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Showing 17–28 of 28 results
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Which type of mortgage loan meets your needs?
March / April 2015
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Few purchases during a person’s lifetime will be as expensive as buying a home. Whether it’s a primary residence, a vacation home or an investment property, how a person chooses to pay for it can have a significant impact on his or her financial situation over time. This article details two types of mortgage loans and explains situations where one may be a better choice than the other.
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A window to your world – Your annual report is a mighty communications tool
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: The annual report is an organization’s No. 1 communications tool. What other vehicle has the potential to favorably impress new and prospective donors, volunteers, community partners, sponsors, board members, lending institutions, clients — and the media? But putting together an effective report is no slam dunk. It starts with the basic elements, such as an independent auditor’s report or a statement of cash flows. This article offers suggestions for adding creativity to the descriptive section of the report.
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Safety net essentials — Now more than ever, you need operating reserves
Spring 2012
Newsletter: Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: One study of charities found that 57% of the organizations surveyed had insufficient operating reserves to cover three months of expenses — the minimum level many experts consider necessary to maintain financial stability. Forgoing reserves leaves nonprofits vulnerable to rapid or unexpected drops in revenue or jumps in expenses. This article explains why it’s necessary to have sufficient operating reserves, and offers questions a nonprofit should ask itself when trying to determine what is sufficient.
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Semantics matter – When using ascertainable standards, precise language is a must
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: If a trust includes the use of ascertainable standards (which limit distributions to amounts needed for a beneficiary’s health, education, support and maintenance), how the standards are drafted is critical to its success. As this article explains, ascertainable standards are objective, so they limit the trustee’s discretion and allow a court to determine whether distributions are appropriate or should be compelled. But precision of language is important to head off disputes.
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Spotting customers ripe for a turnaround
Year End 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: As the economy continues to mend — sputtering along the way — commercial lenders must remain ever-vigilant in identifying customers that show signs of financial distress. An ailing customer may be a good candidate for a financial workout, or a “turnaround.” This article shows how to detect problems early and how a turnaround team works.
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Cash flow statements tell a story
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Lenders who use the statement of cash flows as an assessment tool can gain insight into their customers’ financial health, cash management skills and loan worthiness. But they need to understand what they’re seeing — or they could draw the wrong conclusions. This article explains the three sections of a statement of cash flows and what lenders should look for while reviewing it.
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Confronting the specter of an IRS audit
Summer 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: An IRS audit, though not entirely preventable, is more manageable than one might think. Construction companies are document-oriented businesses. So if they manage those documents properly, they’ll likely be well on their way to defending whatever tax breaks they’ve claimed. This article discusses topics such as the types of records to keep and the importance of properly classifying employees and independent contractors.
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Do you have a financial health plan? If not, it’s time to establish one
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Having a financial health plan is critical for any construction business, but it’s especially helpful during a lackluster economy. By taking the company’s “pulse” on a regular basis, a contractor can ward off a number of financial maladies before the bottom line develops a serious ailment. This article describes some of the most important financial indicators, along with some of the ratios and other key measures used to assess them.
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Have you considered a Social Security “do-over”?
November / December 2010
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Planning for retirement is an important component of an estate plan. But what if a person already is retired and looking for ways to boost his or her income without creating a lot of risk? A lesser-known strategy can be loosely called a Social Security “do-over.” In a nutshell, a person files a form with the Social Security Administration and repays all of the Social Security benefits he or she has received. Then the person reapplies and begins receiving a higher payment based on his or her current age. This article further details this strategy.
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How would you handle a crisis? – Don’t wait until one happens to find out
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Catastrophic events can happen at any time — but their consequences can be reduced if a construction company has a formal disaster management plan already in place. It starts with identifying every crisis that could challenge the business and then creating a suitable response to each. This article shows how to assemble a crisis management team, and how to be ready to address the emotional needs of employees affected by the crisis.
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Think outside the box in divorce
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Viewpoint on Value
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: The rules governing equitable marital dissolutions vary from state to state. But divorce courts often consider cases in other jurisdictions, especially when relevant legal precedent in their own jurisdictions is lacking. This article uses a recent tax case, Wechsler v. Wechsler, to illustrate the importance of considering Tax Court precedent if a marital estate includes a holding corporation with significant built-in capital gains tax obligations. Citations: Wechsler v. Wechsler, 2008 WL 4635832, Oct. 21, 2008; Estate of Dunn v. Commissioner, 301 F.3d. 339, 5th Cir., 2002; Estate of Jelke v. Commissioner, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, No. 05 15549, Nov. 15, 2007.
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The 4-1-1 on FIN 48 – New accounting rules can be taxing
February / March 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Under the new FIN 48 accounting rules, some organizations must disclose uncertain tax positions on their financial statements. If you’re like many business owners, you may be concerned that these new requirements will not only increase your costs and affect your company’s earnings, but also provide the IRS and state taxing authorities with ammunition they can use during an audit. This article delves into the topic and attempts to answer these questions: Do the new rules apply to you? What does FIN 48 require? What about state taxes?