January / February
Showing 529–544 of 623 results
-
What makes a fraud interview effective?
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 737
Abstract: Conducting effective fraud interviews requires knowledge about everything from behavioral psychology to criminal law to accounting and auditing rules. Before they interview a suspect, experts gather documentary evidence, interview other employees, and learn about the potential perpetrator. Armed with that information, the investigator then conducts the interview in a way that minimizes a suspect’s defensiveness. Engaging a forensic expert to perform this critical task could mean the difference between recovery of stolen funds and a successful prosecution, and the perpetrator getting away with thousands — even millions — of dollars.
-
Court’s FLP ruling is a win-win — and a reminder
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: The number of cases challenging the legitimacy of family limited partnerships (FLPs) continues to grow. Typically, these can be classified as either a taxpayer or an IRS win, but one recent U.S. Tax Court ruling is at least a partial victory for both sides. The case involves two separate transfers of interest in an FLP — one made three days before the decedent’s death. This article explains why one transfer passed muster with the Tax Court and the other didn’t, while a sidebar discusses whether the fair market value of the decedent’s assets in a QTIP trust were includible in her gross estate.
-
Market Niche Insider – The good, the bad and the hungry
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 467
Abstract: With money spent by diners in restaurants on the rise for the past 17 years, loans to restaurateurs can be good business. But not everything is sweet breads and cupcakes; values have fallen dramatically to their lowest levels in four years.
-
Computers: Nurturer and Nemesis of Fraud
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 473
Abstract: Businesses that incorporate IT tools into internal controls identify fraud faster and more regularly than those that go it alone, giving lenders and other stakeholders added peace of mind — about the security of their assets and the accuracy of financial reports.
-
GAAP’S last stand – IFRS is no rumor — welcome to the next phase of financial reporting
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 792
Abstract: Nearly 100 countries — including all of Europe, Canada and Australia — have replaced their domicile-specific accounting rules in favor of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Soon it may be our turn to jump on the bandwagon.
-
Cautious spending – Are your borrowers in the survival mode?
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 332
Abstract: As businesses continue to face economic uncertainty, rising costs and tighter credit standards, many are revisiting their capital spending budgets and prioritizing purchases to weather the storm. This article discusses cost-saving alternatives borrowers should consider before they’re approved for a new loan or a credit-line increase.
-
Workouts shape up ailing borrowers
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: Many market analysts expect the ongoing economic downturn to persist throughout 2009 — without relief in sight, weak borrowers may succumb to default. Protect your portfolio by proactively identifying unfit borrowers and coaching them to get on the road to financial health.
-
Ask the Advisor – Can social networking help me, as a real estate professional?
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 478
Abstract: One of the hottest online trends in real estate today involves social networking. Real estate deals are really about connections — and, increasingly, those connections are being made online. Several social networking Internet sites have sprung up where real estate professionals can blog, interact, gain valuable knowledge and forge relationships that may later translate into deals. This article sheds some light on the new trend.
-
Way cool: Green roofs are growing
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 603
Abstract: Green roofs are popping up in just about every U.S. city, as Americans are seeing the potential in sustainable building trends. But green roofs aren’t just a fad; they’re proving to have tremendous insulating effects on buildings and thus can provide significant energy savings — as well as other benefits. This article explains how the savings can add up.
-
Help from HERA – Housing act could give industry a boost
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1019
Abstract: The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) was designed to help shore up the United States’ shaky real estate market. Lawmakers crafted the bill with an eye toward bolstering home prices, stimulating home sales, and offering relief to borrowers facing foreclosure. This article describes some tax-related perks — and pitfalls — for strategy-minded investors. A sidebar explains how Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae may also benefit from HERA.
-
New tools for checking energy use
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 346
Abstract: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed two online tools to help you assess a building’s energy use. Both tools rely on the EPA energy performance rating to benchmark performance, and both provide an effective way for property investors and developers to quickly understand the financial and environmental impact of energy-saving strategies. This article briefly explains how the tools work.
-
Infrastructure investment – A bridge to good returns
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: Trillions of dollars will be invested in developing and repairing infrastructure in the next few years, and with good reason. From collapsing bridges to crumbling levees, recent events have highlighted the need for costly structural upgrades. With governments strapped for cash, the door is wide open for private investors to get involved in financing infrastructure construction and repair. In light of the risk and high capital requirements, this article explains why index-based investments, such as exchange traded funds, may be the way to go.
-
Protecting your portfolio from bond calls
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 216
Abstract: When a person buys a bond, he or she likely pays close attention to its maturity date — the year the issuer pays back his or her principal and finishes its series of interest payments. Some bonds are callable as well, meaning the issuer can choose to redeem the securities at a predetermined price before they mature. This short article details callable bonds.
-
Private foundations – They’re not just for the rich and famous
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: The general perception of private foundations is that they’re only for the wealthy. In fact, private foundations can be an effective strategy for creating a family legacy of giving. There is no official minimum and a person may be able to effectively establish a foundation with an initial contribution as low as $250,000. This article explores the benefits (and a few drawbacks) of creating a private foundation.
-
Until death — or divorce — do we part – A prenuptial agreement can protect your assets
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 626
Abstract: Despite love, hope and good intentions, more than half of marriages in the United States end in divorce. A well-crafted prenuptial agreement, commonly referred to as a “prenup,” provides protection for a person’s personal and business assets by outlining how they’ll be divided in the event of divorce or death. This article discusses the ins and outs of a prenup.
-
Rebalance regularly to reduce portfolio imbalances
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: Market fluctuations cause investments to continually gain and lose value. Over time, financial market movements can cause significant imbalances in even the most carefully constructed asset allocation — potentially exposing an investor to excessive risk. An investor should regularly rebalance his or her portfolio to bring it into line with his or her target weightings. This article explains how to rebalance a portfolio.