MegaFans

Megafans Inc. today announced a new collaboration with Green Rabbit Holdings, LLC, to integrate Megafans' software development kit (SDK) into Green Rabbit's metaverse environment and racing game, which will offer competitive esports tournaments and rewards to players who can participate in live, massive multiplayer tournaments online. 

The purpose of the collaboration is to create new revenue streams through monetization, reward players, and retain them to increase lifetime value (LTV). Esports and rewarded game play (play-and-earn) are both proven sticky factors in digital and real-world gaming events. MegaFans' esports tournament SDK enables new forms of retention and monetization for any mobile or online game.

According to MegaFans CEO Jeff Donnelley, "The collaboration between MegaFans and Green Rabbit combines quality and quantity with GR's rich metaverse environment, true gameplay, and our competitive, MMO esports tournament system. We are providing a real and rich play-and-earn experience that Web3 gamers will love and appreciate." 

Green Rabbit successfully launched two non-fungible token (NFT) collections and their own metaverse with its first racing game. Green Rabbit's rich, virtual environment promises to provide the NFT community with an exciting and rewarding gaming experience, built with integrity and ethics at its core and delivered with the industry's collectors and gaming enthusiasts in mind. 

Green Rabbit Co-founder Jay Yadon said, "The partnership between MegaFans and Green Rabbit Holdings, LLC, is key in the development of our tournament, esports style gameplay. This type of system will be the first of its kind in the Web3 space. We look forward to working side by side with this amazing group." 

The collaboration is expected to produce more quality games, tournaments, rewards and experiential events in the future for gamers, collectors and the Web3 community globally. 

MegaFans 

MegaFans (Mobile Esports Gaming Fanatics) is building the world's first mobile esports community using blockchain, cryptocurrency and NFTs in a play-to-earn environment for gamers, collectors and developers, where 2.8 billion daily active users play, compete and win prizes. MegaFans offers turnkey solutions for mobile game publishers that increase monetization and retention by enriching the players' experience and their communities. MegaFans' mantra is "Esports for All!", which focuses on underserved markets around the world. They use a leaderboard format that features multiple tournaments simultaneously, to an infinite number of players globally, no matter what skill level or geo-location. Links to MegaFans' social media and company channels can be found at https://linktr.ee/megafans.

Green Rabbit 

Green Rabbit successfully launched two NFT collections and their own metaverse with its first racing game. Their rich, virtual environment promises to provide the NFT community with an exciting and rewarding gaming experience, built with integrity and ethics at its core and delivered with the industry's collectors and gaming enthusiasts in mind.

Media Contact 

Mike Albanese 
[email protected] 

Positive Singles Face ID
Positive Singles Added Additional Protection to Protect Member's Privacy

Positive Singles is a popular online dating site that has managed to make their mark in the niche dating sector. The company has an unprecedented number of verified members and they also have plenty of success stories that speak to the quality of services they offer. 

As everyone is aware of the risks that can accompany online dating, the site recently announced that they have added additional protection to enhance the privacy of their members. An additional authorization has been added that will be required every time users open their iOS app. The extra authorization comes in the form of Face ID, Touch ID, or other identification methods as determined by the platform and the user. 

With this extra layer of authentication, the site will be able to ensure that unauthorized people will not be able to access the app and thereby pretend to be someone else. 

Jenelle Marie Pierce, CSE, the key spokesperson for the site, was quoted as saying, "We are really pleased with our members' overall response to our recent updates. Most of our members were happy with the overall design of the site, but we wanted to ensure the privacy of our members, so we have extended our privacy measures by offering an additional authorization step for better member privacy and safety."

Positive Singles is continually launching new features that improve the site's accessibility, effectiveness, and usability. They do this by incorporating their users' feedback in order to offer the best experience to their users. 

The site boasts thousands of success stories documenting how people were able to find their real-life partners on the site, and these success stories have helped the site maintain their market share while helping people find connections and community. 

Those who would like to know more about Positive Singles and how it has shaped the lives of those who are living with an STI, visit www.PositiveSingles.com.

