2009
Showing 545–560 of 678 results
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Ask the Advisor – Q. How can a business valuation help me plan my exit strategy?
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 519
Abstract: The column argues that when an owner decides to move on — whether motivated by a planned event such as retirement or by unforeseen circumstances such as a health crisis — an accurate business valuation is essential. Services valuators provide, such as normalizing financial statements and suggesting small changes that can improve a company’s perceived value, are discussed briefly.
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M&A insurance can shield your deal from risk
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 807
Abstract: M&A insurance can protect both buyers and sellers from possible deal breakers, including hidden liabilities, negative tax treatment, valuation issues, legal obstacles and environmental hazards. This article discusses types of M&A insurance, such as representations and warranties, environmental, and tax liability, and helps readers understand when they might need specialized coverage.
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Snake in the grass – Employee-related liabilities can poison your deal
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 719
Abstract: A business buyer that fails to consider its target’s employee benefits could be putting its acquisition at risk. Benefits, retirement plans, health insurance and paid time off can eat away at the bottom line. Buyers are encouraged to determine which party will assume responsibility for such benefits as pension plans and COBRA coverage well before the transaction closes.
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Strategic alliances – When two is better than one
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 733
Abstract: This article explains how a strategic alliance may be an option for growing companies when a sale or acquisition isn’t feasible. Carefully chosen and executed alliances can yield many of the benefits of a successful merger — including increased revenue and market share and the acquisition of key employees — but without the time, cost or hassle. The advantages and potential drawbacks of joint ventures and contractual alliances are discussed.
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Estate planning pitfall – You don’t have a succession plan for your estate plan
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 370
Abstract: Some of the most important estate planning decisions a person can make involve naming people to act on his or her behalf after death or, in the event of incapacity, during life. In addition, he or she should appoint one, and preferably two, successors for each of the representatives. If he or she doesn’t, and one of them dies or is otherwise unable to serve, a court will make the decisions (usually with some input from the family). This short article lists common estate planning documents that should include successor designations.
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Using “just-enough” funding for a credit shelter trust
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 788
Abstract: For many affluent couples, a credit shelter trust (also called a bypass trust) is a key component of their estate plans. This trust type allows spouses to leave as much of their assets as possible to each other while preserving each of their $3.5 million estate tax exemptions. In recent years, changes in the exemption amount and uncertainty over the future of the estate tax have made it more difficult to design a credit shelter trust. One potential solution to this problem is “just-enough” funding. This article discusses the benefits of using “just-enough” funding for a credit shelter trust.
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Watch out for gift-splitting tax traps
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 871
Abstract: This year, the inflation-adjusted annual gift tax exclusion is $13,000, up from $12,000 in 2008. Annual exclusion gifts can be a powerful estate planning tool, and they’re doubly effective if a married couple elects to “split” the gift. This article details gift-splitting tax traps to be aware of.
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Is your estate plan challenge-proof? Minimize postmortem disputes over your estate plan
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 962
Abstract: The goal of estate planning is to gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing a person’s loved ones will be provided for after his or her death. Few things can disturb that peace of mind as quickly as the fear that someone will contest the plan. This article examines several planning tips to minimize postmortem disputes.
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Delivering employee feedback: Accentuate the positive
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 285
Abstract: People often overlook or take for granted positive accomplishments and spend excess time dwelling on the negatives. In the workplace, this negative tendency can contribute to poor morale and costly workforce attrition. The next time you or your supervisors provide employees with feedback on areas for improvement, remember to balance that feedback with positive comments. This brief article shows you how.
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It’s more important than ever to start thinking about taxes early
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: If you’re like most people, you don’t worry about tax planning in February or March. You wait until later in the year. But, to maximize your tax savings, you should begin planning earlier — especially this year. That’s because Congress enacted two significant pieces of legislation in the second half of 2008, both of which contain a variety of tax benefits and incentives. This article takes a look at some provisions worth a trip to your CPA.
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The ins and outs of valuing a privately held business
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: You may think you have a fairly good idea of how much your company is worth. But formally appraising a privately held business goes far beyond guesswork. In fact, it’s a fairly complex process that involves using professionally accepted methods to arrive at a well-reasoned and defensible estimate of value. This article explains the three most commonly used methods for valuing a privately held business. A sidebar discusses how to increase your business’s worth through a “unique selling proposition.”
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The R&D tax credit – Are you overlooking this tax-saving tool?
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: Among all the deductions and credits that Uncle Sam has to offer businesses, the research and development (R&D) tax credit is perhaps the most overlooked. This article explains how the credit works and why companies that have proven or attempted technological advances should claim the R&D credit. With Congress extending the credit under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, now’s the time to take advantage of it.
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Don’t underestimate the power of giving
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 964
Abstract: Starting in 2009, the annual gift tax exclusion has been increased to $13,000 per recipient to keep pace with inflation. In light of this increase, now’s a good time to review your gifting strategies. This article explains how a well-designed gifting program can help you slash your potential tax bill, even while the estate and gift tax rules remain in limbo.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issue for you and your family – Soon-to-be retirees still see wisdom in 529 plan
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 613
Abstract: In this issue’s “Practical Perspectives,” we meet Frank and Alice, a married couple who are a year or two away from retirement. One of the many goals they’d like to accomplish during their golden years is helping to fund their grandchild’s college education. In the last year or two, they’d read a couple of articles about 529 plans but weren’t sure whether these arrangements were still worthwhile. So they visited their financial advisor to discuss the matter.
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Give away your company (to save estate taxes)
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 601
Abstract: Many business owners count their companies among their most valuable assets. From this perspective, it might seem unfathomable to consider giving away business interests. But, to reduce the estate tax cost at death and enhance the business succession plan, business owners may want to do just that. This article explains why.
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Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses and Individuals
February / March 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 422
Abstract: This section offers four news briefs about: 1) the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), 2) the Social Security Administration’s new online calculator, 3) results of a recent survey indicating that executives expect a lengthy siege for obtaining easier financing and achieving strategic success, and 4) a recent report indicating that gas prices are affecting many workers’ daily commutes.