August / September
Showing 449–464 of 469 results
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Uncover your company’s key value drivers
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: Many tangible and intangible qualities can enhance a buyer’s perceived value of a company, help close the deal and even land a higher-than-expected purchase price. These key value drivers vary by company, industry and buyer needs, but often include proprietary technologies, market position, brand names, diverse product lines and patented products. But most buyers also look for companies with solid, diversified customer bases, realistic growth strategies and effective management.
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Price management – Addressing an overlooked aspect of integration
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 824
Abstract: Business buyers sometimes focus their efforts too narrowly on finding cost reduction efficiencies and pay little attention to revenue-generating activities such as price management. As this article explains, price management is an essential component of the integration process. Prices must be reviewed and adjusted as quickly as possible because most price benefits are realized in the first 12 months following closing.
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Sunny days or storm clouds? A look at what’s on the M&A horizon
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 856
Abstract: Analyst predictions that M&A activity would slow in 2008 have proved accurate. During the first quarter, tighter credit markets reduced the availability of relatively cheap financing that had buoyed M&As for the previous few years. This article discusses how the softened economy has affected large and middle-market deals and both domestic and international mergers. It also explains why private-equity firms are likely to represent less of a competitive threat to corporate buyers in the near term.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You’ve designated a minor or legally incompetent person as beneficiary of your life insurance policy
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 347
Abstract: For many people, a life insurance policy is their most valuable asset. But all too often, they neglect to give the beneficiary designation the attention it deserves. One of the most common mistakes is designating a minor or legally incompetent person as beneficiary. Doing so actually defeats one of the fundamental purposes of estate planning: to have a say in how your wealth is distributed after you die. This short article explores the consequences of designating a minor or legally incompetent person as a life insurance beneficiary and suggests an alternative strategy.
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Could you be taxed in multiple states? How domicile affects your estate plan
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: Where a person makes his or her home (his or her domicile) is primarily a lifestyle choice. But it can also have a financial impact, especially if the person divides his or her time among two or more states. Without careful planning, the person may find him- or herself in an unfortunate situation of having multiple states competing for his or her tax dollars. This article explains the estate tax implications of domicile. (Updated: 11/30/12)
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Income in respect of a decedent – Why some gift horses deserve a hard look
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: The adage “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” is often applied to inheritances. But for certain types of assets, a thorough inspection may reveal an unexpected tax bite. Most inherited property is tax free to the recipient, but there’s an exception for property that’s considered income in respect of a decedent (IRD). IRD can be a significant estate planning issue, especially if a person has large balances in an IRA or other retirement account — or inherits such assets. This article details what IRD is and how to plan for it. (Updated: 4/27/12)
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4 common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 960
Abstract: When it comes to marriage, money can be an emotionally charged subject. But few topics evoke a more passionate response than the prenuptial agreement. But prenups can be an effective way for many couples to achieve their financial and estate planning goals. This article discusses four misconceptions about prenups and briefly explains a postnuptial agreement.
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Is your tax “house” in order?
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 351
Abstract: If you use household employees — such as nannies, gardeners, housekeepers, cooks or health care workers — it’s important to understand your tax obligations. If you fail to pay employment taxes, you risk substantial back taxes, penalties and interest. This brief article asks these key questions: “Are you a household employer?” “What are your tax responsibilities?” and “When do you pay the taxes?” And then it provides the answers so you can better understand your tax responsibilities in regard to household employees.
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Surviving divorce: Vow to protect your financial interests
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 754
Abstract: It’s hard to ignore the facts: More than half of all married couples will get divorced. For those who are among the unlucky-in-love, the last thing they need is unnecessary financial suffering on top of the emotional trauma. This article explores some ways married couples can protect themselves financially before and during marriage, as well as during and after divorce proceedings.
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How to sow seeds of business innovation
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: To innovate means to continually work at applying new ideas for growing a business and developing, targeting and delivering better products and services. This article discusses the “seeds” of innovation, including vision, collaboration and motivation. By planting the seeds of innovation and establishing a formal program, you can help ensure a bountiful harvest of new business ideas. (Updated 1/4/12)
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Section 1244 stock offers small business investors a big advantage
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 518
Abstract: Investing in a small business — especially a startup venture — can be risky. But, investing in these companies can have its rewards. Internal Revenue Code Section 1244 provides tax-advantaged treatment for investors in “qualified small business corporations.” This article takes a look at how Sec. 1244 stock can work for you.
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3 depreciation tips you’ll appreciate
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 974
Abstract: To encourage business investment, the tax code provides opportunities for companies to deduct the cost of depreciable assets more quickly or even “expense” them — that is, deduct the full cost in the year they’re purchased. This article offers three tips for making the most of these opportunities. A sidebar discusses provisions in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 that enhance depreciation deductions.
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Practical Perspectives: Key financial issue for you and your family – Quelling marital discord with a postnuptial agreement
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: In this issue’s “Practical Perspectives,” we meet Denis and Marjene. They’d been married for almost 20 years when Denis decided to leave his steady job as a civil engineer to pursue a startup centered on a product he’d invented. He wound up accruing substantial debt and even dipping into the couple’s retirement savings. As a result, the couple’s discussions about money got so heated that they began to fear for their marriage. To get a better idea of just where their finances lay, Denis and Marjene paid a visit to their financial advisor, who suggested, cautiously, that the couple consider a postnuptial agreement.
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Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses and Individuals
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 450
Abstract: This section offers four news briefs about: 1) How, unlike once upon a time, workers now want their employers’ help with planning for retirement, 2) A recent IRS reminder urging homeowners to learn the rules of deducting points while refinancing their mortgages, 3) Chilling news from the Better Business Bureau that loan scams perpetrated against small businesses are on the rise, and 4) The fact that, according to a recent study, gas prices, income and health care top many Americans’ worry lists.
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7 critical business valuation terms you should know
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: Every business owner will likely need to have his or her company appraised at some point. Appraisals are essential in the event of a business sale or merger, for creating or updating a buy-sell agreement, or for devising and refining an estate plan. A good way to preempt the uncertainties of the appraisal process is to learn some basic valuation terminology. This article provides seven terms business owners should know. (Updated: 6/11/12)
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Trends in compensation – Pay-for-performance model beckons many companies
August / September 2008
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: Compensation is, one might say, the original motivator. Yet precisely how to compensate employees is no longer the simple concept it once was. This article examines one compensation model that has been beckoning many companies of late: pay-for-performance. (Updated: 8/28/12)