August / September
Showing 145–160 of 469 results
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Would a spendthrift trust help achieve your estate planning goals?
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 681
Abstract: A person doesn’t have to hold onto assets until the day he or she dies with the hope that heirs will change their ways by that time. Instead, consider using a spendthrift trust that can provide protection, regardless of how long the person lives. As with other trusts, a spendthrift trust may incorporate various tax benefits, but that’s not its primary focus. Regardless of whether estate tax reform is enacted in the near future, this trust type can help provide for an heir while protecting assets from his or her potentially imprudent actions. This article details how a spendthrift trust works and the importance of the role of trustee.
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A 529 plan can benefit your estate plan
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: As summer vacations wind down and thoughts turn back to school activities, people might find themselves reviewing their finances and considering the options for funding their children’s (or grandchildren’s) college educations. Some may be familiar with the basics of a 529 plan, but it can also benefit an estate plan. This article explains how a 529 plan works and how it affects an estate plan.
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An uncertain tax climate – An estate tax repeal might result in negative tax consequences for some families
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: It’s clear that tax reform is a high priority for the Trump administration and Republican leaders in Congress. In particular, the federal estate tax remains a prime target of some lawmakers. One possible scenario is that this tax will be repealed, with modifications to related tax law provisions. This article discusses current estate tax laws and the potential problems that may arise for family members if (or when) estate tax laws are changed. A sidebar examines income tax problems that may arise when gifting securities.
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A delicate matter – Lending money to family and friends
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: When making loans to friends or family members, it’s important for individuals to keep in mind some caveats to limit the risk, both to their bank accounts and to their relationships with the borrowers. This article lists some of these caveats, such as putting the terms of the loan in writing and insisting repayments be made via a method that can be tracked. The article notes that it’s also a good idea to be aware of potential tax implications.
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Secret to success: Fostering innovation
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: One way to ensure a company’s sustained profitability and growth is to make innovation a priority. In an April 2017 survey, two-thirds of those business owners who experimented with new business practices to provide their customers with additional goods or services say they’re doing well. This article discusses how business owners can encourage innovation, including holding brainstorming sessions and working across departments. The article notes that these practices and others can ensure companies remain flexible and responsive to changing conditions and market demands.
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Nightmare scenario – Are you liable for fraudulent credit card debt?
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 696
Abstract: Taking a few simple steps can help cut the risk that credit cards will be used without permission or the owner’s knowledge — and can lessen the likelihood that they’ll be liable for any charges unauthorized users make. This article explains the policies that guide credit and debit card agreements, and how individuals can reduce the risk that they’ll become victims of fraud.
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Apply the research tax credit against payroll tax
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 844
Abstract: The rules have changed regarding the ability of small businesses that engage in research and development (R&D) to use the research tax credit. The change stems from the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which was enacted in 2015. This article discusses how eligible businesses can take advantage of this valuable credit, according to the IRS guidance (Notice 2017-23). A sidebar shows what businesses must do to claim the research and development credit.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 65
Abstract: This feature lists a few key tax reporting deadlines for September.
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Consider your options with nonvested participant forfeitures
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 332
Abstract: Employee benefit plans provide a combination of vested and nonvested assets. When employees leave a company before their matching 401(k) contributions have vested, they forfeit those amounts. This brief article reviews the options available to plan sponsors when dealing with these assets.
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Active vs. passive investment funds: Should you let participants decide?
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 597
Abstract: According to a report from Casey Quirk by Deloitte and McLagan, 72% of money invested into funds went into passive funds in 2015. While some may see this as a strong case for passive investing, the issue for plan sponsors isn’t clear-cut. This article summarizes recent data on the trend and whether passive or active funds are right for participants.
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Making age a factor in choosing QDIA options
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 783
Abstract: Target date funds (TDFs), the most popular 401(k) qualified default investment alternative, were designed to meet the investment needs of typical plan participants, no matter what their age. The theory is that employees can essentially “set it and forget it,” as TDF portfolios are automatically adjusted from aggressive to more conservative as employees approach and proceed through retirement. That theory, however, has been challenged by research pointing to participants’ failure to use TDFs as intended. This article examines why this is, and what employee benefit plans can do about it.
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Voluntary Correction Program – How to correct 401(k) plan loan “failures”
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: “To err is human; to forgive is divine,” as the familiar saying goes. But the IRS will forgive errors involving 401(k) plan loans only when retirement plans use the Voluntary Correction Program (VCP). One of the biggest areas that trip up plan sponsors is plan loans. This article summarizes the three primary “failures” involving plan loans that require an IRS remedy: loan defaults, loans exceeding prescribed limits, and loan terms that exceed repayment limits. A brief sidebar reviews the accounting implications of loan defaults.
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Small business corruption: Know the warning signs
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 474
Abstract: In 2016, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reported that it takes 18 months for companies to uncover fraud schemes — and corruption in particular (for example, conflicts of interest or bribery) produces a median loss of $200,000. Left undetected, corruption has the potential to threaten a company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This article lists some warning signs lenders need to be aware of to help borrowers prevent corruption and fraud.
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Great ideas aren’t enough – Help borrowers grow with big business strategies
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: A small business based on a great concept still needs a long-term strategic plan to succeed. Lenders can increase the stability of their lending portfolios and improve their long-term lending relationships by guiding borrowers toward more disciplined, professional business practices. This article discusses some best practices small businesses can learn from big business, including techniques for building value and ways to generate formal plans.
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Financial metrics at your fingertips – Using dashboard reports to keep your loans on track
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 564
Abstract: When a company is floundering or in between reporting periods, it’s helpful for lenders to have access to a quick report that simplifies financial information into an easy-to-read summary. This article explains that a dashboard report provides the essentials to help lenders take the necessary steps to shore up or salvage a loan. In addition to describing what information dashboard reports typically contain, the article notes that nothing can replace yearly full and comprehensive financial statements from borrowers.
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How to compete with alternative online lenders
August / September 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 854
Abstract: Technology and willingness to use innovative techniques in the underwriting process have allowed online lenders to grab a small but growing percentage of the market for loans to small and medium-size entities (SMEs). Yet traditional banks have several advantages over online lenders. This article offers some guidance to help traditional lenders compete in a virtual marketplace, suggesting that lenders should, among other things, use data to develop predictive models and consider digitizing their application process. A sidebar lists some reasons borrowers are attracted to online lenders.