Archive for August, 2009

At one time or another, everyone wishes they had a second chance in life, but aspiring model Deb Dobson (Brooke D’Orsay) actually gets a “do over” on the new Lifetime original series “Drop Dead Diva“. Unfortunately, Deb has to take her second chance in the plus-sized body of a workaholic female attorney.

Deb Becomes a Model Attorney

After Deb crashes her car into a grapefruit truck, she arrives in the afterlife, a place where Fred (Ben Feldman) tells her that she’s neither a good nor a bad person. While he’s deciding her ultimate fate, Deb sends herself back to Earth, but she lands in the recently deceased body of Jane Bingum (Brooke Elliott).

Unlike Deb, Jane has, in the words of Fred, an IQ that’s off the charts. An associate at a successful Los Angeles law firm, she works in a corner office and has a very efficient assistant named Teri Lee (Margaret Cho). As the new resident soul, Deb now has Jane’s brains, her job and her body plus the memories of her former life as a skinny model.

A Lane Bryant Wardrobe, a House and a Porsche

In one episode, Jane celebrates her 32^nd birthday, which means that she’s been out of law school for about seven years. With her brains, Jane probably was hired right out of school and has been an associate lawyer for at least five years. According to the website Infirmation.com, an associate with her experience in the Los Angeles area stands to make a base salary between $160,000 and $230,000 each year, not counting incentives and bonuses.

A Wider Fast-lane
As an associate, Jane also gets to take clients out on her expense account. Her six-figure income and monthly spending makes her an excellent candidate for the American Express Platinum–and may even qualify Jane for the exclusive and elusive AMEX Centurion Card.

With her disposable income and earning potential, Jane invested in a nice starter house, which, by the looks of it, set her back at least $500,000. After reading one of her many self-help books, Jane also bought herself a treat—a hot little Porsche convertible. Deb may have issues occupying Jane’s body, but she loves driving that fast sports car.

Because she spends almost all her waking hours at the law firm, Jane keeps a complete wardrobe in her office closets. When Deb balks at the Lane Bryant labels on the clothes, Teri reminds her that “she loves Ms. Bryant.” It’s a safe bet that Jane has a Lane Bryant credit card in her purse, but Deb will never use it. The former model may, however, upgrade the “Plain Jane” wardrobe with some snazzy new outfits.

Doughnuts and Other Comfort Food

As an aspiring Price is Right model, Deb was extremely calorie conscious, eating only a grapefruit half that was sweetened with two packets of Splenda each morning. Jane’s body, on the other hand, craves doughnuts with sprinkles and chocolate. During her first few hours as an attorney, Deb tries a doughnut and likens it to a religious experience. The law firm also keeps a well-stocked refrigerator for associates and partners, which trims Jane’s food budget quite a bit.

The Future Earnings of Deb/Jane

Surprisingly enough, the merger of Deb’s compassion and Jane’s brains has produced a highly successful lawyer on the fast track for a partnership. As the weeks go by, though, Deb feels herself slipping into Jane’s personality more and more. It’s hard to tell if Deb’s personality traits will disappear completely, but for now, this Drop Dead Diva is a Los Angeles lawyer who’s hard to beat.

Steven Bryan

The latest fashion accessory for the jet-setter and VIP shopper isn’t a flashy wallet or a designer handbag, but a wallet full of exclusive credit cards. Titanium cards, gold cards and credit cards made with diamonds appeal to the luxury market that meet certain eligibility requirements. With the help of a Korean card maker, several international banks have raised the bar for what an exclusive credit card looks like. Here’s a close look at some of the leading luxe credit cards available to the upper echelons of society.

