April / May

Showing 449–464 of 482 results

  • Should your company take a second look at telecommuting?

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 560

    Abstract: Some companies have been slow to try their hands at telecommuting arrangements for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they fear the technology challenges, a drop in productivity or the diminished face time with workers. But, as budgets continue to tighten and credit remains, in many cases, difficult to obtain, the cost benefits of telecommuting beckon reconsideration. This article tells why.

    Read More

  • Choosing your retirement plan beneficiaries – 3 key questions to ask

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 946

    Abstract: One often overlooked aspect of retirement planning is having a strategy for giving away one’s nest egg should one not be around to enjoy it. More simply put, everyone needs to choose his or her retirement plan beneficiaries. This article offers three key questions to ask when making this important choice.

    Read More

  • Don’t shrug off a business valuation – Appraisals can help during tough times

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 728

    Abstract: During tough economic times, it’s understandable that many business owners look to cut any nonessential activities from their operations. And, assuming no specific circumstance warrants it, taking the time to assemble the financial documents and engage a qualified appraiser may not seem particularly essential. Yet, in truth, business valuations shouldn’t be shrugged off quite so quickly. As this article explains, when dark economic clouds threaten, an appraisal can provide just the information you need to find shelter from the storm.

    Read More

  • Get ready: 401(k) plan audits

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 398

    Abstract: When your 401(k) plan reaches a certain size, the IRS requires that an independent CPA perform an audit. Generally, plans file this audit with their annual Form 5500 by July 31. (It can be extended to Oct. 15.) This brief article summarizes what you need to know before this filing date.

    Read More

  • DOL proposes investment disclosure regulation

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 649

    Abstract: Fee disclosure has been a much discussed employee benefit topic in the past several years. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued three sets of proposed regulations on fee disclosure during the past year and a half alone. This article looks at the latest proposed regulation covering investment-related fee disclosures to participants.

    Read More

  • Balance forward plans – Is the time right for an interim valuation?

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 505

    Abstract: Balance forward plans are defined contribution plans in which participant accounts are generally valued on an annual basis. Because of the stock market decline last year, a number of plan administrators are considering having interim valuations done on their balance forward plans. This article discussed what plan fiduciaries should consider when deciding to perform an interim valuation.

    Read More

  • Terminating 403(b) plans – New IRS regs are a welcome change

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 639

    Abstract: Section 403(b) plans are a tax-deferred retirement plan — similar to a 401(k) plan — available for nonprofit organizations, such as public schools, churches and certain health care industries. What if a nonprofit wants to terminate its 403(b) plan? This article covers what you need to know to terminate a 403(b) plan.

    Read More

  • “Cross-tested” plans offer advantages to plan sponsors

    April / May 2009
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 745

    Abstract: When funding profit sharing contributions, one type of plan has proven to be very effective. Known as “cross-tested” plans, they provide a unique profit sharing contribution into retirement plans. Cross-tested plans — a hybrid combination of defined contribution and defined benefit concepts — allow employers to fund a specific targeted group of employees while also meeting the needs of other employees. This article reviews these plans and whether one may be right for your company.

    Read More

  • NEWS FOR NONPROFITS – Small portion of donations benefit the poor

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 503

    Abstract: This issue covers the patterns of giving donations to organizations that serve the economically disadvantaged; how the YouTube Nonprofit Program can broadcast your message to a larger audience; a reminder about the federal ban on political campaign activity; and the newly enacted College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which can help recruit and retain nonprofit workers.

    Read More

  • Internal vs. year end financial statements

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 721

    Abstract: Do you prepare internal financial statements for your board of directors on a monthly, quarterly or other periodic basis? Later, at year end, do your auditors always propose adjustments? What’s going on? Most likely, the differences are due to cash basis vs. accrual basis financial statements, as well as reasonable estimates proposed by your auditors during the year end audit. By understanding the differences between the two statements, you may be able to minimize them. (Updated 3/30/12)

    Read More

  • Be reasonable – Procedures, documentation essential when setting compensation

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 809

    Abstract: Nonprofits often vie against for-profit businesses for the same talent pool; to acquire and keep the employees you need, you must be competitive in your offers. But this offer-the-best-we-can approach is shadowed by growing regulatory pressures to provide “reasonable compensation” for key employees — and nothing more.

    Read More

  • Nonprofit watchdogs – Who are they and what are they looking for?

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1057

    Abstract: Nonprofit watchdog agencies are on the rise, becoming more prominent in the past five years than ever before. These independent organizations gather resources not only to help donors select fiscally responsible organizations for their charitable giving, but also to provide information to media, legislators and the philanthropic community. This article tells you what you need to know about the leading watchdogs — the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (BBB Wise) and Charity Navigator (CN) — and how they evaluate nonprofits. (Updated 2/20/12)

    Read More

  • Ask the Advisor – Q: How can I prepare my business for a tighter credit cycle?

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 481

    Abstract: This column suggests ways businesses can prepare for and better weather tightened credit conditions. These include keeping lenders informed, managing liquidity and working with a credit arranger to negotiate and develop credit terms and documents.

    Read More

  • Put your money where your mouth is – Communicating effectively with M&A stakeholders

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 714

    Abstract: Clearly communicating an M&A with employees, investors and other stakeholders can mean the difference between a good deal and no deal. Market perceptions play a critical role in how mergers progress, so both sellers and buyers need to develop a formal communications plan that will help relieve anxiety about impending changes and drum up internal and external support. The plan should cover the timing and form of communications, explaining the benefits of the transaction and responding to frequently asked questions. (Updated 7/31/12)

    Read More

  • Does your business measure up? Benchmarking financial performance

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 850

    Abstract: Benchmarking — or comparing a company’s financials to those of industry peers and its own historical performance — can help business sellers determine value and achieve a fair sale price, and may give buyers insight into the future profitability of a potential acquisition. This article explains which data is most important to potential acquirers and how sellers can prepare it to give the clearest picture of the business. It also provides a list of benchmarking data sources.

    Read More

  • Improve your turnaround’s forecast for long-term success

    April / May 2008
    Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 724

    Abstract: Companies struggling with poor cash flow, inadequate capital and weak leadership are particularly vulnerable to economic downturns and today’s global business challenges. To turn an unprofitable company around, new owners must have a plan and be ready to implement it as soon as the ink on the deal is dry. As this article discusses, a buyer’s plan should include divestiture of unprofitable segments, a long-term cash management plan and a review of accounting and reporting systems. It also suggests ways for sellers of troubled businesses to prepare for buyer scrutiny.

    Read More