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Showing all 10 results
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Helping succession plans succeed
June / July 2021
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: When ownership of a family business changes, the business may struggle under the new owners until they find their footing. This article explains that a lender needs to evaluate the situation to determine whether the company has the capacity to remain financially healthy and keep the loan solvent. It notes that family business borrowers should have well-developed succession plans and other strategies to help prepare their businesses for any eventuality.
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Arrange your RMDs before year end
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: Per IRS rules, people must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement plans and IRAs beginning April 1 of the year after the year in which they turn age 70½. And they must continue taking RMDs year in and year out without fail. This article answers the questions of when to begin taking RMDs, the penalties for not taking them and why it’s best not to wait until year end to take them.
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IRS places high priority on retirement plan internal controls
October / November 2016
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: When IRS examiners check under the hood of many retirement plans, they often find a lack of sufficient internal controls. The consequences can be severe — even if an IRS audit doesn’t turn up any other problems. The worst-case scenario? Theft of plan assets that is financially damaging to participants and your company, and can also lead to plan disqualification. This article highlights the importance of internal controls for both retirement plan sponsors and their service providers.
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Knowledge is power – Competitive intelligence gives you a leg up on your rivals
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: Gathering competitive intelligence can help provide strategic insights into a rival’s future plans. This was once negatively referred to as “corporate espionage” but, in the information age, companies have a strategic imperative to analyze every bit of data they can on what the competition is doing at all times — provided they do so legally and ethically. This article discusses setting a formal policy, using the best information sources, and analyzing the data effectively, all the while remaining transparent and respecting confidentiality agreements and intellectual property laws
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What do you know about ESOPs?
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: This article looks at some of the basics of an ESOP — an employee stock ownership plan. An ESOP is a qualified retirement plan that invests in the bank’s own stock. A bank’s contributions to an ESOP are tax deductible, and a leveraged ESOP can be a highly tax-efficient vehicle for raising capital. Furthermore, an ESOP can be a powerful incentive for attracting, retaining and motivating employees. But there are pros and cons for S and C corporations.
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Your credit score counts! Achieving and maintaining a solid one
May / June 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: A credit score is a reflection of one’s creditworthiness. With a high credit score, it’s possible to realize lower interest rates on mortgage or auto loans and credit cards. This article explains what constitutes a good score, how to obtain a free credit report, and how to boost a score — or, for those with no credit history, how to build one.
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Making a difficult decision – Naming a guardian for your young child isn’t easy, but necessary
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: It may be an unpleasant decision — but anyone who has minor children needs to decide, as soon as possible, who their child’s guardian should be if they and their spouse die unexpectedly. The process starts with creating a list of appropriate candidates. Who has the same values, and will be able to live up to the responsibilities of guardianship? As a sidebar to this article explains, it may be best to choose separate guardians in some instances, such as when there are several children in a blended family — or if one guardian is better at child care, and another at handling finances.
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Financial statements – Are you comparing melons to kumquats?
February / March 2010
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: It may be tempting to compare two (or more) borrowers in the same industry. But blind comparisons can be misleading. Privately held firms often view earnings differently than public companies do, and S and C corporations differ in how they’re taxed and how they pay shareholder-managers. Cash vs. accrual accounting, along with discretionary accounting methods, also can affect financial reporting. A sidebar to this article explains that, while lenders might benchmark a borrower’s performance against industry averages, benchmarking data sources may use slightly different formulas.
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Joint tenancy arrangements carry significant risks
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: One way some individuals sidestep the formalities of a will is to place property in “joint tenancy with the right of survivorship.” Under this arrangement, the property is co-owned by two parties, with ownership ceding to the surviving owner upon one party’s death. Although it sounds simple, joint tenancy carries significant risks. This article looks at the specific risks involved regarding legal conflicts, Medicaid disqualification and tax liability.
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Only words? Forensic document examinations consider content and context
January / February 2009
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: Fraud investigations almost inevitably require documentary evidence to be examined — and it’s not a job for amateurs. Professional forensic document examiners review not only the content of documents. They also consider physical and latent evidence, such as handwriting, alterations and faded or decomposed material. To ensure accuracy and opinions that will stand up in court, experts follow scientific procedures and use technologies such as electrostatic detection apparatus.