GK Power Concept Cards

The concept cards from GK Power are the ultimate show-stoppers. The company holds an exclusive patent on gold, diamond and implant card technologies. These exclusive credit cards are designed only for the most affluent clients and feature a glossy black print, metal membrane laminate and diamonds embedded into the design. Among their clientele’s products are:

Dubai First Royale Diamond-Studded Mastercard

Available only in Dubai, the Diamond-Studded Mastercard is a stylish all-black card with a gold metal border, and is finished with a large solitaire diamond embedded in the middle of the card. Dubai First issues the exclusive credit card by invitation only, and recipients are selected from the elite class of the business and social community of the city. Card holders must meet both income and status requirements. Only nine cards are produced in a day, and each one is made partially by hand. And the perks? Personalized services on yacht charters, restaurants and hospitality brands around the world, as well as insider information on area events.

KTC - Royal Orchid Plus World MasterCard

KTC, cooperating with MasterCard and Thai Airways International, issued the 1st Diamond and Gold Credit Card in Thailand, making it 3rd in the world after Dubai and Korea. The KTC - Royal Orchid Plus World MasterCard is embedded with a .06-carat diamond. To draw big spenders to spend big, a “Dream Excursion” was awarded to the first 20 customers with the highest expenditures. Consisting of a tailored traveling package with net worth of nearly 3 million Baht (or a little over $88,000), this package ended in February 2009. Estimating its card base will reach 500, this exclusive card is by invitation only.

Eurasian Bank Diamond Card

The Visa Infinite card is among the most sought-after exclusive credit cards on the market and is distributed by Eurasian Bank, an elite bank in Kazakhstan. The card is embedded with a .02-carat diamond and an intricate gold heart design around it. It’s an all-black card with plenty of purchasing power, and cardholders must earn an income of at least $300,000 to own one. Cardholder benefits include insurance benefits at no cost, 1 percent cash back towards purchases, no-cost airport travel lounge access and 24/7 concierge services.

If you’re making an annual income of at least $300,000, have good credit and own some holdings in the issuing countries, you might be eligible for one of these exclusive credit cards. From gold cards to titanium cards, exclusive credit cards are both a status symbol and fashion statement for the world’s elite. If your lifestyle demands exclusive access to VIP events, personalized services when you travel and free upgrades at the world’s finest hotels, you may be a good candidate for carrying any of these diamond-embedded or gold cards.

Sabah Karimi

When it launched in 2004, the Stratus Rewards Visa–the White Card–was poised to be a competitor to the Amex Centurion Black Card. There were many similarities: both featured privileged rewards and benefits, exclusive access to restricted events, and membership by invitation only. The White card even had the upper hand in some cases–the parent company, Stratus Media Group, directly manages many live entertainment and sporting events. But the stir Stratus Visa initially gathered has silenced. (Of course this could be a representation of its success. If Stratus’ membership is truly restricted, then a quiet existence would be appropriate.) But on July 13, Stratus Media Group announced the appointment of a new VP to Stratus Rewards Visa program, indicating this exclusive credit card is very much alive.

This exclusive credit card seeks to meet the needs of an elite consumer audience, and is trying to catch their attention at all the right places, like sponsoring this year’s National Tour d’Elegance, a touring auto show of rare and expensive antique, exotic and modern cars and motorcyles from around the world.

The White Card is truly an invitation-only credit card. According to the Stratus Rewards Web site, membership is only available through an already established relationship with one of its partners, or through a referral or nomination by another member.

If you think you’re Stratus Card app got lost in the mail, or you don’t charge the requisite $250k annually, the American Express Platinum card has many worthwhile perks–and is attainable. Among the benefits are a 24-hour concierge service and complimentary worldwide Airport Club access.

While many credit cards offer points toward purchases or cash back, the White Card provides rewards that stand out from the crowd. Instead of earning frequent flier miles, for example, Stratus Rewards members can earn private jet travel or first class travel upon arrival.

The White Card also boasts opportunities for users to collaborate and combine their reward points toward something more extraordinary. The promises made from the White Card’s first press release were big: Redeem rewards for a trip on a private jet, and end the trip with a private tour of, say, the Louvre, or maybe the Pyramids of Egypt. Though the focus of the rewards appears to be on travel and travel-related perks, members can also take advantage of popular, hard-to-locate items, as well as personalized and unique services.

