - 20 shots off of their game. Once you break 100 on a regular basis you’ll start to see the game differently. Although shooting in the 70’s is a few years into the future it may be attainable because taking lessons initially has given you a great start on the game.

If You Shoot Over 90

If you currently shoot over 90 you’re someone who has to play more often. You’re probably playing about 20 - 30 rounds a year and most of these rounds are in corporate tournaments. Corporate tournaments are a definite game wrecker. The usual scramble format leads you to just bashing the ball as hard as you can trying to get that one drive that helps your team. Unfortunately this leads to a HUGE slice with the driver which doesn’t help your team at all. I know it’s fun to try and hit the ball as hard as you can but If wailing away at it was the way to play good golf, everyone would be a pro. You will also find the short game very difficult. Although the short shots around the green look easy they quickly become a nightmare to you because of the amount of touch that’s required.

What to Do To Break 90

For starters, you have to get out to the course more often. You can still play in corporate events but you have to do so with a new attitude. You have to quit trying to be the hero and start actually helping your team. This can be done by swinging easy and trying to get the ball in the fairway or the middle of the green. If you swing easier and try to become more accurate you will be amazed at how many of your shots the team actually uses. You would greatly benefit from weekly lessons. The lessons would not only give you a better swing but they would get you out to the range and course on a regular basis. Finally, you have to take at least one short game lesson to see how easy it can be. This will create a better understanding of the short game which will then make practicing it more enjoyable.

If You Shoot Over 80

You’re the kind of person the major club manufacturers love. You think that you can “buy your game” so every opportunity you get to try the latest and greatest clubs you take it because you don’t think that your swing is the problem. So you buy that new driver and for a while you hit it great. A few weeks later that great new club isn’t so great anymore and it’s back to your old game. This leaves you scratching your head because you thought you had it and now it’s gone. At some point in your golf career you probably have taken 1 - 3 lessons and you always try every golf tip you hear about. Because of these constant changes in both your swing and your clubs you never really have the opportunity to get used to anything so you are left in a state of limbo always thinking that the elusive 70’s are just around the corner.

What to Do To Break 80

In order to break 80, you have to admit that it’s not the clubs. It’s about developing a repeatable swing and a great short game. To create this repeatable swing and great short game, you have to work with a qualified teacher on a weekly basis. You’re going to forget trying different tips and quick fixes because you will destroy the changes the teacher is trying to make. This whole process is not going to be easy because you basically have to re-learn the swing (making changes to your swing may cause you to hit some very poor shots at first because you’re not used to it and you’re in between swings). If you stay determined, you’ll start to hit some shots that will totally amaze you. These amazing shots are telling you that your hard work is paying off and pretty soon you will be playing in the 70’s.

If You Shoot Over 72

You have a great swing. It’ll still go astray on them from time to time but you can usually get it back rather quickly. You usually make a few mistakes in a round that you just can’t seem to let go of. This creates stress and pressure that effects the rest of your game. Your short game may not be as good it could be. You know this but actually finding time to practice it is sometimes a challenge. Finally, you may be taking the game a little too seriously causing you to try to hit every shot perfectly. This may lead to second guessing your swing which is definitely trouble when you are on the course.

What to Do To Break Par

You have to find the time to do some serious work on the short game. If it’s difficult to make it out to the course you can always chip and pitch balls in your backyard and putt on an indoor carpet every night. This dedication to the short game is what will allow you to still shoot good numbers when your swing is not at it’s best. It will also reduce pressure on your approach shots because if you can get the ball up and down regularly it’s not that big of a deal if you miss the odd green. When you do work on your full swing try to work on the weaker clubs in your bag and hitting the ball from poor lies. Also, forget distance. At your level you are probably long enough. Concentrate on never swinging over 80% of your ability. If you can resist the temptation to hit the ball too hard your miss hits will not stray to far off line eliminating the need for that miraculous shot to get you back it the game. Finally, have fun out there. If you lighten up a little you will reduce your stress levels allowing you to switch into automatic mode instead of having to grind it out all of the time.

Until next time,

Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson teaches how to copy the perfect swing of the Iron Byron swing machine. For more information please visit: www.paulwilsongolf.com .

Published in: Sports + Movement | on May 28th, 2008 | Comments Off

Which Affiliate Networks To Look Out For When Promoting?

