Trendlines
Showing 81–96 of 233 results
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Catching up on capital gains planning
Year End 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 450
Abstract: After “Bill” joins an investors’ club, he realizes that he and his wife, Evelyn, must consider the potential impact of capital gains on their family’s tax bill. In this issue’s “Practical Perspectives,” the couple’s financial advisor discusses some of the basics, such as “basis,” short- vs. long-term capital gains, and differing tax treatments.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
Year End 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 286
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” looks at the taxation burden borne by S corporations, the importance of checking job-seekers’ references, and how social networking can help a company with its next technology purchase.
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Are you donating … the right way?
Year End 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Making a charitable donation should feel good in and of itself. But doing so can feel even better when the effect on one’s tax bill is positive. This article offers a few fundamental ways to donate the right way. It notes the importance of determining whether the donee qualifies as a charitable organization according to IRS requirements, and goes on to discuss the form of one’s donation, how much is deductible, and keeping good records.
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Ducks in a row – Preparing your company for next year’s budget
Year End 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1067
Abstract: As one year winds down and another revs up, it’s important for any company to address the elements of its business budget. If any of the major items are askew, it could diminish the value of the time that’s put into the budgeting process and weaken the effectiveness of the budget itself. This article discusses the process, which involves analyzing the numbers, reviewing inventory and services, and evaluating risks. A sidebar looks at one consulting firm’s tips on improving the process.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Giving thanks for family financial planning
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” looks at a couple who were looking forward to their Thanksgiving dinner, with their large extended family present. Their financial advisor noted that this would present an opportunity to look at the older and younger generations gathered at the table and think about their financial needs in the coming years.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 288
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses a survey predicting that health care costs will see lower growth in 2014. It also discusses a court case in which a company was found guilty of violating minimum wage laws when it failed to pay interns, and cites a survey which found that many small-business owners aren’t financially ready for retirement.
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Business structure: The choice is yours
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: As year end nears, business owners have a variety of specific tax issues to consider. But it might be well to consider some big-picture matters as well — such as business structure. Three popular entity types — the C corporation, the S corporation and the limited liability company (LLC) — all limit their owners’ exposure to personal liability for company debts and obligations. But, as this article explains, there are some noteworthy differences between them.
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Is it time to streamline? New financial statement framework could be for you
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1033
Abstract: When it comes to reporting financial results, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) aren’t the only game in town. This past summer, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) released a new type of special purpose framework to ease financial reporting for smaller, privately held, owner-managed companies not required to follow GAAP. This article explains how this framework delivers data in a much more streamlined, less costly format, and discusses the ideal candidates for it. But a sidebar notes that the road to widespread acceptance will probably be slow.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Married investors consider a Coverdell ESA
August / September 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” examines the case of a couple who, while considering a Section 529 plan to save for their child’s education, came across the name “Coverdell.” Their advisor explains that a Coverdell Education Savings Account offers far more investment choices than a 529 plan — but that it comes with some provisos.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
August / September 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 289
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses a survey showing that a significant number of CFOs are dealing with higher insurance policy prices and tougher underwriting standards. Another survey indicates that the most critical challenge facing business owners is the “burden associated with the complexity, time-cost, and monetary expenditures of obtaining and keeping licenses and permits.” And an annual Symantec Corporation report shows that cybercriminals are increasing their offensive against small businesses.
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Better understanding the GST tax and exemption
August / September 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 688
Abstract: The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) permanently set the top gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax rates at 40%. And it kept the gift, estate and GST tax exemptions at an inflation-adjusted $5 million, which means a $5.25 million amount for 2013. But, while estate and gift tax planning tend to get the lion’s share of attention, GST tax planning can be essential for many affluent families. This article explains what factors trigger the GST tax and how to maximize the benefit of the GST tax exemption.
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Health care benefits – Penalties delayed but still on the way
August / September 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1056
Abstract: The potential penalties levied by the “play or pay” provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, originally set to take effect next year, have been delayed until Jan. 1, 2015. (This “transition relief” doesn’t change any other aspect of the health care act, though more IRS guidance is expected.) The penalties will apply to large employers that don’t offer affordable health care benefits of at least minimum value to their employees. This article explains how these terms are defined under the act and how to calculate a company’s number of full-time and “full-time equivalent” employees. It also describes the specific nature of the penalties. A sidebar looks at how “play or pay” affects Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Newlyweds learn about married (taxpaying) life
June / July 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: This issue’s “Practical Perspectives” examines the tax situation of newlyweds “Albert and Cyndi.” The couple initially seemed skeptical about the impact of tying the knot. But only Albert is presently working, and their tax advisor explains how the “marriage penalty” will affect them once both are employed.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
June / July 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 282
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses increased lending by large banks to small businesses; the difficulty that small businesses are having in finding qualified workers; and how the increasing complexity of federal, state and local income taxes — not to mention sales and use taxes — has put the onus on business owners to find flexible, evolving compliance solutions.
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Disaster planning: Not just for businesses anymore
June / July 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Disaster planning isn’t just for businesses anymore. Individuals have as much — if not more — to lose from a calamity than a company. This article offers some general guidelines to consider when putting together or reinforcing a personal disaster plan. It discusses insurance policies, backup of physical and digital data, and having a ready supply of cash and physical goods.
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Taking a second look at your buy-sell agreement
June / July 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1055
Abstract: Should an owner leave the company, conflicts can occur. For this reason, every business with multiple owners should have a buy-sell agreement in place. But that’s not enough; the agreement also needs to be kept up to date. This article describes the general aim of a buy-sell agreement and the events that can trigger it. It then discusses the different types of agreements and how to fund them. A sidebar looks at the tax quandaries of buy-sell agreements for C corporations.