2009
Showing 81–96 of 678 results
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The Contractor’s Corner – How can I better manage my equipment?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: This issue’s feature discusses a contractor who’s losing control of his equipment. To find a solution, there are three big questions a contractor should first ask: “Should I lease or buy?” “Who will be using and servicing my assets?” and “Is our permitting and storage up to snuff?”
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Looking back — and ahead — at bonding
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 461
Abstract: Whether general contractor or sub, most construction company owners likely spend a considerable amount of time every year thinking about bonding. The surety industry has learned some tough lessons in recent years, which should explain the tightening of underwriting standards and tougher project analysis. And, in light of the recent recession, the bonding horizon may seem dim. But sureties are much better equipped to deal with economic uncertainties now than they were earlier in the decade, so bonding should be available.
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It’s not too late – Make sure your construction company has a buy-sell agreement
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 629
Abstract: A buy-sell agreement is a contract among a construction company’s owners that sets parameters for the transfer of business interests. Yet many construction companies soldier on without one until, sometimes quite suddenly, an ownership change occurs and the business is thrown into chaos. There are a variety of ways to create an agreement (cross-purchase vs. redemption) and fund it (such as sinking funds, loans, savings plans, installment purchases and life insurance). It’s complex, but doing without (or failing to update) a buy-sell agreement is far more dangerous than confronting the task of creating one.
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Year end tax planning – Don’t get nickel-and-dimed by M&E expenses
Fall 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 957
Abstract: An often overlooked way that construction companies lose cash flow is by failing to properly deduct meal and entertainment (M&E) expenses. Contractors do incur a significant amount of these costs in providing food and beverages on job sites and during project meetings. This article looks at the pros and cons of both the per diem method and an “accountable plan” in reporting these expenses, while a sidebar discusses travel expenses.
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Why you should take social networking seriously
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 452
Abstract: Social networking sites are sometimes considered useful for only personal, non-business, purposes. But the reality is that many nonprofits are using social media effectively. An organization that isn’t part of this group may be missing the boat on a no- to low-cost way to spread its message, engage its audience and gain new followers quickly and efficiently — among both younger and older users.
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6 ways to keep board members focused in unfocused times
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 590
Abstract: With increasing financial and other pressures on nonprofits, a nonprofit’s board needs to be focused and engaged like never before. But the reality is that board members may be facing challenges in their own work and financial lives. So when board members meet to go over an in-the-red budget, their stress levels are already likely to be high. Fortunately, by making just six adjustments to its normal routine, a nonprofit can help maintain its board’s productivity.
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Write a grant proposal like you mean it
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: As investment portfolios have dramatically declined in value and donations have dried up, grant-making organizations have had to scale back the amounts they can award to deserving applicants. So sloppy grant proposals are even less likely to hit their mark now. To compete successfully for these diminishing funds, nonprofits’ proposals should be succinct and focus on the essentials, and applicants must pay attention to details such as accurate numbers and deadlines.
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Budget cuts: Don’t make internal controls one of them
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: These days, most nonprofits are tightening their budgets to ensure that they’re operating as cost effectively as possible. But certain items should never be neglected just to save a little money today — and one of the most important is adherence to internal controls. This article discusses necessary controls and why outside advice is necessary to protect against fraud. A sidebar looks at the Federal Trade Commission’s red flag rules for fighting identity theft that are scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1, 2009.
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News for nonprofits – Politcal activity
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: Items in this issue address the danger of charities indulging in political activity; an extended deadline for putting in place a written plan to satisfy IRS regulations for a 403(b) plan; and how many smaller nonprofits might lose their tax-exempt status if they don’t file a Form 990-N.
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Set your sights on planned giving
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: In this down economy, smart charities are focusing their efforts to bring in major gifts from their wealthiest donors. That’s because these donors have long planned to leave part of their estate to a favorite organization, and most will follow through on their intentions. There are three planned giving arrangements that are especially popular, and board members and other staff members should be able to discuss their characteristics with prospective donors. To assist them, there are software products that do everything from creating elaborate marketing presentations and illustrating gift scenarios to crunching numbers and generating contracts.
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Doing the right thing – Avoid excess benefit transactions
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 762
Abstract: One way to lose tax-exempt status is to ignore the private benefit and private inurement — also known as excess benefit — provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. These rules prohibit an individual inside or outside a nonprofit from reaping an excess benefit from a transaction by the organization. Excess benefits can take many forms, such as excessive compensation, favorable sales of assets, below-market property rental and lending money. Being knowledgeable about such transactions involves understanding such concepts as private benefit and private inurement, and knowing board members’ duty of care and the consequences of violations.
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Board manuals – A guide to your galaxy
October / November 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 624
Abstract: Like an employee handbook, a board manual familiarizes readers with an organization’s policies and procedures, giving them information at their fingertips. A manual can introduce board members to the nonprofit’s reason for being and way of doing things. It can detail who has particular responsibilities, and prepare board members to be effective spokespeople for the nonprofit. This article describes what’s essential to include in a manual, and what is simply desirable.
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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.