About Positive Singles 

Positive Singles is a top-rated specialized online dating company that has millions of members. The site has tons of amazing features and they have managed to help endless people find love. The site boasts of an easy user interface, extensive supporting features, and robust privacy measures. 

IPM logo
Logo for IPM ADvancement, LLC

Nonprofit fundraising, advocacy and membership agency IPM Advancement has released a first-of-its-kind research report titled "LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Organizations in the United States: Growth, Trends, Concerns, and the Outlook for Philanthropic Giving."

The report is designed to better understand the number of nonprofit organizations that are working on LGBTQ+ and equality issues nationwide, and where those organizations have impact. The report offers unique insights into organization growth, trends, concerns and the outlook for LGBTQ+ nonprofits related to philanthropic giving. Of particular interest is how engagement with LGBTQ+ nonprofits has changed since the 2015 marriage equality ruling.

"With millions of Americans identifying as LGBTQ+, and with threats to this community ongoing and seemingly increasing, we felt there was a need to better understand how many LGBTQ+ nonprofits are serving communities across the U.S.," said Russ Phaneuf, co-founder of IPM Advancement and the firm's managing director & chief strategist.  "This report provides helpful insights to share with these organizations … along with donors, policymakers, and other stakeholders concerned with the quality of life for members of the LBGTQ+ community."

Lead researcher Dr. Colton Strawser said that the report fills in important gaps about LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations. "Research on LGBTQ nonprofits is limited, and the study identifies the financial impact of these organizations as well as the opportunities for organizations to learn from each other when it comes to fundraising. For example, while government funding to LGBTQ causes has increased, very few of the identified organizations are actively engaged in lobbying - which we see as a missed opportunity."

IPM Advancement has made the new report available for free download at https://www.ipmadvancement.com/report. For questions and media inquiries, please email [email protected] with the subject line "LGBTQ+ Report."

About IPM Advancement

IPM Advancement (IPM) works exclusively with nonprofit organizations to build strong annual giving, membership and advocacy programs. We deliver integrated fundraising solutions that help clients reach their annual and campaign goals via intelligent strategies that leverage direct mail, phone, web and social media. Our fundraising consulting services cover everything from Annual Fund to Capital Campaigns, including full program management, feasibility studies, leadership and major donor programs, certified board training, and more.

IPM is proud to be recognized as a certified LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE®) through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Supplier Diversity Initiative. The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community and serves as the nation's exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned and operated businesses.

For more information about IPM Advancement, please visit www.ipmadvancement.com.

Aperture Pet & Life is proud to announce that it will be the exclusive U.S. distribution partner for the complete and expanding line of Maxspect's well-known and highly respected products and accessories for aquariums.

For over a decade, Maxspect has created some of the most trusted products for aquarists around the world. As they continue to expand their product portfolio, reaching even more aquarists in North America has become a critical charter. Partnering with Aperture's Distribution arm allows them to reach an expansive network of local fish stores, partners, aquariums and research institutes.

"This new, exclusive distribution partnership will provide a higher level of consistency and increase the availability of previously unavailable Maxspect products in North America,"  said Howard Roy, Sales and Marketing Director, Maxspect.

Based in Hong Kong, Maxspect's products include their highly regarded LED lighting products, such as the RSX LED systems, and their innovative Gyre circulation pump. Current highlights of the Maxspect portfolio include:

RSX LED Line. Maxspect designed and manufactures the unique RSX Aquarium LEDs. The RSX features a slim tank-wide form factor with an integrated onboard controller. This allows the user to easily program the photoperiod directly on the fixture. The RSX is currently available in four models, the R5-100, R5-150, R5-200 and R5-300, and all models feature wireless control (via an ICV6 hub sold separately), inter-unit communication and multiple mounting options. 

Gyre Pumps. Well-known and well-loved amongst marine aquarists, Maxspect challenged the status quo when it released its first Gyre pump. The Gyre is built on an innovative cylindrical propeller design and comes in multiple sizes with differing flow rates, including a commercial version. The Gyre's unique design excels at mass water movement and can be placed very close to the water surface unlike competing propeller pump designs. Current Gyre pumps feature app control, multi-pump per controller connectivity, and Sine Wave Technology that makes these pumps more efficient and near silent. 

