Summer
Showing 561–576 of 760 results
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Don’t let identity theft catch you off guard
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 547
Abstract: Identity theft is on the rise, thanks largely to the increasing prevalence of online transactions. It’s important to shred physical financial documents, but the greatest risk is likely to come from the Internet and common activities such as paying bills and making purchases. This article offers tips to avoid ID theft and explains what consumers should do if they nevertheless become victims. A sidebar discusses credit protection and credit monitoring services.
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Take the dread out of manufacturer rebates
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 481
Abstract: The rebate process can be confusing for dealers, who might fear hefty chargebacks and chaos. This article offers some ideas for smoothing out the procedure. It specifically examines adhering to a clear and consistent submissions method; maintaining good record-keeping; and engaging in quarterly self-audits.
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Do your ads meet federal lease and credit advertising requirements?
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: Dealers shouldn’t pass the buck when it comes to reviewing advertisements for compliance with federal lease and credit advertising guidelines. Manufacturers may help out, but it might not be enough. Because dealers are liable for federal lease and credit advertising violations, they can’t afford to let their ads run wild. So it’s critical that they conduct their own independent ad reviews for errors and omissions. This article explains how to maintain compliance with federal regulations.
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Smart moves – Consider creating a separate real estate entity
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 837
Abstract: A dealership that owns its buildings and land might find it prudent to separate the legal title of the business from the real estate. It can accomplish this by transferring the title to the real estate into a newly created legal entity such as a corporation, limited liability company (LLC) or trust. After it transfers the real property from its operating business, the dealership simply rents the space from the new legal entity in a landlord-tenant relationship. This article shows that this time-tested management strategy is easier and cheaper than one might think, and offers significant legal, financial and personal advantages for dealers.
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Getting the jump on financial statement and tax filing preparation
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 988
Abstract: Proactive auto dealers meet with their CPAs in late summer or early fall to plan for the next year’s financial reporting and tax filing. This helps them anticipate requests for audit or review workpapers, streamline financial statement and tax return preparation, and minimize taxes. This article examines topics such as Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation, which should be addressed before scheduled tax law changes take effect in 2013. It also looks at fixed assets, inventory accounting, and adjusting journal entries, while a sidebar discusses owner transactions.
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Contractor’s toolbox – 5 ways to ensure you hire the best workers
Summer 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 336
Abstract: Job candidates should have more than just the right skills; they also should have a good work ethic, integrity and personalities that will fit into the employer’s organization rather than disrupting it. This article discusses five effective screening mechanisms for contractors and what they can reveal about job applicants. (Updated 2/27/12)
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Protect your construction company against disbursement fraud
Summer 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 720
Abstract: Many contractors take steps to secure their job sites to prevent equipment and materials theft. But not all do everything they can to protect their bank accounts. The goal should be to make sure every disbursement is for authorized and received goods or services and is recorded accurately. This article looks at some effective internal controls that can reduce the risk of internal theft and inaccurate financial reporting. (Updated 2/27/12)
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Do you know how to recoup your equipment costs?
Summer 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Capturing equipment costs can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort. Equipment costs should be charged to each contract using a method that reflects the extent to which the equipment was used on that job. The secret to success lies in knowing the methods available and how to use them. This article explains how to calculate equipment costs, so you can allocate them to the appropriate contract. A special sidebar offers a sample calculation. (Updated 2/23/12)
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The Contractor’s Corner – How can we tighten up our insurance claims process?
Summer 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: This issue’s “Contractor’s Corner” examines the plight of a construction company that, following a series of natural disasters, felt that they’d lost money on soft costs that their adjuster had successfully disputed. This article offers suggestions on how to tighten up the claims process.
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Paperless projects harbor both perks and pitfalls
Summer 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 440
Abstract: Most contractors would probably be more interested in a paperless job site than an all-digital office — because that’s where they spend most of their time. Indeed, paperless projects are possible, but they harbor both perks and pitfalls. This article shows how a Web-based project management system can tie together documents from the project owner, the architect and any subcontractors, enabling the contractor to improve organization and efficiency. But the transition involves time, expense, and buy-in from the parties involved.
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Confronting the specter of an IRS audit
Summer 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: An IRS audit, though not entirely preventable, is more manageable than one might think. Construction companies are document-oriented businesses. So if they manage those documents properly, they’ll likely be well on their way to defending whatever tax breaks they’ve claimed. This article discusses topics such as the types of records to keep and the importance of properly classifying employees and independent contractors.
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Don’t give up on going green – Sustainable building remains a viable force in construction
Summer 2011
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 891
Abstract: Although it has certainly been affected by the economy and slower construction markets in many areas, green building is still right here and doing just fine. So it’s important for contractors to stay familiar with the topic and be cognizant of its benefits and risks. This article discusses requirements a project must meet to be qualified as sustainable, and the financial and reputational benefits that can follow. A sidebar discusses current events in green building.
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10 tips for keeping volunteers
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 470
Abstract: Short-staffed nonprofits rely on volunteer labor to pick up the slack. To help ensure everything is done to engage and retain unpaid workers for the long term, this article offers 10 tips, including building a formal program, assigning work that counts, and adapting to changing needs.
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Subsidiaries can provide a more reliable income source
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 518
Abstract: Tax-exempt entities are subject to regulations that may limit their ability to generate certain types of income. But they can create for-profit subsidiaries that do. As this article explains, a for-profit subsidiary can help charities generate revenue through new business activities, reduce taxable unrelated business income, limit legal liability and preserve their tax-exempt status.
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Advantages of sponsoring another charity
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: Fiscal sponsorships — a kind of legal and financial umbrella — can benefit both established nonprofits and charitable projects that lack 501(c)(3) status. But before agreeing to sponsor a group, nonprofits need to understand how such sponsorships work, as well as how they differ from similar, less-advantageous arrangements. This article discusses the benefits and responsibilities for both parties, and describes projects that can best benefit from a fiscal sponsorship.
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Struggling? Try running your organization like a business
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 887
Abstract: Nonprofits that are struggling and unsure how to move forward should consider adopting some corporate business practices. Though the essential missions of corporate businesses and nonprofits are different, the ways to achieve them often are the same. This article addresses goal-setting, budgeting, executive compensation and transparency. A sidebar explains why goals should be SMART — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.