Focus
Showing 257–272 of 393 results
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Before donating a vehicle, find out the charity’s intent
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 310
Abstract: Cash is the easiest way to give to a charity, but sometimes it’s more advantageous to donate other assets — and sometimes it’s not. For example, the value of one’s deduction for a donated vehicle can vary greatly depending on what the charity does with it. As this brief article explains, the deduction might be lessened if the charity sells the vehicle.
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Family businesses – What’s the best way to address conflicts of interest?
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: It’s normal for a family business to have to deal with not only with company issues, but also personal matters. When those issues conflict, trouble can’t be far behind. But this article explains that there are ways to handle such problems and keep them from cropping up again down the road. It looks at where trouble may arise and how a conflict-of-interest policy can help an organization identify and remedy potential issues.
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Renovating your house – Projects that can pay off when you sell
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: After several stagnant years, the market for remodeling and renovation projects is showing signs of strength. This article offers advice to help homeowners determine which remodeling projects will offer the most bang for the buck when it comes time to sell. Very few homeowners completely recover the costs of their remodeling projects, but replacement projects, along with projects that make existing space more usable, tend to do well at resale time. A sidebar shows how even small projects can pack big rewards.
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How to manage a business in uncertain times
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: In today’s uncertain economy, it may be tempting to postpone major business decisions. But doing so can lead a business into a downward spiral. This article explains why, and offers six guidelines for moving forward. A sidebar offers examples of companies that were founded or that introduced successful products during difficult economic times.
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Protect assets now or later with a trust
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 719
Abstract: There are many potential threats to one’s net worth — or to the legacy left for heirs. And one such threat is creditors, who could ultimately take a large bite out of gifted or bequeathed assets. One solution is to place assets in a trust. This article discusses revocable vs. irrevocable trusts, spendthrift trusts and offshore trusts.
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Business on the go: Mobile payments offer advantages
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 478
Abstract: Lots of businesses shy away from accepting credit card payments, often because the fees are outside of their budgets or it just isn’t practical. But the current growth in technology solutions that allow mobile devices to accept credit card payments may prompt them to reconsider. This article discusses the technologies available and the benefits they offer.
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To B or not to B — Could your company benefit from being a B corporation?
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 713
Abstract: Current U.S. law compels most corporations to consider investors’ return ahead of other goals. But a relatively new type of corporate structure, known as the “benefit corporation” or “B corporation,” allows a company to put equal emphasis on certain nonfinancial goals. B corporations can align investors’ personal beliefs and the company’s goals in a concrete, accountable way. This article details how they work and the steps that interested companies must take to achieve B corporation status. A sidebar looks at a couple of other corporate structures.
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What does the “fiscal cliff” deal mean for your taxes?
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 915
Abstract: The recently passed American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) prevents income tax hikes for most taxpayers and averts a major expansion of the alternative minimum tax’s (AMT’s) reach. It also shrinks scheduled gift and estate tax increases and extends a variety of tax breaks for individuals and businesses. This article explains some of the details.
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3 year end tax planning tips for any tax environment
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 467
Abstract: The latter months of 2012 have seen much uncertainty about what will happen with various tax rates and breaks in 2013. But whatever the 2013 tax environment, this article offers three 2012 year end tax tips. Specifically, they involve bunching medical expenses, making annual exclusion gifts, and contributing to an IRA.
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Dollars and sense: Helping kids learn to manage money
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 791
Abstract: Money can be a sensitive family topic, but there are a number of steps parents can take to help their kids learn sound money management. This article offers a variety of age-appropriate strategies for teenagers, middle-schoolers, grade-schoolers — even preschoolers. The payoff? Kids who can intelligently manage their finances are less likely to expect help from their parents.
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How to ensure compensation is fair — Add uniformity to your family business’s pay scale
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 731
Abstract: Family business owners face some difficult decisions when it comes to setting a pay scale that’s fair to all employees — including nonfamily members. This article presents guidelines that can help ensure a compensation package meets every employee’s needs. It discusses compensation issues both within the family and between family and nonfamily employees.
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All in the family — The ins and outs of the FMLA
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Many employers have a general understanding of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, but the particulars can be a bit fuzzy. Because missteps in FMLA compliance can lead to conflicts with employees and even costly lawsuits, it’s important to be familiar with the requirements. This article offers a primer on several significant provisions involving who can qualify and under what circumstances.
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Disaster can strike without warning — How to prepare your business for the worst
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 338
Abstract: This last decade has seen its fair share of natural and man-made disasters. An effective business continuity plan helps ensure that a company can restore mission-critical functions following all types of calamities, such as natural disasters and power failures. This short article offers tips for developing a plan.
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How should Social Security fit into your retirement planning?
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 741
Abstract: While no one should expect Social Security to be the cornerstone of their retirement income, it’s important to consider how it should fit into one’s overall retirement plan. This is not easy to do while Social Security’s future is so uncertain. Although Social Security probably won’t go away entirely, it does present some financial challenges. Since no one knows how and when Congress will resolve these challenges, this article explains how individuals should weigh Social Security and other savings methods, depending on such factors as current age and anticipated retirement date.
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Accounting standards for private companies move forward
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: In theory, U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) should apply to businesses of all sizes. But, as many owners of privately held companies know, GAAP often doesn’t make sense for their situations. However, recent initiatives by the Financial Accounting Foundation and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offer a structure for providing the information needed by most users of private companies’ financial reports without requiring the level of detail mandated of public companies. This article examines the proposals, while a sidebar discusses International Financial Reporting Standards for small and midsize enterprises.
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Digital mail offers convenience, less clutter
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 933
Abstract: Organizing household bills and financial statements can quickly become unwieldy and eat up valuable storage space. And the environmental impact of producing and mailing billions of bills and statements to consumers can also add up quickly. To date, however, there hasn’t been an easy way for consumers to make the switch to electronic bills and statements. But a handful of companies are set to offer a new type of electronic billing and payment solution that’s being referred to as “digital mail,” which allows clients to electronically receive, organize, act on and store bills and statements. This article discusses the pros and cons, while a sidebar lists four providers.