Upscale, high-end rewards, the status of an invitation-only credit card, and the type of market that only the National Tour d’Elegance can hope to reach–the White Card may be the next big status symbol for the wealthy business class in America today.

Kelly Herdrich and CCCG staff

Exclusivity is one way to generate buzz about your product, and Barclays has definitely taken advantage of this fact with the Visa Black Card. Billed as “the world’s most prestigious and versatile credit card,” the Visa Black Card is advertised as being available to only 1 percent of U.S. residents.

Some of the features included with this credit card are 24-hour concierge services, an exclusive rewards program and unspecified “luxury gifts.” However, the rewards program seems similar to those offered by other rewards credit cards, offers 1 percent cash back on all purchases, and is used for airline tickets and travel.

The Visa Black Card also offers a 0 percent interest rate for the first six months on balance transfers, which might appeal to those who need to consolidate some of their debt. The APR is higher than you would find on many other cards, however, and currently stands at the prime rate plus 9.99 percent. Many premium and platinum credit cards offer a 0 percent APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Additionally, the Visa Black Card from Barclays comes with a hefty $495 annual fee. It is difficult to say whether consumers will benefit from this card at all, since the total rewards must exceed this high annual fee.

The exclusivity of the Visa Black Card has come under scrutiny in the media, which has questioned whether there is actually a limited membership at all. LuxuryPlastic.com surveyed several approved Visa Black Card holders, and the differences in income and credit score seem to back up the skepticism.

For example, one customer earns six figures per year with a credit score of 765, while another’s annual income is around $10,000 with a credit score in the high 500s. The discrepancy, combined with the rumors of easy qualification, call into question whether Barclays’ Visa Black Card is actually exclusive at all.

When shopping for credit cards, it is important to look past fancy Web sites and claims of exclusivity to the actual terms of the card. Financial institutions are all fighting for the best customers, and it is best to make your decisions based on raw numbers rather than skillful marketing.

It is also important to note that, although the Visa Black Card is billed as “limited membership” and “very exclusive,” the Visa Signature line of credit cards is actually ranked above the Visa Black Card, which is part of the Visa Platinum Plus line. Consumers with solid credit scores are often approved for low-interest credit cards with no annual fees and generous rewards programs.

Steve Thompson

Though not a human lie detector like Cal Lightman of “Lie to Me,” Patrick Jane of “The Mentalist” has his own seemingly supernatural abilities that make him an asset to the fictional California Bureau of Investigation. A former psychic, Jane now consults with the CBI on murder cases, lending the agency his mental acuity and powers of observation.

A Lucrative Past

Before working with the CBI, Jane was a popular psychic and medium who had developed a sufficient following to warrant his own television show. He conducted both public and private readings for his clients, pretending to communicate with dead friends and relatives.

This, of course, was a lucrative career choice, especially considering his success in the public arena. However, it all came to a shattering end when the serial killer “Red John” slaughtered Jane’s wife and daughter several months before “The Mentalist” begins.

It is not known how much money Jane brought in as a medium, but he drives a vintage car and lives in a well-appointed home with all the comforts and luxuries one can imagine. It is doubtful he could afford his lifestyle on the salary of a police consultant. However, if he saved his money from his work as a psychic and invested it well, he could very easily afford his expensive tailored suits and shiny designer shoes.

A Dangerous Present

Although Jane appears to abhor violence and detest guns, he doesn’t live a boring or safe life. He investigates cases with the CBI, talking to witnesses and interrogating suspects, and he has more than once found himself at the wrong end of a weapon. He states numerous times over the first season of the show that his main priority is finding — and perhaps eliminating — “Red John.” Therefore, he is consumed by the hunt, and the medical bills that might eventually result from his risky behavior could easily deplete his financial resources.

At the Tables

Patrick Jane occasionally finds ways to make money during the course of investigations. For example, in one episode he finds himself at the heart of a gambling mystery, and uses his mental prowess to count cards and win at blackjack and poker. However, regardless of how he rakes in dough, he always uses it for good, buying his friends at the CBI gifts or donating money to various charities.

