April / May
Showing 465–480 of 482 results
-
Estate Planning Pitfall – You and your spouse own most of your property as joint tenants
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 349
Abstract: There’s a common misconception that holding property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship is an effective estate planning technique. But if a person’s wealth exceeds the $2 million estate tax exemption and that person and his or her spouse own most of their property as joint tenants, the person is losing out on valuable estate planning opportunities. This short article discusses a better strategy: owning property as tenants in common.
-
Estate planning in the 21st century
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 472
Abstract: The digital revolution has changed virtually every aspect of life, and estate planning is no exception. Today, many people do business, communicate and manage their finances online. The result is a wealth of “digital assets,” which may take the form of e-mails, online accounts or other information stored on the Web or remote servers. Unfortunately, in many cases, when the owners of these assets die, the user names, passwords, security codes and other protections die with them. This article explains why it’s important to leave loved ones with instructions on how to access digital accounts.
-
Many happy returns – Total return unitrusts align beneficiaries’ interests
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1106
Abstract: At times, traditional trusts can create conflicts among beneficiaries, making it more difficult for a person’s estate plan to achieve its objectives and placing trustees in a difficult position. A total return unitrust (TRU) may offer a solution. This article details how a TRU works and discusses how to use a TRU for postmortem planning.
-
Should you donate real estate to charity?
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1010
Abstract: The real estate “bubble” may have burst, but many landowners continue to hold property that has appreciated significantly in value. One option for tax efficiently divesting such real estate is to donate it to charity. But there are several tax traps for the unwary. This article explains the obstacles and how to sidestep them.
-
Why your company needs a travel policy
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: If your employees travel regularly for business, it’s important to develop a written travel policy. A well-designed policy has many benefits: It provides employees with guidance on appropriate business spending, helps you control your travel costs, and ensures that you have the documentation needed to support income tax deductions and withholding and payroll tax exclusions. This article explains how to develop a travel policy for your employees. A sidebar delves into the subject of per diems. (Updated 4/4/12)
-
Do you really have the homeowner’s coverage you need?
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 705
Abstract: A homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to cover your home and personal belongings in the case of theft or damage. But do you know whether you really have the coverage you need? This article explains why it’s critical to review your policy regularly so you know whether it’s time to buy additional coverage or switch insurers. A sidebar offers tips on how to ask your insurer for a better deal.
-
3 tips for tax-smart intrafamily loans
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: At one time or another, you may wish to provide financial assistance via a loan to your children or other family members. Whatever your reasons for lending to a family member, it’s important to structure and document the loan carefully. You may trust these loved ones implicitly but, if you handle things too informally, you may bring about some unpleasant tax consequences. This article offers three tips for making tax-friendly family loans.
-
A QPRT lets you have your cake and eat it too
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 714
Abstract: Most estate planning strategies involve some tradeoffs. For example, typically, to remove assets from your taxable estate, you must relinquish control over them. One estate planning tool, however, comes close to letting you have your cake and eat it too: the qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). This article discusses how a properly designed QPRT allows you to transfer your home to your children or other relatives and remove its value from your estate — while you continue to live in it.
-
Take aim and fire! How market research can help you focus on the target
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: Researching and understanding your target market is key to knowing where and how to effectively aim your business’s marketing efforts. Missing the target and failing to generate a return on your marketing investment can seriously injure your business’s financial position. This article explains how you can avoid this fate, by applying a strategic, methodical approach to your marketing efforts, which includes market research. (Updated 1/4/12)
-
Practical Perspectives: Key financial issue for you and your family – Getting back to basics with life insurance
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 624
Abstract: In this month’s Practical Perspectives, we meet newlyweds Nathan and Penelope, who recently decided they needed a financial advisor. With successful careers and a beautiful home, they had a lot to lose: If one of them died prematurely, the survivor might not be able to pay the mortgage. Among the first topics they discussed with their CPA were the two fundamental types of life insurance: term and permanent.
-
Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses and Individuals
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 476
Abstract: This section offers four news briefs about: 1) A recent survey indicating that many businesses lack formal tax risk management strategies, 2) The traits and methods of identity thieves, according to a recent study based on Secret Service data, 3) How e-mail volume for corporate users is expected to rise to flood-like proportions in the near future, and 4) The results of a recent study indicating that baby boomers may not be as ill-prepared for retirement as previously thought.
-
Reverse mortgages grow in popularity, availability
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 623
Abstract: In the past year or so, the word “mortgage” has usually raised negative connotations. Put the word “reverse” in front of it, however, and suddenly you’re referring to one of the more positive personal financing developments in recent memory. This article explores the widening appeal and availability of these personal financing vehicles.
-
Risk management – Buy-sell agreements protect companies from themselves
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 715
Abstract: When business owners speculate about threats to their companies, they often overlook the human beings sitting next to them in the boardroom. An unanticipated ownership change can cripple a company’s ability to make executive decisions. One wise risk management move is creating and maintaining a buy-sell agreement. This article explains why. (Updated 6/11/12)
-
How do you spell “success”? – 3 hallmarks of a profitable business
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 987
Abstract: Every business owner wants his or her company to succeed. Whether one leads a startup or a generations-old enterprise, it’s an easy (and obvious) thing to wish for. But what are the hallmarks of a successful company? This article names three: strong revenues, low production costs and minimal operating expenses. (Updated: 2/9/12)
-
Plan fees: Who pays what?
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 382
Abstract: Plan sponsors have a fiduciary duty to monitor the fees charged within the plan, including those charged directly — or indirectly — to participants. ERISA requires only that the plan expenses be reasonable and proper. It’s up to the plan sponsor (fiduciary) to determine whether the employer or the participants will pay any given fee. This brief article discusses when the employer or the participants normally pay the cost of a specific fee.
-
Staggering into the new world – The IRS’s new amendment submission deadlines
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: A few years ago, the IRS established a system for cyclical remedial amendment periods for pre-approved and individually designed retirement plans. Now, the IRS has replaced the original rules with a new set of staggered submission deadlines. This article looks at the differences between the old system and the new system and the deadlines that apply to various plan types.