Aeraqua Duo Skimmer. Another industry first from Maxspect. Aeraqua Duo skimmers incorporate a dual intake and a dual needle-wheel design. Despite a desirably small footprint, the AD600 protein skimmer can handle up to 100 gallons (400L) on a high bioload system and more than four times that on a low bioload system. The Aeraqua also features an easy adjustment system, app control, start delay and utilizes a DC motor.  

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share Maxspect's products with even more aquarists in North America," said Jeff Martinson, Chief Operating Officer for Aperture. "Our team is passionate about their commitment to making aquarists successful, which strongly aligns with Aperture's mission to help ecosystems thrive."

For more information or to purchase Maxspect products, retailers can reach out to their Aperture sales representative or visit the wholesale portal. Aquarists can purchase Maxspect products at their favorite local fish store or online retailer.

About Aperture

Aperture is a leading online retailer, manufacturer and distributor of products and solutions in over 50 countries through an integrated platform, which includes the industry's leading online marketplace for saltwater aquarists, world-class products for the success of saltwater, freshwater and reptile and amphibian ecosystems and habitats, distribution operations, sales professionals and one of the pet industry's largest YouTube platforms, with over 400,000 subscribers and 110 million views. Through its banner brands Bulk Reef Supply, Neptune Systems, EcoTech Marine, Aquaillumination, Leap Habitats and others, the company offers its customers the products and resources they need to create thriving ecosystems. For more information, visit www.apetlife.com.

About Maxspect

Maxspect was established in 2009 with the goal of creating aquarium equipment that integrates new technologies to improve aquarium keeping. With more than a decade of development and manufacturing experience, Maxspect is a respected leader in the aquarium hobby and a mainstay in the aquarium industry. Maxspect is currently sold in over 60 countries worldwide. Maxspect's mission is to create a comprehensive line of aquarium products, ranging from highly technical and innovative lighting, pumps, and filtration to necessary and useful everyday tools and biomedia. 

Bulk Reef Supply, Neptune Systems, EcoTech Marine, Aquaillumination and Leap Habitats are trademarks of Aperture, LLC. ©2022 Aperture, LLC. All rights reserved. 

For Media Inquiries:
Jay Sperandio
[email protected]

When it comes to debt, there are two main options for consolidation: debt consolidation loans vs. personal loans. Although both can be effective in reducing debt, there are some key differences to consider before choosing one over the other. Debt consolidation loans typically have lower interest rates than personal loans, making them more affordable in the long run. However, debt consolidation loans also tend to have longer repayment periods, which means you could end up paying more in interest over time. Personal loans typically have shorter repayment periods, which can save you money on interest. However, personal loan interest rates can be higher than debt consolidation loan rates, so you'll need to carefully compare your options before deciding which is right for you. 

The rule of 72 is a helpful tool to use when considering debt consolidation vs personal loans. This rule states that the amount of time it takes to double your debt is roughly equal to 72 divided by the interest rate. For example, if you have a debt with an 8% interest rate, it would take about 9 years to double (72/8 = 9). This can help you understand how quickly your debt could grow if you're not careful with repayment. If you're consolidating debt with a personal loan, you'll want to make sure that the repayment period is shorter than the amount of time it would take to double your debt. This will help ensure that you're able to pay off your debt before it becomes unmanageable. The rule of 72 is a helpful tool to keep in mind when evaluating your options for consolidating debt. By understanding how quickly your debt could grow, you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

How does the Rule of 72 help me deal with inflation?

While the Rule of 72 can be an excellent tool for knowing how your money will grow, it's also great for understanding the cost of inflation on your finances by helping you calculate how long it will take your money to lose 50% of its value thanks to higher prices caused by inflation.

To use the Rule of 72, simply divide the annual inflation rate into 72. The result is the number of years it will take for the purchasing power of your money to be cut in half. For example, if inflation is running at 3% per year, it would take 24 years for your money to lose half its value (3% ÷ 72 = 24). 

However, the real world is not always as predictable as math. Inflation can happen faster than predicted, and stocks may lose value much quicker than the Rule of 72 suggests. So, always consult a financial advisor to get the most accurate predictions for your situation.

