2009
Showing 17–32 of 678 results
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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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Truth in Lending Act disclosures soon won’t be required for plan loans
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 330
Abstract: Starting July 1, 2010, retirement plans that offer loans to participants will no longer be required to provide Truth in Lending Act (TILA) disclosures. This short article discusses how this affects plan sponsors.
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What you should know about measuring fair value before your next audit
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 606
Abstract: The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and outlines necessary financial disclosures about fair value measurements. Formerly referred to as FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (SFAS 157), ASC 820 significantly changes how companies disclose fair value in their financial statements and how they can fairly value certain assets or liabilities for which no market exists. This article takes a closer look at why plan sponsors should know about ASC 820.
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Are your distribution consent notices up to date?
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 764
Abstract: The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) mandated that plan sponsors give qualified retirement plan participants notice about the distribution of their benefits when the distribution requires the participant’s consent. The IRS has recently proposed regulations that provide guidance on the information that plan sponsors must include in this distribution notice. This article explains how the regulations affect the content and timing of the distribution notices to ensure that participants are fully aware of the consequences of taking an immediate distribution and failing to defer.
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Plan fees and their disclosure – How one sponsor met its fiduciary obligation
Year End 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 761
Abstract: With economic markets recovering from near record low levels, individuals are watching their investment account activity more carefully than ever. Maybe this is what inspired four retirement plan participants to take a closer look at their investment activity. This article summarizes a class action suit for alleged high mutual fund fees and lack of fee disclosure to plan participants.
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Retail e-tales – What to consider when lending to online retailers
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 423
Abstract: Retailers top the list of borrowers hardest hit by the downturn. But online retail could be a bright spot, as recession-spooked consumers search for bargains and convenience. When lending to e-tailers, consider such factors as up-to-date search functions and privacy features, detailed product information and reliable customer reviews; how quickly borrowers modify promotions based on customer buying habits; and possible partnerships with brick-and-mortar stores.
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CPA services – Think outside of the accounting/tax box
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: To get the most from outside financial experts, lenders should think beyond the stereotypical duties of audits and tax return preparation. Examples show how a CPA can help with turnaround efforts, conduct on-site inspections of borrowers’ facilities, investigate fraud, value inventory, and perform cost segregation studies.
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Break even or burn? A weak economy calls for strong analytical tools
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 605
Abstract: Breakeven and burn rates have historically been used to gauge the viability of new borrowers that have yet to turn a profit, such as startups and high tech firms. But today lenders are applying these analytical tools to mature companies that are struggling to survive the recession. This article looks at what’s involved in a breakeven analysis, and how to calculate a customer’s burn rate (how fast it uses cash). It’s important to recalculate burn rate on a regular basis because unforeseen circumstances can affect the rate of cash consumption.
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Being on the lookout for deceivable receivables
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: Next to cash, receivables are the most trusted source of loan collateral. But face value might exaggerate the truth. To protect against deceivable receivables, it’s important that lenders compare a borrower’s receivables to expenses to look for fictitious sales, and investigate journal entries that occur after the end of the accounting period. They should identify and monitor customers with too much concentration risk, and go beyond the financial statement to look at supplemental schedules, in addition to taking other proactive measures. When a borrower suffers from poor collections, there are specific actions a lender can take to help correct the situation.
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Ask the Advisor – Given the current economy, is it wise to accept Sec. 8 tenants?
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 409
Abstract: With the economic recovery still in slow motion, an increasing number of landlords may be tempted to accept Section 8 tenants. These tenants provide a dependable cash flow source, and can be better than average low-income tenants. But there are drawbacks, as well. Getting started as a Sec. 8 landlord is easy. The hard part — and one which likely deserves the most thought — is deciding whether Sec. 8 is right for a particular situation.
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A complex but worthy endeavor – Donating real estate through a CRT
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 529
Abstract: Many investors are looking at donating real estate to charities as a way to lower their tax bills while, at the same time, helping to build up a charity’s coffers. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is one giving strategy that can benefit both the donor and the charity. But it will be important to distinguish between an annuity trust and a unitrust, and to determine if the charity is willing to accept the gift if it’s accompanied by particular legal responsibilities.
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Adversaries no longer – Win-win agreements between developers and environmentalists increasing
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: Frustrated by legal costs and government inaction, developers and environmentalists are turning to creative compromise as the best strategy for achieving their goals. Some agreements allow residential developments, oil drilling or new power plants in exchange for preserving some undeveloped land, imposing stricter environmental practices than required by law or investing in alternative energy. Three examples are offered.
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5 misconceptions surrounding Sec. 1031 exchanges
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1041
Abstract: Section 1031 exchanges have become an important tax strategy for real estate investors. These transactions allow investors to exchange properties of a “like kind” and defer any gains on the relinquished properties until they sell the replacement properties. But, despite their popularity, a number of misconceptions remain regarding how they can be structured. This article looks at five misconceptions that cause people to believe that Sec. 1031 exchanges are more restrictive than they actually are. However, as a sidebar explains, excluding gain on a principal residence acquired through a Sec. 1031 exchange is a bit trickier now, thanks to the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008.