Fall
Showing 545–560 of 741 results
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Get (tax) credit for making your home greener
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 186
Abstract: From now through Dec. 31, 2016, certain energy-efficient upgrades to existing homes are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. This short article looks at the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit, describing the kinds of upgrades that qualify.
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Self employed? There’s a retirement plan just for you
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 387
Abstract: While a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan or a traditional profit-sharing plan is a possible option for the self-employed, this article explores the solo 401(k) plan. Solo 401(k) plans combine features of a standard 401(k) with those of a profit-sharing plan and enable participants to make larger annual contributions than some other options allow.
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To insure or not to insure – That’s the LTC question
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 491
Abstract: As health care costs soar and Americans live longer, long-term care (LTC) insurance is becomingly increasingly popular. For those who are healthy and between the ages of 50 and 65, this may be the ideal time to buy a policy. But it’s important to first understand the facts about the benefits — and risks — of LTC coverage. This article takes a look at coverage, costs and alternatives — including hybrid LTC policies, discussed in a sidebar.
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How to keep your family business in the family
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: Family business owners often make certain assumptions — that their children will gladly succeed them or that they’ll be able to transfer ownership and enjoy a comfortable retirement. Such assumptions can be dangerous. For starters, family members may have other career objectives. Even if they don’t, succession planning can be tricky, involving both retirement and estate plans. This article discusses succession issues and looks at potential business transfer vehicle options available.
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Leveling with your lender – Don’t let a short debt supply cause you to miss out
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 609
Abstract: The recession and its aftermath have made loans scarce for all businesses, but especially for auto dealers: Manufacturers have scaled back on floor plan offerings, and traditional lenders have shied away from dealerships amid reports of bankruptcies and meager sales. But loans are available for the diligent and the disciplined. This article shows ways that dealers can make their business attractive to prospective lenders.
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Are you making the most of depreciation deductions?
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 731
Abstract: Dealerships that own real estate may find that a cost segregation study can be an effective way to lower their tax bill. Such a study identifies, segregates and reclassifies qualifying property into asset groups with shorter depreciable lives of five, seven or 15 years. By reclassifying assets, dealers can maximize their depreciation deductions in the early years, improving cash flow sooner rather than later. This article discusses the types of assets that qualify and the kinds of tax savings that can result.
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Audit readiness – Get your ducks in a row
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: Having an outside audit doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or complicated event. The key is to prepare one’s dealership for the audit, so that it will go smoothly. This article explains how to anticipate workpaper requests, assign staff to assist the auditors with inventory test counts, and take advantage of auditor suggestions to improve business operations.
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Customer privacy policies can help ward off wrongdoing
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 766
Abstract: It’s surprising how many dealer management systems allow carte blanche access to customer files. This is an open invitation to identity theft. This article shows how to implement important safeguards — whether physical or online — and how to properly retain or dispose of data. A sidebar discusses a situation in which a mortgage broker paid a significant fine for improperly disposing of sensitive customer records; dealers have access to similar information and should take heed.
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Contractor’s toolbox – Tighten up job schedules without sacrificing quality
Fall 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 417
Abstract: Building lean schedules is not only a prerequisite to getting through hard economic times; it’s a key to more profits in the future. This article explores several ways contractors can tighten up job schedules, such as building extra time into the schedule, making sure sites are ready when subcontractors arrive, starting new jobs on the same day each week (to better coordinate with subs and suppliers), and many others. (Updated 3/20/12)
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High-tech vs. hands-on training
Fall 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 417
Abstract: Contractors have traditionally used on-site, face-to-face training to instruct workers in procedures, safety, personal protection equipment and job functions. Although there’s nothing wrong with this conventional approach, there’s an alternative that can be equally, if not more, effective. This brief article goes into the pros and cons of both hands-on instruction and computer-based training through DVDs, CD-ROMs or the Internet. (Updated 3/20/12)
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Assessing your company’s value — priceless
Fall 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 608
Abstract: Contractors often decide to assess their companies’ values because of a change in ownership. But valuations also can be crucial in determining how much they can borrow, whether it’s smart to aggressively grow their businesses or hold steady, and whether their estate plans need updating. This article provides a primer on the three valuation methods typically used when valuing a construction business. A sidebar explains why it’s critical to get a valuation done when preparing to sell a business. (Updated 2/27/12)
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The Contractor’s Corner – What’s wrong with my project forecasts?
Fall 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” takes a look at the case of a contractor who frequently finds that project managers’ forecasts end up being way off the mark. As a result, the company either has to work twice as hard to get the job back in line with the estimate or simply lose money. The article shows how to improve forecasting accuracy by knowing what information to track and how to track it.
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Don’t let workers’ compensation costs get the upper hand
Fall 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 644
Abstract: When profit margins are uncomfortably tight, as they’ve been for many contractors in recent years, a sizable injury claim (or series of claims) can be devastating. This article takes a look at the key elements of workers’ compensation claim management and some ways contractors can keep these costs from getting the upper hand. It discusses the importance of “experience modification ratings” and offers ways to create a safer work environment.
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3 reasons contractors should consider cloud computing
Fall 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: Today, there are a variety of reasons for contractors to consider “cloud computing” — whereby they access part or all of their servers, networks and, most notably, software applications via an Internet-based service, as opposed to buying and hosting them themselves. This article offers three of the most compelling reasons to look into cloud computing — and one caveat.
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Directing your attention to indirect costs – Their profitability impact is considerable
Fall 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 916
Abstract: The potential impact of indirect costs is considerable. If contractors don’t stay on top of them, they can creep up over time and drag down profitability. This article lists examples of indirect costs, and how their treatment for tax purposes depends on the nature of a contract and the company’s accounting method. It also offers suggestions for reducing indirect costs. A sidebar discusses two depreciation-related tax breaks that are particularly valuable right now — and scheduled to expire at year end.
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Giving USA survey – Donors increasing support of nonprofits
Fall 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: Although the U.S. economy isn’t out of the woods yet, the philanthropic picture is improving. This article summarizes the findings of a report, prepared by Giving USA Foundation and The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, showing improvement in giving in the 2008–2010 period. The report’s findings can help organizations set fiscal objectives and target their fundraising efforts.