Focus
Showing 225–240 of 393 results
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Copyright basics 101: How to avoid violating the law
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: Business owners with an online presence often post images or articles that they find on the Internet to their own sites. While most postings likely are done with the best intentions, some could inadvertently violate copyright laws. These laws can be complex, and the growth in social media has just added to the complexity. This article offers a short, basic explanation of copyright law and the protection it affords.
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The ins and outs of the individual shared responsibility payment
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: Among the many provisions of the Affordable Care Act is what’s known as the “individual shared responsibility payment.” This mandate applies primarily to individuals who don’t purchase qualifying health insurance, yet aren’t exempt from the requirement to purchase coverage. This article looks at which individuals are exempt and at how those who aren’t can calculate the payment.
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College expenses getting you down? Uncle Sam offers some valuable relief
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: The U.S. tax code has several options that can help kids get a great education, while not depleting their parents’ bank account. This article discusses two in particular: the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits. One helps with expenses for the first four years of a postsecondary education; the other for a fifth or later year of college or for graduate school or continuing education expenses. The article looks at what the credits offer, along with their income and other qualifications.
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Spotting the warning signs that a customer isn’t planning to pay
August / September 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: Collecting from clients and customers is a critical job, especially when large amounts of money are involved. While it’s impossible to fully identify deadbeat clients in advance, this article offers ways to get ahead of the game by paying attention to certain warning signs and then employing specific tactics to combat the problem. If all else fails, a sidebar discusses whether it’s worth the time and expense to pursue legal action.
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Do you know about the new IRS regulations on EINs?
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 406
Abstract: Last year, the IRS issued final regulations on Employer Identification Numbers (EINs). The regs are intended to improve the IRS’s ability to maintain accurate information on people assigned EINs and became effective Jan. 1, 2014. Companies that already have, or are planning to obtain, an EIN will need to take note of the new regs. This article discusses how they pertain to “responsible parties” and the application process.
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Collectibles and taxes: Be prepared for the consequences
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 555
Abstract: Recent popular television shows have demonstrated just how valuable some collectibles can be. Of course, they’re also valuable to the IRS, which has developed guidelines that govern the taxes imposed on sales of collectibles and the deductions allowed when collectibles are donated to qualified charities. This article describes some of the details.
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How family businesses can benefit from an advisory board
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: All businesses can benefit from outside advice. But it can be especially valuable to family businesses, which tend to be more insular. One way to benefit from different perspectives is to create an advisory board with a good mix of outside executives and professional advisors. As this article discusses, an advisory board serves in a consulting capacity and isn’t bound by a fiduciary responsibility to the company and shareholders, and so can provide impartial, independent perspective on strategic issues, collaborative solutions to business and family issues, and the ability to stimulate fresh ideas and identify new opportunities.
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Accurately estimating retirement expenses – Make sure you’re saving enough to support your desired lifestyle
June / July 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 852
Abstract: It’s easy to find rules of thumb to estimate how much one’s golden years are likely to cost. But most Americans could benefit from a little more precision as they try to make sure they’ll have enough to see them through retirement. Underestimating yearly expenses by even a few percentage points can have a significant impact over a 20- or 30-year retirement time frame. This article points out expenses that may increase — particularly in regard to health care — or decrease, while taking note of taxation issues. A sidebar explains the importance of budgeting an annual amount for “surprise” expenses.
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What employers need to know about the 0.9% additional Medicare tax
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 576
Abstract: Although it hasn’t garnered as much attention as some of the other provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the 0.9% additional Medicare tax went into effect Jan. 1, 2013. The tax applies to wages and self-employment income over certain levels and is in addition to the regular 2.9% Medicare tax. While generally only employees are responsible for paying the 0.9% tax, employers are obligated to withhold it. This article points out what employers need to know to avoid penalties for noncompliance.
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5 ways to use LinkedIn to build your business
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 551
Abstract: Facebook and Twitter often dominate discussions of social media, and Google remains a powerhouse in searching for all things known and unknown. For companies and individuals looking to build their businesses, however, LinkedIn can be a valuable social media tool. This article offers five guidelines that can help companies and the self-employed build their professional networks and business via LinkedIn.
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Where there’s a will, there’s a way – Ensuring your wishes will be carried out
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Well-crafted, up-to-date estate planning documents ensure your wishes will be carried out. They also can help ease the burdens on your family during a difficult time. This article explains how a will figures into the probate process and how probate can be bypassed with a living trust. It also describes a number of important estate planning documents, including a durable power of attorney for property and a power of attorney for health care.
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New mortgage rules have moved in
April / May 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 755
Abstract: In January, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) introduced new rules intended to keep consumers from having mortgages they can’t afford to repay. As this article explains, financially weak consumers can expect greater bank scrutiny, while, at the same time, banks are more limited in the terms they can set and the fees they can charge. A sidebar lists several considerations that should be involved in any decision regarding whether to pay cash for a home.
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Why you still need a credit shelter trust
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Some married couples may be thinking that, with estate tax exemption portability between spouses now permanent, they no longer need credit shelter trusts. But for many well-to-do couples, that’s not the case: Credit shelter trusts can offer substantial benefits that exemption portability doesn’t. This article explains how.
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Personal financial accounts: Is it time to consolidate?
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: Over time, many people accumulate multiple bank, investment and other financial accounts. While that’s often a natural byproduct of financial success, whittling down the number of accounts can offer several benefits. This article examines the advantages of consolidation and discusses the process. But it also notes that it’s possible to overdo it.
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Transferring family-business ownership to the next generation
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: There comes a time in almost every family-owned business to pass the torch to the next generation. But there are many aspects that must be carefully worked out long before the transfer actually happens. This article explains just a few of them, including when to give and the role of “basis” in making that decision.
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Getting a handle on the ACA’s “play or pay” provision
February / March 2014
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 885
Abstract: Next year, “large” employers will have to comply with what’s come to be known as the “play or pay” provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For now, they will need to collect data on the makeup of their workforces and the health care benefits they offer — all of which is necessary to comply with the ACA. If they fall short, they then must decide whether it makes sense to boost their health care coverage or risk the penalties of not doing so — that is, to “play or pay.” This article discusses the act’s definition of a “large” employer and how to meet ACA requirements to avoid penalties. A sidebar explains how those penalties work.