January / February
Showing 81–96 of 623 results
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You haven’t named contingent beneficiaries
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 295
Abstract: Although a will or revocable trust governs the distribution of many or most of a person’s assets, certain assets require a beneficiary to be named. This can be an advantage, because when a person dies the funds can pass directly to his or her beneficiary without going through probate. This brief article explores the reasons to name not only a primary beneficiary, but also a contingent beneficiary.
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Power up your trust with Crummey powers
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 658
Abstract: The unified gift and estate tax exemption is set at an inflation-adjusted $11.7 million for 2021. This means that for many families, estate tax liability isn’t a factor. However, for others, the annual gift tax exclusion continues to be an important estate planning strategy. For this reason, using a Crummey trust remains an important estate planning strategy. This article explores the benefits of giving Crummey powers to a trust.
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Net gift technique can reduce your gift tax rate
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Making gifts is an easy way to reduce the size of one’s estate. But if the impact of transfer taxes on those gifts is a concern, consider making “net gifts.” A net gift is simply a gift for which the recipient agrees to pay the gift tax, thereby reducing the value of the gift for tax purposes. This article explains how a net gift can reduce taxes.
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Can a charitable trust replicate a stretch IRA?
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: The “stretch” IRA is no more. But for those who have a substantial balance in a traditional IRA, a properly designed charitable remainder trust (CRT) can allow them to replicate many of its benefits. This article details how a charitable trust can act as an alternative to a stretch IRA. A sidebar explains that there are limits to how long a CRT can spread out distribution to heirs.
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How to account for forgivable PPP loans
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 423
Abstract: Since the PPP was rolled out as part of the CARES Act last spring, more than 5 million businesses, including some auto dealerships, have taken out PPP loans. These funds have helped businesses weather the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article addresses some of the questions about the accounting treatment of forgivable PPP loans.
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Succession planning – Does your dealership have a buy-sell agreement?
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 588
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement is a legal document that details succession plans if an owner is no longer capable of leading the business. A properly drafted agreement lays out the terms and conditions under which other owners or the business itself may purchase an owner’s interest in the event of his or her death or disability. This article explains reasons to have an agreement and how to fund it.
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“Secrets” of the balance sheet – Use the document to reveal your dealership’s true financial health
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 691
Abstract: Information on an auto dealership’s balance sheet can provide insight into the business’s overall financial picture. Among other things, management can use the balance sheet to determine its return on equity, debt-service and current ratios. It also can help spot unsubstantiated estimates, underreported expenses and even fraud. This article spotlights using the balance sheet to help monitor AR, manage inventory, and evaluate sources and uses of cash. A sidebar explains how rounded numbers on a balance sheet can be a red flag.
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3 ways DMS can help you work smarter
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 815
Abstract: The DMS is the backbone of an auto dealership’s operations. This article serves up three ways a dealership can use DMS features to improve its efficiency, customer service and bottom line. It discusses how to maximize CRM benefits, use text and emails more efficiently and take advantage of lesser-used DMS modules. A sidebar discusses getting the most out of the DOC reports generated by the DMS.
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Parametric insurance seeks to bridge COVID-19 gap
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a significant insurance protection gap in the construction industry (and others): communicable disease. In response, one type of policy that has been gaining traction is parametric insurance coverage. This article explains the concept behind these policies and how contractors could use one to guard against specific risks.
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Managing backlog in an uncertain economy
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 537
Abstract: Although construction backlog seems to be rebounding, projects in some areas are still being postponed or canceled. During these uncertain times, contractors can better prepare for what’s to come by monitoring not only their own backlogs, but also that of the industry. This article offers helpful tips on doing so.
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Let profit flourish, not fade away
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: A gradual decline in expected gross profits over the course of a project is known as “profit fade.” It not only undermines financial performance, but also may raise red flags with sureties and lenders. This article describes common culprits and suggests a variety of ways to prevent the problem.
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All year long – Smart budgeting practices for construction companies
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Most business owners would admit that the only thing harder than setting a budget is sticking to it. Contractors face the added stress of managing multiple project budgets, as well. This article discusses how to stay on top of a company budget throughout the year. A sidebar looks at some ways to improve project-level budgeting.
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Linde v. Linde – Court rejects asset valuation approach in appraisal case
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 412
Abstract: The asset-based (or cost) approach is one of three techniques that are commonly used to value private businesses. It’s based on the adjusted book value of the company’s assets less any outstanding liabilities. This article summarizes a recent Pennsylvania Court of Appeals case, which affirmed that this approach wasn’t appropriate under the circumstances — and a valuation that relied on it wasn’t credible. Linde v. Linde, No. 754 MDA 2018 (Pa. Super. Ct. Oct. 11, 2019)
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Looking to sell? Exercise caution when entering the M&A market during the COVID-19 crisis
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 574
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated some businesses, while others are thriving. In today’s uncertain marketplace, many companies’ financial profiles have weakened, causing business buyers to be more risk averse. This article explains that sellers need to walk a fine line between pouncing on what may appear to be a good offer and hanging back to mull over the options. A valuation pro can help sellers understand current market value and ways to enhance it.
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Vishing: Beware of callers with malicious intent
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: As if adapting to remote working arrangements during the COVID-19 crisis hasn’t been difficult enough, now business owners must safeguard against opportunistic hackers who attempt to infiltrate employees’ less-secure home networks. One emerging ploy uses a new twist on phishing scams to gain access to business networks. This article explains how voice vhishing (or vishing) works and how to prevent it.
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Disputed stock sale survives “entire fairness” review
January / February 2021
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 885
Abstract: The Delaware Chancery Court recently applied the toughest standard of scrutiny — known as “entire fairness” — in a dispute over the control and ownership of a company after the sale of unissued stock to an executive in the business. This article explains how the standard works and how an independent valuation helped the directors prevail in a recent shareholder dispute. A sidebar explains common methods experts use to estimate lost profits in fiduciary breach cases. Coster v. UIP Companies, Inc., No. 2018-0440-KSJM (Del. Ch. Ct. Jan. 28, 2020)