April / May
Showing 305–320 of 482 results
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Before donating a vehicle, find out the charity’s intent
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 310
Abstract: Cash is the easiest way to give to a charity, but sometimes it’s more advantageous to donate other assets — and sometimes it’s not. For example, the value of one’s deduction for a donated vehicle can vary greatly depending on what the charity does with it. As this brief article explains, the deduction might be lessened if the charity sells the vehicle.
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Family businesses – What’s the best way to address conflicts of interest?
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: It’s normal for a family business to have to deal with not only with company issues, but also personal matters. When those issues conflict, trouble can’t be far behind. But this article explains that there are ways to handle such problems and keep them from cropping up again down the road. It looks at where trouble may arise and how a conflict-of-interest policy can help an organization identify and remedy potential issues.
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Renovating your house – Projects that can pay off when you sell
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: After several stagnant years, the market for remodeling and renovation projects is showing signs of strength. This article offers advice to help homeowners determine which remodeling projects will offer the most bang for the buck when it comes time to sell. Very few homeowners completely recover the costs of their remodeling projects, but replacement projects, along with projects that make existing space more usable, tend to do well at resale time. A sidebar shows how even small projects can pack big rewards.
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How to manage a business in uncertain times
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: In today’s uncertain economy, it may be tempting to postpone major business decisions. But doing so can lead a business into a downward spiral. This article explains why, and offers six guidelines for moving forward. A sidebar offers examples of companies that were founded or that introduced successful products during difficult economic times.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 46
Abstract: Some key tax reporting deadlines for April and May.
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Don’t get caught in a beneficiary battle – Keep beneficiary designations up to date
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 349
Abstract: When employees sign up to participate in a group retirement plan, one of the documents they complete is a beneficiary designation form. It’s a form that should be reviewed and updated when appropriate, as demonstrated by a recent court case. This brief article summarizes the case and its importance.
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DOL clarifies brokerage window disclosure requirements
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 468
Abstract: The Department of Labor (DOL) last year provided guidance on ERISA service provider fee disclosure regulations. The guidance clarified disclosure requirements when brokerage windows are available in a plan. A brokerage window is a self-directed type of qualified retirement plan as opposed to the more common platform of funds from which a participant can choose. This article reviews the guidance on brokerage windows.
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Is it time to review your 401(k) plan?
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Plan sponsors have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that their qualified plan complies with all current employee benefits laws and regulations. In addition, they must make certain that the plan functions within the plan’s current provisions. One of the most effective ways to do this is for plan sponsors to review the plan annually. This article highlights 10 compliance areas from the IRS 401(k) plan checklist that every sponsor should consider.
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Plan to offer diverse investment options – Understanding ERISA diversification requirements
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requires that a fiduciary diversify plan investments to minimize plan participants’ risk. Plan fiduciaries must act cautiously and solely in the best interest of the plan’s participants and beneficiaries. Who’s a fiduciary, and what are his or her responsibilities in a defined contribution (DC) retirement plan that allows participants or beneficiaries to direct their investments? This article answers these questions and more.
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Back to Basics – Putting Benford’s Law to work
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: It may seem intuitive that, in a list of numbers, the first digit will just as likely be one numeral as any other. But “Benford’s Law” shows that “1” appears nearly a third of the time, and each succeeding numeral has a progressively smaller frequency. This makes Benford’s law an useful tool for investigators to unearth fraud. This article explains how, and discusses a spreadsheet tool that makes it easy to put this technique into effect.
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How much is a business worth?
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: If a loan customer overextends itself by paying an inflated price for a business, there’s a good chance it will have a problem meeting its loan obligations. Rather than let that happen, an astute lender knows the importance of professional valuations and what goes into them. This article reviews some of the basics: the several meanings of value, the three approaches to valuing a business, and the importance of using a qualified appraiser.
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Financial checkups – “Wellness visits” pay off
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 557
Abstract: Giving a borrower a routine checkup can help detect problems before distress symptoms appear on one’s year end financial statements. This article explains what to look for on a site visit and lists several warning signs of financial distress.
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Lean, mean borrowing machines – Encourage borrowers to cut the fat from working capital
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 809
Abstract: Working capital — current assets minus current liabilities — is traditionally a measure of liquidity. High liquidity generally equates with low risk, but excessive amounts of cash tied up in working capital detract from other spending options, such as expanding to new markets, buying equipment and paying down debt. This article discusses five best practices for reducing working capital. A sidebar cites a study showing that top performers have significantly lower working capital on hand than do mediocre companies.
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News for Nonprofits – “Deal of the day” sites raise money for charities – Boosting employee spirits
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 475
Abstract: This issue’s “News for Nonprofits” shows how “deal of the day” sites such as Groupon, Deals for Deeds and others can be innovative — and lucrative — fundraising tools. It also cites professionals who discuss how including employee feedback in strategic planning and other decision-making processes is one way to improve the satisfaction level of nonprofit employees.
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5 tips for limiting damage from a public relations crisis
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: A disaster plan can save a nonprofit’s important data from destruction suffered in an earthquake, flood or other natural disaster. But what about a nonnatural disaster, such as a financial scandal or other public maelstrom? This article offers five tips for limiting damage to a not-for-profit’s reputation from a public relations crisis, including having a plan and training specified employees to communicate with the media.
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Accountable plans save employees tax dollars
April / May 2012
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 824
Abstract: With salaries on a plateau or rising only slightly at most nonprofits, employers should be alert to any way to give their employees a financial break. Having an accountable plan for business expense reimbursement is one way to save employees some money. This article explains how to set up a plan, follow reimbursement rules and account for expenses.