How does the Rule of 72 help protect my savings?

The Rule of 72 can help you protect your savings by helping you understand how long it will take for your money to double in value so you can create better financial projections for your plans, such as saving for a home, paying off debt, or paying off your student loans.

This rule states that if you want to find the number of years it will take your money to double, divide the amount of money you want to save by 72. So, if you wanted to save $10,000, the equation would look like this: 10,000 ÷ 72 = 138.8 months (11.5 years). This means that if you put your money into a savings account with a 3% interest rate, it will take your $10,000 around twelve years to double in size.

Tips for protecting your savings against inflation

1. Set realistic goals for saving. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, and don't aim to save an absolute maximum amount each month. Instead, think about how much money you'd need every month to cover your basic needs if inflation increases by 2%, for example. That way, you'll be more likely to stay ahead of inflationary trends and preserve your purchasing power over time.

2. Make sure your investments are diversified. When investing your money, make sure that part of it is invested in assets that may experience inflation (like bonds or stocks) and assets that will not (like precious metals). This way, you're less likely to lose money due to inflationary pressures alone and will be able to maintain some level of purchasing power even if prices go up rapidly.

3. Review your spending habits regularly. Revisit your spending patterns and make changes where necessary - even if it means making small adjustments every month. This will help you stay ahead of inflationary trends and protect the value of your savings.

The bottom line

The Rule of 72 is an essential tool for understanding how inflation affects the growth of your savings as well as the potential loss of purchasing power the same money holds. Knowing how this affects your finances can help you make smarter decisions about where to invest your money and how to calculate your ability to live comfortably further down the line.

Credit card companies are always looking for new ways to stay ahead of the curve and attract customers. In recent years, the rise of cryptocurrency has presented a new opportunity for these companies to incorporate crypto into their business models. For example, some credit card companies are now offering personal loans  in the form of crypto. Most personal loans are repaid in monthly installments over a set period of time, and they typically have fixed interest rates. 

Crypto personal loans work in the same way, but instead of using fiat currency, they use cryptocurrency as collateral. Crypto-backed loans use your crypto assets as collateral, so they tend to have lower interest rates than traditional personal loans. Plus, crypto-backed loans can also help you access liquidity without selling your crypto assets. And because crypto-backed loans are reported to the credit bureaus, making your payments on time can help boost your credit score. So if you want to use personal loans to build credit - either traditional or crypto-backed - is a great option to consider.

So far, only a handful of companies are offering crypto personal loans, but that is sure to change in the months and years ahead. In the following article, we'll talk about how some credit card companies are incorporating crypto into their overall business strategy.

Why Are Credit Card Companies Interested in Crypto?

In 2019, Visa put together a full-time crypto product team, a move that was unprecedented. They did so because the crypto market was expanding rapidly. Like other competing card companies, Visa knew that crypto-based exchanges and digital wallets had captured the public's interest.

Visa and other companies, such as Mastercard, saw investors moving billions of dollars through crypto wallets and exchanges. It made sense that they would want to take advantage of that. The main challenge was that few merchants were directly accepting cryptocurrency as payment for goods or services yet.

Crypto is Being Accepted Gradually

Part of what makes credit card companies so successful is that nearly all merchants accept them. When you have a disruptive new technology, like crypto, it's not so easy to get most merchants to take the necessary leap of faith to start accommodating it. 

That's because credit cards still use the US dollar as their exchange medium. US dollars are connected to and associated with the American government. By contrast, cryptocurrencies are destabilized. That's why some merchants remain wary about exchanging goods and services for them.

Connecting the Two Concepts

It has been a few years since Visa, Mastercard, and other credit card companies started probing the crypto market and considering ways to incorporate these new currency forms as payment. Since then, crypto usage has only increased.

Accordingly, Visa and similar companies sped up their research and development related to crypto and came out with some new products. For instance, Visa designed and promoted a prepaid debit card where a user could store cryptocurrency. If the consumer tapped the card to pay for something at a terminal, the crypto wallet would instantly convert that crypto to fiat. Fiat refers to currency not backed by a particular commodity, like silver or gold.