There are many horror stories about affiliate programs and
networks. People have heard them over and over again, that some
are even wary of joining one. The stories they may have heard
are those related to illegal programs or pyramid schemes.
Basically, this kind of market does not have real, worthy
product.

You do not want to be associated with these schemes. It is
obvious you want to be with a program that offers high quality
product that you will readily endorse. The growing number of
those who have joined already and are succeeding immensely is
proof enough that there are reliable and quality affiliate
programs out there.

Why participate in an affiliate program?

It allows you to work part-time. It gives you the opportunity to
build a generous residual income. And it makes you an owner of a
small business. Affiliate programs have already created lots of
millionaires. They are the living testimony of how hard work;
continuous prospecting, motivating and training others pay off.

If ever you are deciding to join one, you must take note that
you are getting into something that is patterned to what you are
capable of. This will be an assurance that you are capable of
doing anything to come out successful.

How do you choose a good affiliate program to promote? Here are
some tips you may want to look over before choosing one:

1. A program that you like and have interest in. One of the best
ways of knowing if that is the kind of program you wish to
promote is if you are interested in purchasing the product
yourself. If that is the case, chances are, there are many
others who are also interested in the same program and products.

2. Look for a program that is of high quality. For instance,
look for one that is associated with many experts in that
particular industry. This way, you are assured that of the
standard of the program you will be joining into.

3. Join in the ones that offer real and viable products. How do
you know this? Do some initial research. If possible, track down
some of the members and customers to give you testimonial on the
credibility of the program.

4. The program that is catering to a growing target market. This
will ensure you that there will be more and continuous demands
for your referrals. Make inquiries. There are forums and
discussions you can participate in to get good and reliable
feedbacks.

5. A program with a compensation plan that pays out a residual
income and a payout of 30% or more would be a great choice.
There are some programs offering this kind of compensation. Look
closely for one. Do not waste your time with programs that do
not reward substantially for your efforts.

6. Be aware of the minimum quotas that you must fulfill or sales
target that is too hard to achieve. Some affiliate programs
imposes pre-requisites before you get your commissions. Just be
sure that you are capable of attaining their requirements.

7. Select one that has plenty of tools and resources that can
help you grow the business in the shortest possible time. Not
all affiliate programs have these capacities. Make use you
decide on one with lots of helpful tools you can use.

8. Check out if the program has a proven system that can allow
you to check your networks and compensation. Also check if they
have it available online for you to check anytime and anywhere.

9. The program that is offering strong incentives for members to
renew their membership each time. The affiliate program that
provides continuous help and upgrades for its products have the
tendency to retain its members. These things can assure the
growth of your networks.

10. Be aware of the things that members are not happy about in a
program. Like with the ones mentioned above, you can do your
checking at discussion forums. If you know someone in that same
program, there is ho harm asking if there are many downsides
involved.

Have a thorough and intensive knowledge about the affiliate
program and network you will be promoting on.

Knowing the kind of program you are getting yourself into will
make you anticipate and prevent any future problems you may
encounter.

Published in: Markets | on May 28th, 2008 | Comments Off

Getting off the “Short List” - Winning the Bid Presentation

In past decades, the contractor who had the lowest bid typically got the job. And while low bids are still critical, today that same contractor is likely to be placed on a “Short List” where the contractor will have to sell himself and sell his company to the potential clients. This is usually done through a presentation.

There is no foolproof way to win a bid, but there are a few things you can do to hedge your bets. By using these simple tips, you may be able to increase your chance of getting the job pretty significantly.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Never go into a presentation with a standard, generic proposal. Each buyer is different, and each buyer will have different priorities in choosing a contractor. Remember, no matter what the buyer tells you AFTER the presentation, price is almost never the reason they didn’t choose you. The reason that buyers tell us this is that they usually have no other means to make a decision.

Let me explain. Let’s say we are writing a proposal for a school district. The buyer, the person making the ultimate decision (by the way, that is usually only one person, even though it may to appear to be a committee,) has a hierarchy of priorities that will influence the decision. This hierarchy will be different for different people, but let’s say this particular buyer is primarily interested in the job finishing on time, the safety of the children, the aesthetics of the building, and finally, pricein that order. If this buyer views three proposals all saying basically the same things, “We are the best at finishing on time. Safety is our priority. Look at how beautiful our buildings look.” Then the only criteria left to make a decision is price.

