Business Matters

Showing 113–128 of 154 results

  • Tips for administering your company’s 401(k) plan

    Summer 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 486

    Abstract: Offering a 401(k) plan can help a company recruit and retain quality employees, but it requires adherence to stringent rules and maintenance requirements. Effective administration involves a team of professionals from inside and outside the company. As this article explains, they’re responsible for ensuring that the plan doesn’t discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees and for knowing whether and when to make plan changes.

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  • Don’t neglect your own financial plan

    Summer 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 521

    Abstract: Those who are responsible for the financial health of a company may find it easy to neglect their own wealth management goals. However, it’s critical to create a personal financial plan. This article describes the elements of an effective plan, including the “big picture” factors that affect net worth. A sidebar suggests three ways to cut spending.

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  • Business vehicles: Buy, finance or lease?

    Spring 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 187

    Abstract: How vehicles are acquired for business use has tax consequences. In most cases, it’s necessary to choose one of three options: purchase outright, finance or lease. This brief article explains the pros and cons of each option.

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  • Limiting losses when your card is stolen

    Spring 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 368

    Abstract: As several recent high-profile security breaches have taught consumers, credit and debit cards are never entirely safe from thieves. Fortunately, if a physical card — or account information — is stolen, the holder isn’t likely to be liable for most fraudulent transactions. However, as this article explains, liability rules can vary by card type and when the theft is reported.

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  • Generous and tax-savvy – Following IRS rules on charitable gifts

    Spring 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 490

    Abstract: To claim an income tax deduction or reduce the size of a taxable estate with charitable gifts, it’s important to carefully follow IRS rules specifying what’s partly or completely deductible. This article discusses vetting charities and keeping good records. It also covers two types of trusts designed to help people make tax-advantaged charitable gifts.

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  • Buy-sell agreements prevent business-damaging disputes

    Spring 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 538

    Abstract: When a business owner dies or leaves a company unexpectedly, disagreements among the remaining owners and outside parties pose a threat to its financial health and continued existence. A buy-sell agreement can help mitigate such risk by limiting ownership and control of the business to a select group. This article discusses valuation and funding issues, while a sidebar notes that a buy-sell agreement can provide liquidity to heirs.

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  • Traditional to Roth IRA: Should you convert?

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 186

    Abstract: Traditional IRAs — which can enable individuals to make tax-deductible contributions and defer taxes on earnings — are popular for a reason. So why should anyone convert theirs to a Roth IRA? This article offers some reasons.

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  • New financial reporting option is available — but not right for everyone

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 383

    Abstract: Recently, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants introduced an “other comprehensive basis of accounting” called the “Financial Reporting Framework for Small- and Medium-Sized Entities” (FRF for SMEs). Designed to provide a simpler, cost-effective reporting solution for businesses that aren’t required to use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, it blends traditional and accrual income tax accounting methods. This article explains how the FRF for SMEs works, along with the mixed reviews it’s received.

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  • 3 strategies for transferring assets to your heirs

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 481

    Abstract: In estate planning, how someone owns assets and arranges to transfer them after death can make a big difference to his or her heirs. This article looks at three options: joint tenancy with the right of survivorship; an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT); and a credit shelter trust.

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  • Fraud prevention starts with a background check

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 535

    Abstract: Skipping background checks on prospective employees is like opening the door to fraud. Background checks aren’t foolproof — but they’re capable of revealing many things about potential hires that could eventually affect a business. This article explains how to carry out the process, while a sidebar offers a profile of a typical fraud perpetrator.

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  • 3 tips for successful franchise ownership

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 193

    Abstract: Franchises can offer entrepreneurs lower-risk, turnkey opportunities for business ownership. But many challenges await even those who have the funds and have done their research. This brief article discusses personality type, profit expectations and expert advice.

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  • Financial planning for brides- and grooms-to-be

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 353

    Abstract: Marriage introduces several potential money complications, so it’s essential that prospective brides and grooms discuss finances with each other before they tie the knot. This article addresses credit and debt, the “marriage penalty” when filing taxes, prenuptial agreements and qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trusts.

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  • Alternative financing – Where to go when your bank says “no”

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 530

    Abstract: The credit market is slowly improving, but most lenders currently are asking even qualified applicants to jump through hoops. For applicants who are turned down for a loan — or approved, but consider their bank’s terms unacceptable — alternatives do exist. This article takes a look at crowdfunding, angel investors, SBA loans and other potential options.

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  • Year end tax planning: Prepare now and possibly save later

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 486

    Abstract: Fall is the ideal time to begin the year end tax planning process. Taxpayers should start gathering income and deduction records now so they’ll know where they stand and what actions they might want to take to minimize their 2013 tax bill. This article discusses several tax-reduction strategies, while a sidebar offers a tax planning checklist of records to gather.

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  • 3 tips for making a personal loan

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 232

    Abstract: Lending even a small amount to a cash-strapped family member or friend can lead to big trouble. To help avoid possible default, negative tax consequences and strained relationships, this article offers three precautions lenders should take: put loans in writing, charge interest, and lend only what they can afford to lose.

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  • How to handle an unsolicited acquisition offer

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Business Matters

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 444

    Abstract: Although unsolicited acquisition offers are fairly common — and some represent excellent opportunities — caution is warranted. An M&A advisor can help a business determine whether selling now is in its best interest.  This article explains how an advisor determines the value of a business and whether potential buyers have the financing to purchase it.

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