Fall
Showing 481–496 of 741 results
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Tablets on the jobsite? Do your homework first
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: Contractors, superintendents, project managers and other employees often use tablet computers at jobsites or on the road. Tablets can be used to track time and materials; connect to the company’s estimating, bidding and project management systems; and view and share AutoCAD drawings, among other tasks. They can also be used to hold videoconferences and share real-time jobsite information with others. But, before buying tablets for employees — or allowing them to use their own — it’s important to make sure the devices meet the company’s needs. This article poses three questions to ask before setting a policy.
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Goodwill matters when valuing a construction business
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 462
Abstract: For many construction companies, a significant portion of their value consists of goodwill, both business and personal. And the type of goodwill can have a big impact on the value derived from a sale of the business. This article explains the distinction between business and personal goodwill and how it can be critical in the context of a business sale.
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Is employee fraud hurting your bottom line?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: For the construction industry, losses pertaining to jobsites, plant sites and job management are more common than accounting and financial fraud. But, as this article explains, there are ways to beef up controls to fight back against fraudsters. Besides discussing fraud penalties in an employee manual, tools include confidential hotlines, background checks, separation of responsibilities, random audits — and setting a good example.
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Year end tax strategies for contractors
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 947
Abstract: Tax planning is particularly important this year because 1) individual income tax rates are higher, 2) several tax breaks are scheduled to expire at the end of this year, and 3) new taxes, especially the 3.8% Medicare surtax on net investment income, require special attention. This article discusses all of these items, while a sidebar explores whether it’s advisable for some construction companies to convert to a C corporation to reduce their tax bills.
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BANK Wire – Basel III finalized
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 408
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” discusses the OCC’s and the Federal Reserve Board’s final rules adopting Basel III bank capital requirements. It also looks at an OCC guide offering practical, best-practices advice for community banks and a Federal Trade Commission guide regarding its Red Flags Rule for spotting identity theft. And it mentions a recent study by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank identifying the distinguishing features of community banks that maintained the highest supervisory ratings during the recent financial crisis.
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Get ready for new mortgage rules
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: Community banks should begin preparing now for new mortgage rules that take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. The rules, finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) last January, are designed to protect consumers from risky lending practices. The CFPB in July made several amendments to the rules. Among other things, the amendments ease some of the new requirements for smaller banks. This article discusses the highlights, particularly as they apply to the ability-to-pay rule and the qualified mortgage rule.
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Taking stock of inventory – Are any of your borrowers using slick fraud tricks?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: Fraud involving inventory, in one way or another, happens regularly. Knowing what tricks are employed, and how to trip them up, is half the battle. This article cites some real-world examples of scams to look out for, whether involving the physical inventory directly or the accounting for it.
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Social media risks shouldn’t be ignored
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 752
Abstract: In recent years, many banks have begun to use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media platforms to interact with customers and prospects and to market their products and services. But the opportunities these platforms provide also come with significant risks. So it’s critical to develop a plan for managing these risks. This article discusses the operational, reputational, and compliance and legal risks and lists steps for mitigating them. A sidebar notes the danger posed by file-sharing apps.
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Should you cut the F&I department?
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Some dealers may have tried to lower overhead and customer wait times by eliminating the finance and insurance (F&I) department. But not every dealer should make such a radical move. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before cutting F&I. As this article explains, one option is to merge the sales and F&I departments, creating a one-stop shopping experience. But training salespeople in specific F&I-related tasks would become essential.
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Collaborative expense reviews pay off
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 554
Abstract: As the market revs up, it’s important to resist the temptation to splurge. Dealers should spend as if they were still operating in a recession. To get a better handle on cost containment, they should consider incorporating collaborative expense reviews into their weekly management meetings. This article explains how collaboration can foster more disciplined spending.
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Ethics policies – A code to sell by
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: It’s essential that a dealer’s top management act ethically, but moral behavior shouldn’t stop there. A formal code of ethics that encompasses industry standards can help dealers communicate — and emphasize — their values. Also, related policies and procedures provide employees clear-cut directions. This article discusses industry and state ethical codes, along with some additional guiding principles.
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Operate each day like it’s your last – Sale-ready dealerships can fetch more and sell faster
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 859
Abstract: Automotive industry experts report that buy-sell new-car activity is up and that average dealer earnings are at all-time highs. These trends are good news for owners thinking about retiring or selling their dealerships. Even if they’re not, it’s always a good idea to run a business “sale-ready” to maximize return on investment. This article suggests how to do so by focusing on such items as the physical plant, profit margins and overhead expenses, and professional management. A sidebar discusses some of the factors that drive a dealership’s value.
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3 tips for successful franchise ownership
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 193
Abstract: Franchises can offer entrepreneurs lower-risk, turnkey opportunities for business ownership. But many challenges await even those who have the funds and have done their research. This brief article discusses personality type, profit expectations and expert advice.
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Financial planning for brides- and grooms-to-be
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 353
Abstract: Marriage introduces several potential money complications, so it’s essential that prospective brides and grooms discuss finances with each other before they tie the knot. This article addresses credit and debt, the “marriage penalty” when filing taxes, prenuptial agreements and qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trusts.
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Alternative financing – Where to go when your bank says “no”
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: The credit market is slowly improving, but most lenders currently are asking even qualified applicants to jump through hoops. For applicants who are turned down for a loan — or approved, but consider their bank’s terms unacceptable — alternatives do exist. This article takes a look at crowdfunding, angel investors, SBA loans and other potential options.
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Year end tax planning: Prepare now and possibly save later
Fall 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 486
Abstract: Fall is the ideal time to begin the year end tax planning process. Taxpayers should start gathering income and deduction records now so they’ll know where they stand and what actions they might want to take to minimize their 2013 tax bill. This article discusses several tax-reduction strategies, while a sidebar offers a tax planning checklist of records to gather.