Trendlines

Showing 161–176 of 233 results

  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Homeowners go (and save) green with energy-related upgrades

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 512

    Abstract: Pedro and Angelina had owned their home for several years and wished to make some environmentally friendly upgrades. But they also wanted to reap any available tax benefits, so they visited their tax advisor. She explained that, yes, there were a number of ways that Pedro and Angelina could make improvements that would do less damage to the environment, lower their energy bills and save them some tax dollars.

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  • Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 339

    Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at increased IRS scrutiny of small businesses and individuals who misclassify employees as independent contractors. It discusses who has been lending to small businesses since passage of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), and who hasn’t. And it mentions a survey that shows increasing optimism among small-business executives.

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  • Are you in a giving mood? – Making lifetime gifts still an effective estate planning strategy

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 757

    Abstract: It’s an odd year for estate planning, with estate tax legislation up in the air as of midyear. Although this has given rise to much estate planning uncertainty, making lifetime gifts is still an effective strategy. Lower asset values can make this a good time to transfer assets and remove future appreciation from one’s taxable estate. It’s also important to consider income taxes, as well as gift and estate taxes, and to ask whether gifting through a grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) or charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT) might be beneficial.

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  • A heads-up on health care reform – How it could affect your business

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1112

    Abstract: The recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is a massive law with many provisions — and a large portion of those provisions don’t take effect until future years. This article offers a heads-up on a few of the act’s highlights that could change how businesses approach health care benefits for their employees. Depending on the size of the business, incentives or penalties may apply in order to induce employers to provide benefits. A sidebar discusses new IRS reporting requirements under the act.

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  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Retirement investor revisits his old friend the bond

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 532

    Abstract: When Harold, a working professional, started his portfolio, he made sure it was well balanced with a variety of stocks and bonds. But, when the economy swelled some years ago, he moved away from bonds into more aggressive stocks. It was a decision he lived to regret. In talking to his financial advisor, Harold was able to get a better idea of how to integrate bonds back into his portfolio. He learned about the benefits and drawbacks of U.S. government savings bonds, Treasury bills and notes, and state, municipal and corporate bonds.

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  • Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 337

    Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at how the new health care bill will affect companies’ medical benefits; a survey showing that corporate accounting accuracy has improved; and a sharp increase in the number of companies that are getting into social networking.

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  • How’s your buy-sell agreement doing?

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 806

    Abstract: Many ownership transition issues can be resolved with a buy-sell agreement, which is a contract among business owners that sets parameters for the transfer of interests in the business. The contract determines the value of the business, or defines the valuation method to be used, and outlines when and to whom the interests can be sold. A buy-sell agreement can preserve or transition the management and control of a company in times of change, and can offset potential conflicts among owners and family members. It can also create a market for a withdrawing owner’s business interest and establish a succession plan. There are two kinds of buy-sell agreements: cross-purchase and redemption.

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  • Midyear tax planning – Grappling with tax law uncertainties

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1006

    Abstract: A substantial number of the tax cuts introduced under the last presidential administration are heading toward expiration at year end. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to expire — Congress could extend them. So, though it may seem early in the year to start thinking about tax planning, it’s an important time to do so. This article discusses potential changes to marginal income tax rates and capital gains rates, as well as gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax rates. A sidebar discusses how the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act can benefit some businesses.

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  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Rising exec reconsiders disability income insurance

    April / May 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 521

    Abstract: After a difficult period of unemployment, Sylvia scored a great job as an executive of a nonprofit. Her benefits package was decent except for one thing: Her group plan disability insurance fell short of her needs. As someone who had once been disabled following an auto accident, Sylvia couldn’t live without a good disability income insurance policy — especially in a slow-recovering economy. She visited her financial advisor to talk about what she should look for in a policy. The advisor offered several tips.

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  • Moneylines: News briefs for businesses

    April / May 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 331

    Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses new reduced IRS mileage rates; the introduction of Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP) to help business management combat identity theft; and businesses that are physically relocating nearer to their competitors to form “business clusters.”

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  • Give your company some credit – It’s not easy to find, but financing is out there

    April / May 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1124

    Abstract: Traditional banks have taken a substantial amount of heat over the last year and a half, and many continue to be hesitant about extending financing to even the most stable of businesses. There are, however, other options for borrowers to consider. These include “angel” investors, venture capital firms, and Small Business Administration loans. As a sidebar explains, banks are skittish partly due to the increased number of small business bankruptcies in 2009. However, for those who still want to approach a traditional bank, another sidebar offers some pointers.

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  • On the rise – Social Security increasingly valued as retirement supplement

    April / May 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 765

    Abstract: Although no one should depend solely on Social Security for retirement, many people are taking a second look at it. Unfortunately, rumors persist that the venerable government program is on its last legs. This article looks at how Social Security is funded, and what changes might be made to keep it solvent. In the meantime, savers will need to determine how large a Social Security presence they’re comfortable factoring into their retirement strategy. Then they’ll need to accumulate enough assets to provide themselves a comfortable retirement income when combined with the monthly government checks they expect.

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  • Moneylines: News briefs for businesses

    February / March 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 394

    Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at increased IRS scrutiny of wealthy taxpayers; a survey showing that businesses are catching up on their debts; the rise in “homepreneurship”; and the increasing use of social networking among businesses.

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  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Couple escapes close call with online tax scam

    February / March 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 502

    Abstract: When Irv was using his smartphone to check his e-mail, he noticed a message purportedly from the IRS. The e-mail solicited not only his Social Security number but also the number of the checking account he and his wife had used to pay their last tax bill. Surprised and a little suspicious, he mentioned the message to their advisor when the couple sat down to discuss some other matters. The advisor confirmed all of their suspicions: It was a scam. Fortunately, no damage had been done, but the advisor warned them about “phishing” and other scams.

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  • Paying college expenses? – You may be eligible for a valuable credit or deduction

    February / March 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 715

    Abstract: Those who are paying higher education expenses may be eligible for a valuable tax credit or deduction. The American Opportunity credit is available for expenses incurred during the first four years of a postsecondary education. And the Lifetime Learning credit may apply to graduate courses, continuing professional education or job-skills courses. Or, one might take a deduction. The best option depends on individual circumstances.

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  • The embattled 401(k) – Businesses can still find value in this employee benefit

    February / March 2010
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1030

    Abstract: Today’s employees may be more concerned than ever about building up retirement savings, and they’ll be looking to their employers to help them meet this goal via a 401(k) plan. Companies not worried about attracting and retaining workers now will likely do so as the economy recovers and more baby boomers retire. This article looks at a number of 401(k) options — the traditional, the Roth, the Safe Harbor and the SIMPLE — and how each may or not be suited for a particular type of business. A sidebar discusses the Solo 401(k) for self-employed businesspeople.

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