General & Family Business

Showing 881–896 of 1030 results

  • Left a job? Pay heed to your 401(k) plan

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1023

    Abstract: After leaving a job (whether voluntarily or involuntarily), some may wish for greater flexibility in how their retirement money is invested than a 401(k) allows. One option is to roll over the money into an IRA, either directly or indirectly. This article looks at the distinction and examines the tax implications, while a sidebar discusses the temptation to cash out a retirement fund during an economic crisis.

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  • All hands on deck – Collaborative management can boost a family business’s profitability and its nonfamily employees’ sense of self-worth

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 632

    Abstract: A management issue that’s unique to family businesses is keeping nonfamily employees from feeling undervalued on company endeavors simply because they aren’t family members. To keep nonfamily employees informed and motivated, it may be best to replace a traditional, top-down management style with a collaborative management approach. A strong leader who clearly communicates the company vision, a performance measurement system that emphasizes and rewards teamwork, and networking with other family businesses can help establish a collaborative management style.

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  • Practical perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Savvy planner readies for 2010 IRA rule changes

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 590

    Abstract: Gerald is a 63-year-old physician who rolled over his traditional 401(k) into a traditional IRA when he left his hospital position to start his own practice. The tax-deferred contributions seemed like a good idea at the time, but he has no intention of retiring within the next decade. Thus, he’s bothered by the account’s required minimum distributions (RMDs), which he’ll have to start taking after he turns age 70½. Converting to a Roth IRA would solve that problem, but his high income disqualifies him from doing so. But, as his advisor explains, that will change in 2010.

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  • Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 420

    Abstract: This issue’s topics: An anti-identity-theft rule that’s in effect for companies that offer any sort of credit arrangement; the lack of competition among health insurance providers; pay increases that are expected to be only minimal in 2010; and more large companies seeking bank loan covenant amendments.

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  • Fraud has struck! What now? – A contingency plan can help minimize fallout, expedite investigation

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 772

    Abstract: When fraud strikes, panic is a common but not very desirable response. Having a fraud contingency plan can help ensure that a business will know just what to do to minimize the fallout from a fraud incident and get the investigation underway immediately. It involves taking an honest look at the types of fraud most likely to be attempted, and how to respond if controls are breached. This includes having the right members for a fraud investigation team and communicating effectively with employees, the public and other stakeholders. A good fraud contingency plan should be integrated into a greater suite of risk management programs.

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  • Charitable giving – Noncash donations can take many forms

    Year End 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1023

    Abstract: Donating cash might be an easy way of supporting a charity, but it’s not necessarily the best. Rather than hurting personal cash flow by lowering the balance on one’s bank account, it might be better to look to other assets to serve as a valuable donation — with some helpful tax benefits. This article discusses donating a home, a vehicle, art or other collectibles, or appreciated stock, while a sidebar shows the different costs involved in donating cash, stock, real estate or collectibles.

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  • 3 savvy year end tax planning moves for businesses

    Fall 2009
    Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 514

    Abstract: Given the state of the economy over the past year, tax planning is more important than ever. But one can employ three savvy year end moves: timing income and deductions for best results; deferring tax on advance payments; and increasing one’s tax basis in company stock.

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  • Handle life insurance with care to protect proceeds from taxes

    Fall 2009
    Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 647

    Abstract: Life insurance can help achieve a variety of estate planning and business planning goals. Unfortunately, keeping life insurance proceeds free of income and estate taxes can get complicated. But there are ways, such as having an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) own a life insurance policy; creating the right buy-sell agreement; and avoiding “for value” transfers.

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  • Solo 401(k)s offer singular advantages

    Fall 2009
    Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 524

    Abstract: For self-employed individuals and owners of certain small businesses, several retirement plan options are available. One option that offers a number of singular advantages is the Solo 401(k). Among the advantages are high contribution limits, availability of plan loans, and flexibility in regard to contributions and the types of investments one may choose.

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  • Do you know what your competitors are up to? There are many ways of finding out …

    Fall 2009
    Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 860

    Abstract: Knowledge is power. The more a company knows about its competitors, the better it will be able to anticipate their moves as well as create its own countermoves and proactive measures. This article describes a number of perfectly legitimate ways to gather competitive intelligence. And, as a sidebar explains, one such way is to hire competitors’ employees, providing one is careful to observe noncompete agreements or other legal constraints.

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  • First-time homebuyer tax credit set to expire Dec. 1

    October / November 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 268

    Abstract: Those who are ready to purchase their first home should consider doing so before Dec. 1. Why? Because that’s when a refundable “first-time” homebuyer tax credit equal to 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence is set to expire. This short article looks at details of the credit.

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  • Don’t let family matters interfere with business matters

    October / November 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 670

    Abstract: Even though knowing family members are watching the shop can be reassuring, the requirements of running a business can strain even the strongest family ties. The stresses can become further exacerbated when sibling rivalry exists or when one’s spouse is involved. But there are ways to address these issues, including treating siblings equally and dividing responsibilities between spouses.

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  • Now is the time – Take advantage of today’s low interest rates to transfer more wealth tax free

    October / November 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 741

    Abstract: To help jumpstart a struggling economy, the federal government began lowering key interest rates last year, and they remain at their lowest level in several years. This is good news for those looking to transfer wealth out of their estate. Lifetime giving strategies are particularly effective when interest rates are low because the probability of outperforming the hurdle rate — and, therefore, transferring wealth tax free — is high. This article explains what hurdle rates are, and details such giving strategies as family loans, grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs) and charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs).

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  • Preparing for any business scenario – A buy-sell agreement can steady a company through uncertain times

    October / November 2009
    Newsletter: Focus

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 867

    Abstract: Smart business owners work to control the risks they can — such as if an owner leaves the company. To guard against the negative consequences that might arise from such a predicament, it’s important to be proactive and establish a buy-sell agreement. This article looks at some of the details of a buy-sell agreement, which is a contract among a business’s owners that sets guidelines for the transfer of their ownership interests. It discusses using life insurance to fund an agreement, while a sidebar explains the difference between fair market value and investment value when determining how to value a business.

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  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Restaurateurs learn basics of wealth management

    October / November 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 581

    Abstract: This article looks at the case of Tim and Roberta, who run a popular restaurant/catering service in a well-to-do suburban area. Recently, the couple has started worrying about whether they’re doing enough to manage and protect the assets they’ve worked so hard to build up over the years. Their advisor lists four specific steps they should take in cooking up a sound, comprehensive wealth management plan.

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  • Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses

    October / November 2009
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 445

    Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” looks at tax breaks available only in 2009; how companies with defined-benefit plans are suspending 401(k) matches; the prevalence of intentional and unintentional software piracy within companies; and why it may be helpful to check with one’s banker about the coming year’s credit market and what one can do to maintain their own good standing.

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