Mastercard made a splash by announcing that they would start supporting certain crypto forms directly on their network. For the first time, they would allow people to use their credit cards to purchase crypto assets.

Credit Cards that Allow Crypto Transactions

Credit cards set up to allow crypto transactions seem to be the preferred way card companies are incorporating this new technology to meet rising demand. Visa, Mastercard, and others have come out with prepaid cards attached to wallets that are compatible and loaded with certain popular cryptocurrencies. 

If you get one of these cards, you can use it anywhere Visa, Mastercard, or similar card companies are accepted. For example, if you want to purchase a cup of coffee and use your prepaid Visa card that has crypto on it, you would tap the card to pay. Instantly, the crypto on the card would be converted to fiat currency, such as the US dollar.

With these transactions, since you're converting crypto into fiat currency on the fly, the card companies are only using more widely accepted currencies on their networks directly. This seems to be an ideal way to combine the two technologies.

If crypto interests you and you want to start using it to pay for things, this is likely the most logical way to do it right now. It also seems likely that additional tools that blend recognized credit card uses with crypto are on the horizon. 

A new survey shows that social media is making Gen Z and Millennials feel really bad about their finances. The report, which was conducted by the personal finance website NerdWallet, found that 62% of respondents said social media made them feel bad about their financial situation. The main reason cited for this was that people are constantly bombarded with photos and videos of others living a lifestyle that is seemingly unattainable. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration, especially for those who are struggling to get by.

However, just because someone can afford to post about their fancy purchases doesn't mean they're doing better than you financially. In fact, they may be in more debt than you are. If you're looking to get your finances in order, there are a few reasons to get a personal loan. Personal loans can help you consolidate debt, build credit, and save money on interest payments. If you're struggling with your finances, a personal loan could be a good option for you. The survey also found that 70% of respondents said they were either "very" or "somewhat" confident in their ability to get a personal loan. This suggests that despite the negative impact of social media, most young people still believe in their ability to improve their financial situation.

A Timeless Dilemma: Keeping Up With the Joneses

Comparing your personal situation to others is a recipe for unhappiness. There's a reason that ancient lawmakers put in rules about "coveting" your neighbor's property. According to Bankrate, 47% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials surveyed reported feeling negative about their own finances after seeing posts from their "friends" on social media. 

This is a timeless dilemma often described as "keeping up with the Joneses." Aspiring for more is okay. Being assaulted digitally by images of someone else's nice new home or expensive outfit can cause those aspirations to turn into envy and jealousy. Social media was designed to amplify marketing messages. This is one instance where it's having a negative effect. 

Children Are Developing Unrealistic Expectations About Money

This is a finding that should be a concern for all parents. The Bankrate survey found that 64% of parents thought their children were developing unrealistic expectations about money after seeing posts on social media. It's not surprising. How many ads have you seen that promote "get rich quick" schemes? Conversely, how many promote hard work and sacrifice? 

Children influence their parents more than they care to admit. A simple inquiry about "why" you're struggling financially when these programs are out there might be a teachable moment, but it stills brings up feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The kids are focused on getting rich. Millennial and Gen Z parents are disturbed by the implication that they're "not enough."

Impulse Buying is Causing Buyer's Regret

This is one that everyone feels, but Millennials and Gen Z tend to do more shopping through social media than other generations. According to the Bankrate survey, 49% of them have made an impulse purchase on social media and 64% of those people have regretted it after the fact. The survey doesn't specify whether that's before or after they receive the product.

Social media has brought the world closer together and provides some benefits that were not available to former generations, but it's become so embedded in our lives that it's now affecting the mental and spiritual health of the younger generation. This survey asks some important questions, but it gives few answers. Finding those is up to you.

When you're a cosigner on motorcycle loans, it typically involves "vouching" for the borrower's good credit and willingness to repay, which can be a great way to help your loved one purchase their dream bike. However, what happens if the owner dies before they can repay the loan?

Cosigner's responsibilities on a loan

A cosigner is someone who signs a loan document as an assurance that they will repay the debt. Cosigners are legally responsible for the debt, even if they do not have any money to pay it back. If the primary borrower defaults on their loan, the cosigner may be liable for the entire amount.

Should you ever cosign a loan?

