2011

Showing 529–544 of 649 results

  • Practical Perspectives: Key financial issues for you and your family – Couple considers options with 529 plan

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 500

    Abstract: This issue’s “Practical Perspectives” features Bob and Marjene, who opened up a 529 college savings plan for their son — only to watch the recession decrease the value of their account so that they were now $10,000 underwater. But their advisor urged them not to give up on their 529 without considering all the good it could still do.

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  • Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 323

    Abstract: This issue, “Moneylines” takes a look at help for small-business owners looking to implement and maintain retirement plans; why subcontracting can be a worthwhile means of attracting federal contracts; and how smart phones may soon surpass laptops for business users.

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  • A creeping problem – Don’t let a bad personal credit rating sneak up on you

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 727

    Abstract: During unsettling economic times, debt can pile up fast. Just a few late payments can significantly hurt a credit score, and simply having more account numbers in circulation can increase vulnerability to credit card fraud and identity theft. This article discusses steps to take that can reduce both these threats.

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  • Returning to the source – A strong cash flow begins with your customers

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Trendlines

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 1162

    Abstract: The source of every company’s cash flow is its customers — and it’s with them that owners can pinpoint ways to keep their business liquid. Improving accounts receivable collections is generally the most immediate way to improve cash flow, but this article also shows how to strengthen relationships and improve marketing efforts. A sidebar discusses sound cash flow management.

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  • COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines:

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 81

    Abstract: A brief list of key tax reporting deadlines up to April 15.

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  • 2011 vs. 2010 retirement plan limits

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 106

    Abstract: This brief chart highlights numerous retirement plan limits. Due to the economic malaise, the limits for 2011 remained the same as for 2010.

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  • Avoid mistakes with timely deposits

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 484

    Abstract: In any qualified retirement plan, money comes in and money goes out. And an area that garners Department of Labor (DOL) attention is what’s known as timely deposits. The DOL actively enforces timely deposits of elective deferral contributions. This article summarizes what readers need to know to avoid problems.

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  • Battle of the documents – What if your summary plan description and plan document differ?

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 764

    Abstract: Generally, an underlying plan document (UPD) and summary plan description (SPD) govern retirement plans. What happens when these documents differ? Which one takes precedence over the other? And what’s the plan sponsor’s responsibility? This article answers these questions. Washington v. Murphy Oil USA, 497 F.3d 453 (5th Cir. Aug. 16, 2007) Jobe v. Medical Life Ins. Co., 598 F.3d 478 (8th Cir. Mar, 19, 2010)

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  • What’s Congress done for benefits lately? How the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 affects you

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 868

    Abstract: The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (SBJA) affects 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457(b) plans and can potentially expand the availability of Roth features to plan participants. This article discusses why a plan sponsor would want to amend its plan to allow for the Roth feature and the steps needed to do so.

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  • Back to basics – S corporation vs. C corporation

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 466

    Abstract: Entity choice is a strategic decision that affects bank customers’ legal liability, tax obligations and financial reporting. S corporations and C corporations are two popular choices for private business ownership. This article looks at some differences lenders should keep in mind when considering these corporations.

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  • Financial restatements – What do they really tell you?

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 661

    Abstract: Lenders should be concerned about the accuracy of the accounting information in borrowers’ financial statements. But there may be “honest” reasons why borrowers need to correct their financial statements, such as when complex accounting principles are misinterpreted. This article examines some of those factors and shows how to minimize dependence on bad numbers.

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  • Get a grip on internal controls

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 918

    Abstract: Understanding borrowers’ control systems is an important part of loan due diligence. The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) lists five components of internal controls. This article discusses them, along with what to look for in management letters. Specifically, a sidebar points out that such letters must include “material weaknesses” and “significant deficiencies” in internal controls unearthed during audit procedures.

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  • Beware of these top tax traps – IRS strategic plan sheds light on potential audit risks

    February / March 2011
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 740

    Abstract: Under the IRS’s five-year strategic plan, Tier I activities — credits or deductions involving a large number of taxpayers in many industries, a significant dollar amount or high visibility — are specific high-risk transactions that IRS auditors must evaluate if a borrower is audited for any reason. This article looks at some possible consequences of an IRS audit and, proactively, some IRS hot buttons that lenders should watch for on their borrowers’ financial statements and tax returns.

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  • The tax lay of the land – Familiarize yourself with a new state’s tax laws

    November / December 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 638

    Abstract: This article discusses the case of “Justin,” who is purchasing a second home in another state to be closer to a sick family member. But he still expects to spend time during the year in his old home. His tax advisor then called to inform Justin about his new state’s tax laws and the need to establish a legal “domicile,” or principal place of residence. He explains that a person can have many homes but only one domicile, and discusses how to establish one so as to obtain the most advantage of states’ different tax laws.

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  • HSA + HDHP = cost-effective health care funding

    November / December 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 773

    Abstract: Because of the rising cost of health care, individuals are looking for cost-effective ways to fund it. The combination of a Health Savings Account (HSA) and a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) is one solution. This article explains the basics of how they operate together, what it takes to qualify, and why this solution might be better for some than for others. A sidebar shows the 2012 HSA contribution limits and HDHP costs.

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  • Gain financial flexibility with a savings plan

    November / December 2011
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 488

    Abstract: A person who’s achieved some measure of earning power might be inclined to think that saving will somehow take care of itself. That would be a mistake. There’s no telling when an unexpected turn of events, such as a job loss or an extended illness, could quickly empty one’s bank account. Consequently, the smartest strategy is to begin saving as much as possible, as early as possible. This article offers tips for getting started early.

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