It would seem that anyone with such intelligence would likewise be good with money. He probably knows how to balance risks in investments and how to keep tabs on his checkbook. We’ve never seen him pull out a credit card on “The Mentalist,” but he most likely would be approved for any number of platinum offerings.

Steve Thompson

HBO’s “Big Love” follows polygamist family Bill Henrickson and his wives Barb, Nicolette and Margene, who all live in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah, with their eight children. They try to keep their lifestyle a secret, even as they discover running three households can be extremely expensive.

Three Roofs

Bill bought three neighboring houses for his three wives and children. The median price of a house in Salt Lake City is $284,756, according to www.saltlakecityutah.org. That means that Bill owes a total of $854,268 for all three homes. In addition to mortgages, he would have to pay utilities and car payments for his wives’ cars. His first wife, Barb, is the most financially responsible. His second, Nicolette, grew up on a Mormon compound and has difficulties fitting into the modern world.

Nicolette also has an addiction to shopping, and tried to hide her credit card debt from the family. She bought plenty of clothes from catalogs, and finally admitted to Barb that she accumulated $60,000 in charges on her credit card. She would most likely need a debt management plan if she ever wanted to pay it off in her lifetime.

Big Spending
With three wives and seven kids (so far), everyday expenses add up. Cash back credit cards can be beneficial—as long as they’re paid-off every month. Cash back rebates range from 1% of all purchases up to 10% at selected merchants. If the cards are used carefully, the cash back earned by the family spending would pay for the kids’ allowances…maybe.

One Income

Bill runs a home improvement store chain, while his wives are unemployed for most of the series. The purchase price of a franchise can cost up to $1 million, according to www.businessbroker.net. The show depicts Bill and his business partner, Don, purchasing property for their additional stores and seeking out a new business venture in electronic gaming. Bill’s credit score must not be that great; he had to ask his Uncle Eddie for a loan so he could bid on a casino business.

Margene, wife number three, decided to launch a jewelry business later on in the series, and Nicolette briefly worked at the district attorney’s office as a temp. In reality, the family would need more income to function each month.

The cost of living for this family keeps increasing as Bill tries to add a fourth wife to the family, and his wives have more children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that families spend $269,520 to raise a child from birth to the time they turn 18. Living a polygamist lifestyle is risky, and could cost them their family and their jobs. The show should probably be called “Big Debt” rather than “Big Love.”

Stephanie Armstrong

These days, a big spender has the opportunity to take advantage of a number of credit cards that result in privileged rewards. Used properly, these exclusive credit cards can be a tool. They can unlock a number of benefits and perks, simply by using them every day.

The Citibank Ultima Card, especially, can unlock a number of privileges that go well beyond the realm of the “usual” rewards, allowing you to show your good taste and enjoy the perks that come with being an Ultima Card holder. Exclusive credit cards are offered only to the cream of the crop, and the Citibank Ultima Card is an exclusive card with exclusive rewards.

Rewarding Experiences from the Citibank Ultima Card

The Citibank Ultima Card can be a Visa or a MasterCard, depending on where it’s issued. Citibank, with its global reach, provides even more reliability and protection than most other credit cards. One of the more exclusive credit cards, the Ultima Card is available in Russia, Germany, parts of Asia (including India, Indonesia and Singapore) and the Middle East. And of these countries, the United Arab Emirates is the only one with an apply button—the rest are by invitation only.

Its unique rewards program allows account holders to enjoy special access to a number of perks. For example, In Singapore, cardholders are guaranteed a room upgrade. At the Dubai Hilton, the Ultima Card grants a discount at Gordon Ramsay’s first restaurant outside the UK. When traveling, it is possible to gain access to airport VIP lounges. Additionally, the Ultima Card offers travel upgrades that can provide you with increased comfort. Want to move in true style? Using the Citibank Ultima Card, you can arrange for a private jet, a chartered yacht or a chauffeured Bentley — all with just 10 hours notice. In short, the Citibank Ultima Card are your keys to the kingdom.

Jean Marquit