While it may seem daunting should the worst-case scenario happen, there are many reasons why you might want to cosign a loan. Cosigners can often get a lower interest rate than the borrower, saving your loved one thousands of dollars in interest.

Additionally, being a cosigner can give your loved one extra creditworthiness, increasing their chances of getting approved for future loans.

There are a few things to keep in mind when cosigning a loan. First and foremost, make sure that you and your friend or family member agree about who is responsible for each debt on the loan.

Second, ensure that any required insurance coverage is in place before signing anything — cosigning can increase your risk if something goes wrong with the loan.

And finally, always keep copies of all agreements and documents related to the loan so that if there are any problems later on, they can easily be resolved.

What happens if the primary borrower of a motorcycle loan dies?

If you're the cosigner on a motorcycle loan and the borrower dies, your loan is automatically transferred to the deceased's estate. The loan becomes due and payable immediately, even if it's been unpaid for months or years. If you cannot pay off the entire loan, you could end up with a mountain of debt that can severely damage your credit rating and financial stability.

What to do if you're a consigner on a motorcycle loan in default

If you're a consigner on a motorcycle loan in default, you should do a few things to protect yourself. Contact the lender to see if they can work out a new payment plan with you. If they can't, or if the new plan is too difficult, you may need to file for bankruptcy protection. This will allow you to get your financial affairs in order and hopefully get your motorcycle loan forgiven.

There's also the option of liquidating the asset now that you're the sole owner. Depending on the loan amount and the sale price, you may be able to sell the bike and use those funds to resolve the debt.

The bottom line

If you're a cosigner on a motorcycle loan and someone dies, it's essential to understand your legal rights and what you can do to protect yourself. Talk to an attorney about your situation to ensure you're fully aware of your options. Knowing these laws and pitfalls will keep you from losing your security interest in a motorcycle when an owner dies.

With record-high inflation and cost-of-living increases, many Americans are looking for ways to save money. According to a report from the personal finance website WalletHub, Americans are taking out moving loans and maxing out their credit cards in droves, moving to states with the lowest cost of living to find a better quality of life.

The report analyzed data from each state on 18 factors related to the cost of living, including housing prices, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Utah was crowned the state with the lowest cost of living overall, followed by Florida and Nevada. Alaska came in last place on the list, with New Hampshire ranking as the state with the highest cost of living.

What factors affect the cost of living?

One of the most critical factors affecting the cost of living is the cost of goods and services. 

Alaska and Hawaii are consistently ranked as one of the highest cost-of-living states due to the expense of getting goods shipped to them.

Another major factor that affects the cost of living is the cost of housing. States with a high demand for housing tend to have higher costs, and a housing shortage can also lead to inflated prices. California and New York are two states with a high demand for housing that have also seen some of the highest prices in the country.

To save money while living in a state, it's essential to research what expenses are common and how much they typically cost. For example, many residents in the Northeast see snow removal service as a required expense, while others in warmer climates would never consider the cost of such a service. 

Ways to save money on your move

Are you considering a move? Here are four tips to help save money on your relocation: 

1. Research the cost of living in your target state. There are dozens of online resources that include data on housing prices, groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs in each state. Knowing ahead of time how much money you'll need to live comfortably will help you plan your budget better.

2. Move during the off-season. Moving during the off-season (such as winter in the Northeast or summer in the South) can be a cheaper option than moving during peak season because many people are already settled in their new homes and don't need to move as much furniture or appliances as they would during the high season.

3. Don't overspend on your move. Although it may be tempting to buy all-new furniture, appliances, and decorations for your new home, resist the urge to overspend. Instead, save money by using what you have in your old home and by packing and moving slowly.

4. See what tax breaks or incentives are available for new residents. Many states are now offering relocation benefits for in-demand workers and digital nomads. If you're moving for a new job, you may also be eligible to deduct your moving expenses from your yearly taxes. Consult an accountant to see if there are perks you qualify for simply by moving to one of these areas.

The bottom line

While some people may move to states with lower living costs to save money, others may move simply for a change of scenery. Regardless of why people are moving, it's essential to be aware of all the expenses associated with a new location before making any decisions.