2015
Showing 97–112 of 732 results
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Know when you need to put a client out to pasture
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 706
Abstract: Many business owners go to great lengths to hold onto every client they have. But this article emphasizes that that can be counterintuitive. Determining individual customer profitability should be one’s first step when considering which customers to drop. If business systems track individual customer purchases and the accounting system has good cost accounting or decision support capabilities, this process will be simple.
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Be in the know when it comes to travel expenses
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 842
Abstract: When employees travel for work, they expect to be reimbursed for costs they incur. Developing a travel policy that dovetails with IRS regulations and is understood by workers can help prevent misunderstandings. This article examines accountable and nonaccountable reimbursement plans, travel policy guidelines and per diem reimbursements. A sidebar discusses updated criteria regarding the deductibility of local lodging.
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COMPLIANCE ALERT – Upcoming compliance deadlines:
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 75
Abstract: ERISA’s disclosure rules require plan administrators to inform participants of circumstances that may cause a loss of benefits. But just what counts as a disclosure? This brief article summarizes a recent case involving the sufficiency of an electronic notice. Raymond Thomas v. CIGNA Group Insurance, et al. (No 09-CV-5029); 2015 WL 893534 (E.D. N.Y. 2015)
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When electronic disclosure isn’t enough under ERISA
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 307
Abstract: ERISA’s disclosure rules require plan administrators to inform participants of circumstances that may cause a loss of benefits. But just what counts as a disclosure? This brief article summarizes a recent case involving the sufficiency of an electronic notice. Raymond Thomas v. CIGNA Group Insurance, et al. (No 09-CV-5029); 2015 WL 893534 (E.D. N.Y. 2015)
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Survey says – Poll highlights what participants think they know
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: It’s no secret that a large percentage of Americans don’t fully comprehend basic financial topics. The results of the Retirement Income Literacy Survey conducted online last year for the American College weren’t heartening. This article reviews the findings.
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Year end notices: Staying on top of the requirements
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: As the turn of the calendar year nears, annual notices should be on the minds of most plan sponsors. For plans using the calendar year, numerous notices are due to be given in the next few months. This article highlights some of the notices that must be sent to either participants, the IRS or the DOL in the next three months.
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Be careful what you toss – Plan record retention requirements
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 774
Abstract: As far as the IRS is concerned, you can’t save too many retirement plan documents. Plan sponsors, on the other hand, might reasonably feel the need to free up file storage space every now and again by purging documents no longer needed. This article examines where to draw the line. A sidebar looks at IRS rules for documentation of hardship withdrawals and participant loans.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor tired of being stonewalled on final payments
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 431
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” we meet a masonry contractor who was finding it difficult, if not impossible, to collect the last payment of what he was owed. He asked his financial advisor for some suggestions on how to break this troubling trend. Right off the bat, the advisor had three ideas: 1) Craft his contracts, 2) be absolutely clear, and 3) document everything.
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Are you losing control of your indirect costs?
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: Indirect costs are generally defined as expenses arising from activities associated with more than one project. Because these expenditures tend to be rather indistinct for construction companies, contractors need to keep a close eye on whether they’re losing control of them. This article offers tips on identifying and monitoring indirect costs, as well as anticipating the applicable tax liability.
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Be sure you’re ready for the “Internet of Things”
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 519
Abstract: If one thinks of the Internet as a network connecting computing devices, the “Internet of Things” (IoT) is an expansion of that same network to connect virtually any other object (or “thing”). Many believe the IoT will have a profound effect on people and businesses over the next 20 years. This article explores what the IoT already means to contractors — and what it could grow to mean going forward.
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Construction market trends – Energy sector continues to generate buzz
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 883
Abstract: The energy sector was one of the first industries to bounce back from the Great Recession, and one of the few that have been consistently thriving for several years. This article describes some of the opportunities for contractors in energy, as well as a major challenge in the form of labor market competitiveness. A sidebar covers the recently proposed Clean Power Plan, which will set national standards to limit carbon pollution from power plants and may also generate construction work.
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In the News – What’s keeping your borrowers up at night?
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: A borrower’s woes typically become its lender’s woes. This article identifies the Top 10 CFO concerns and global trouble spots, according to the 2015 Duke University / CFO Magazine Global Business Outlook survey. Despite these issues, most domestic CFOs are optimistic about the year ahead.
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The power of one – Identifying potential pitfalls can help enhance value in a roll-up
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Operating inefficiencies are one of the biggest struggles small and midsize borrowers face — and those that lose the battle may go out of business. A roll-up, where several smaller companies in the same or similar industries join forces to form a larger company, can reinforce a struggling borrower’s defenses. This article discusses the advantages of roll-ups, which go beyond economies of scale and synergies. From an underwriting perspective, a larger company is an easier sell than a smaller one, providing greater access to capital and more favorable loan terms. However, inattention to consolidation issues can lead to disaster, so companies should approach this strategy with caution.
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Proud to be “Made in America”
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 525
Abstract: There’s a mounting grassroots movement favoring domestic-made products. People want to feel good about their purchases. For many, this means products that are locally sourced from companies that they feel they can trust. This trend is good news for retailers and manufacturers that operate primarily in the United States — and their lenders. This article explains what it takes to claim that a product is “Made in America” and why that label makes good business sense.
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Variable vs. fixed rates: Help borrowers weigh their options
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 860
Abstract: Interest rates have been near historical lows. But as rates slowly start to increase, now may be a smart time for customers with variable-rate loans to lock into fixed-rate loans. This article reviews where rates have been over the last four decades and which types of borrowers might benefit from making the variable-to-fixed conversion. A sidebar takes a closer look at interest rate swaps as a financing alternative.
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Computing trademark infringement damages
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 403
Abstract: Trademark holders often turn to injunctive relief under the Lanham Act when their assets are infringed, asserting a likelihood of consumer confusion. But, if a trademark is infringed in a manner that causes actual consumer confusion, the holder could be entitled to both its own actual damages and the infringer’s profits. This article discusses the ramifications of the holder’s lost profits and the infringer’s profits.