Queercents

For my first interview for Queercents, I decided we could use some advice about trusts and estates, how to make sure our families, partner and charities can benefit from our money should we pass away. And what about if our deceased partner’s family tries to take what is meant for us? An ideal person to answer these questions just happens to be the love of my life.

Karolyn Hicks practices Trust and Estate Law and General Civil Litigation in Seattle with Stokes, Lawrence, Velikanje, Moore and Shore. Last year she won “Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award” from the King County Bar Association. Karolyn was on the board of directors for the WA state ACLU for 5 years and has done pro-bono work for queer non-profits and our neighborhood free legal clinics.

Is having a will or trust more important for LGBT people?
Usually, but it depends on how you want your estate divided when you die. These are generally considered domestic matters which each state decides for itself and each state’s law is different. That being said, some general statements can guide you. For example, generally if you are in a same-sex relationship and registered as such in a state where same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are recognized by the state, then your spouse and/or children (if any) will inherit your estate without the need for a will or trust. Read the rest of this entry »

This week Queercents interviews Michael Eichler and Zack Rosen, owners and editors of The New Gay, a Washington, DC-based queer publication. Michael lives in Washington, DC and works in urban planning. When he’s not designing new bus rapid transit lines, he enjoys nearly-vegan cooking, cycling, making music, and his rockin’ boyfriend.

Zack is a Chicago native currently living in Washington, DC. A recently downsized reporter, he enjoys running, cheap puns and defending ELO and Steely Dan to non-believers. He currently lives in Adams Morgan with his dream guy.

This week they share their insights with us about managing their business relationship and balancing that with their personal life. They’ve got some great tips for business partners who are thinking of getting into bed together (and vice versa). Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Queercents interviews Pam and Kate in North Carolina. They love to dress up, eat out and never fight about finances. Pam is the publisher of Pam’s House Blend and because they’re frugal, money flows like an endless pot of coffee. Read the rest of this entry »

Suzanne and Wendy are bloggers that I have read for a few months and truly enjoy taking a peek into their lives from day to day. This day, they allow us an extra special look at how finances play a part in their lives and relationship. Thank you Suzanne and Wendy!

If you want to read more, we have more Money and Mates interviews. If you would like to be interviewed for the Money and Mates- email me from my About me page.

1. How long have you been together? Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Queercents interviews Gary and Mark in Southern California. They discuss the balance between saving & spending and how they have managed their money over the years.

How long have you been together?
Gary: Mark and I celebrated our 9th anniversary of togetherness on June 23. Read the rest of this entry »

This week we hear from Deb and Madelene, who talk about saving for a house and the joys of a partnership.

1. How long have you been together? 11 years.

2. How did money first come up in your relationship?

The first time we got an apartment together, we found ourselves spending more than we made; living beyond our means. We have a ten year difference, and since I was younger, and more naïve, I take the blame for the mindless spending. Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Queercents interviews Dawn and her partner, “Surfgirl”. You may recognize Dawn from Queercents and Frugal for Life. Here’s what they both have to say about money and their long-term relationship.

How long have you been together?
10 years on Sept. 8

How did money first come up in your relationship?
Dawn & Surfgirl: I don’t think it ever formally came up at first, but in the course of shopping and talking about our future, we talked about our finances as well. Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Queercents hears from Drew & Ted. Their lives are a mixture of Hollywood and Real Estate… two of my favorite topics.

How long have you been together?
Around 2 Years

How did money first come up in your relationship?
Drew: Like most couples, it probably came up while we were dating – sometimes I’d pay for dinner, movie, etc. and sometimes Ted would pay.
Ted: I invited him to move in with me. I wanted him to split the rent. Read the rest of this entry »

Queercents interviews J and L this week: they are young and in love! J and L talk about the ABC’s with money and this makes them wise beyond their years.

How long have you been together?
J: 1.5 years
L: We’ve been together since October 2004 — so, I guess about a year and a half? Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Queercents interviews Barb. Barb is single at the moment but has a wealth of experience when it comes to money and relationships. Here’s her story.

How long have you been together?
I am currently single, however, I’ve had two long-term partnerships. The first was when I was in my 20’s and lasted 7 years. The second was during my 30’s and early 40’s and lasted 14 years; we just separated last year. Read the rest of this entry »