If any of the contractors in the above example could have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were indeed the best at any one of those things, then that contractor would have easily made it to the top of the “Short List.” Specific evidence that you can do what your buyer wants will set you apart. This evidence could be pictures, testimonials, exhibits, quotes, trade journal articles, and many other forms. The more dramatic the evidence, the more easily it will be remembered. One of my clients photocopied over 100 letters of recommendation and delivered a set to each of the committee members at the conclusion of his presentation. He was the only contractor who offered even one. He got the job and was $250,000 over the lowest bidder.

How do we know what our buyer’s hierarchy is? ASK. Call up or visit the people you will present to. Find out what, other than price, is most important and why. Many times, these buyers will tell you in great detail. Make notes and accumulate evidence that supports how you can do what they want.

THE PRESENTATION

Right or wrong, people form an impression of how competent we are in the first few seconds that they meet us. Are we nervous? Do we present ourselves in a confident, professional manner? Our confidence when we present is vital to winning over our audience to our way of thinking.

The buyers want to get to know the people they will be working with. They want to know if they can trust the contractor. The contractor who can present confidently and build trust and rapport with the audience has a great shot at getting to the top of the “Short List.”

Presenters who have received professional coaching in public speaking skills have a distinct advantage over those who have not.

Doug Staneart is an instructor for the The Sales Leader Sales Training Programs. His classes focus on strengthening selling skills, building confident and autonomous leaders, and improving employee morale. He can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-872-7830.

Published in: Management Parlor | on May 27th, 2008 | Comments Off

Legal Protection for Same-Sex Couples

Has anyone considered a compromise solution to the issue of legalization of same-sex marriages?

As an attorney who has spent years conducting research on the advantages and disadvantages of marriage vs. living together, my viewpoint is a legal one, unobscured by religious or moral questions. Legal recognition of a status for these couples is called for, as is their current need for self-help in making the laws work for them while they are still in flux.

Traditionally and legally, marriage has been defined as a union of a man and woman. Changing that definition is at the heart of the problem. Marriage, throughout history, has had more to do with procreation than romantic love or legal convenience. This legal definition and the issue of procreation have both been used to bolster the denial of the right of same-sex marriage.

What same-sex couples need, and should have, is the ability to form a legal relationship. The semantics used to describe this relationship should not matter as much as the rights and duties arising from it. Denial of these rights is the discrimination same-sex couples decry. We should not forget that only during the last generation was the denial of the right of marriage to members of different races overturned. The law is meant to serve the needs of the members of society - including same-sex couples.

My compromise solution is a law which allows same-sex couples the right to a legal relationship without the hot-button title of “marriage.” With a simple change of terms, these couples could become legal “domestic partners” which confer the same rights and duties of their state’s marriage contract. Similar licensing statutes could be enacted, along with the inevitable relationship dissolution laws.

The marriage contract from any state comes with built-in advantages and disadvantages. Married couples are bestowed with automatic inheritance rights. They enjoy the right to sue for loss of consortium if a third party injures their spouse, denying them services and companionship. Because a married couples has rights, they cannot be denied hospital visitation or the right to make medical decisions for each other. Employers often offer medical coverage and benefits to spouses of employees. Why should same-sex couples be denied these benefits?

Couples who live together do have flexibility to create their own rights and duties vis-a-vis each other. A same-sex couple can execute wills, written cohabitation agreements, durable powers of attorney for health care (giving a partner the right to hospital visitation and the right to make medical decisions in the event of an emergency) and, with careful financial awareness, create many of the advantages of marriage.

The question of medical insurance and benefits should be balanced against the “marriage penalty tax,” which still exists.

The denial of the choice to same-sex couples, however, is the true discrimination. Same-sex couples should have the option of forming a legal relationship under the law, no matter what title it is given.

Johnette Duff is the author of The Spousal Equivalent Handbook: a legal and financial guide to living together, The Marriage Handbook: a legal and financial guide to your spousal rights, and Love After 50: the complete legal and financial guide. Nationally, she has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning and in The Wall Street Journal, Self, Smart Money, New Woman and Modern Maturity promoting information on love and the law. Ms. Duff has recently opened a web site titled, love and the law.

info@loveandthelaw.com

Published in: Legal + More | on May 27th, 2008 | Comments Off