Trendlines
Showing 97–112 of 233 results
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Busy couple looks to rent out vacation home
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” looks at the case of a couple who was unsure of the tax implications of renting out their vacation home. Their advisor explored three possible scenarios, depending on how long they decided to rent it out.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 271
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses the new IRS mileage rate in effect for calculating the deductible costs of operating a vehicle; how the national debt is affecting hiring practices; and how massive delays in state judicial decisions have adversely affected the economic production of many businesses.
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Catching up with the classic IRA
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 683
Abstract: There are many ways to fund retirement. Among the most long-standing is the IRA, which can still prove useful — even for those having a 401(k) or other employer-provided plan. This article shows the similarities and differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, especially as they apply to taxes.
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Worker classification update – IRS revamps VCSP program
April / May 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1067
Abstract: More and more businesses are using independent contractors to benefit from staffing flexibility and to achieve tax savings. But this latter item has increasingly attracted the attention of the IRS, which is wary of businesses misclassifying full-time employees as contractors, and is ready to serve up stiff penalties for doing so. But a voluntary self-reporting program can mitigate this. This article explains how the Voluntary Classification Settlement Program can benefit those businesses eligible to participate, while a sidebar discusses how to maintain the distinction between employees and contractors.
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The power of mentoring — Unite business plan with succession plan
February / March 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 753
Abstract: The owners of many companies launch their enterprises with a business plan — a written document outlining the company’s strategic objectives and practical means of accomplishing them. Likewise, many owners leave their businesses via a succession plan, a written document outlining how the company’s ownership should transition. Often, however, these two documents never cross paths, much less join toward a common goal. This article shows how effective mentoring can unite a succession plan with a business plan to great effect.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family — 401(k) loan tempts prospective entrepreneur
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 489
Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” examines the case of “Rudy,” a prospective entrepreneur who wondered whether he should tap his 401(k) funds to finance his startup. His advisor agreed that this route offered some advantages — but that there could also be legal hurdles and tax risks.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 342
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at new standards handed down by the Institute of Internal Auditors that will result in more companies getting increased feedback from their auditors. Also discussed is the continuing need that employees have for help in retirement planning, along with an increasing trend among companies to hire a Chief Digital Officer.
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Leveraging the power of your company’s managers
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 734
Abstract: If top managers aren’t getting the most from their respective teams, the company is operating at a competitive disadvantage. This article describes some ways an organization can ensure it’s leveraging the true power of its management to get maximum results. These methods include reinforcing collaboration and nurturing knowledgeability among managers, along with assessing their performance and organizing a retreat.
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Capitol changes — New tax law holds many important provisions
February / March 2013
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1121
Abstract: This article discusses some of the most important provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), signed into law this past January. These provisions address ordinary-income tax rates and long-term capital gains rates; the alternative minimum tax; and several tax breaks for businesses. A sidebar explains how ATRA affects gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family — Careful caregiver learns about Medicaid planning
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 487
Abstract: In this issue, “Practical Perspectives” discusses the case of Rita, who worried about possibly having to place her mother in a nursing home. With long-term care insurance not being an option, she visited her financial advisor, who discussed Medicaid planning — including the option of creating an irrevocable trust.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 330
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” takes a look at “activity-based billing,” which charges customers on the basis of how they use a product or service; a survey regarding the importance of company culture; and the risks involved with employees using personal computerized devices to perform job duties.
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Pension planning — Start thinking about payouts now
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 752
Abstract: The traditional pension may seem like a thing of the past, but one survey indicates that more than half of workers are still counting on payouts from one of these “defined benefit” plans in retirement. But should one take a lump sum payout or an annuity? If the latter, should it be a single-life or joint-life annuity? This article describes these options and the factors to consider when choosing one.
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Savvy business owners can find financing
Year End 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1137
Abstract: Recent data indicates financing is there for the savvy business owner who knows where to find it. But the reason behind this availability isn’t necessarily because the economy is getting markedly better. Rather, competition is creating opportunities for business owners to get the capital they need. This article discusses crowdfunding, angel investors and other options to traditional loan offerings. A sidebar describes three tests to help a company decide if a loan is advisable.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family — Alarmed taxpayer gets AMT checkup
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 519
Abstract: In this issue’s “Practical Perspectives,” we meet alarmed taxpayer Alan. After reading several articles about the challenges he and his fellow taxpayers may face when filing their 2012 returns, Alan noticed a particularly ominous take on the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Unless Congress passes another “patch” to raise the income level, more middle and upper-middle income earners will be subject to the AMT. Concerned, Alan visited his tax advisor to discuss the current law and defensive strategies.
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Moneylines: News briefs for businesses
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 325
Abstract: In this issue, “Moneylines” looks at how accounting rules may soon get easier for privately held companies; a survey indicating the reluctance of many small businesses to expand this year; and a survey that shows that companies have mixed feelings about social media.
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Early mortgage payoffs aren’t a no-brainer
October / November 2012
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 751
Abstract: The decision to speed up mortgage payments isn’t a no-brainer. There are certainly advantages, but, as this article explains, these should be weighed against the benefits of using money in other ways. First, it’s important to have a quickly accessible nest egg set aside for emergencies. It’s also important to look at the return on investment of paying off early vs. such alternatives as deducting mortgage interest, refinancing, paying down credit card debt, maxing out contributions to an IRA or 401(k), or purchasing company stock at a discount.