Winter
Showing 513–528 of 772 results
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How’s your dealership really doing?
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 582
Abstract: Dealers who need a better way to determine how their dealership is performing may find that benchmarking with key performance indicators (KPIs) provides the answers. This article explains the concept behind KPIs and shows how to pick the best ones.
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Counting inventory – Ask the right questions to get the right results
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 875
Abstract: When a dealer counts inventory, a small difference between what’s on the shelves and in its perpetual inventory system or the general ledger shouldn’t give rise to panic. But a variance that exceeds 3% to 5% is a cause for concern. This article offers some ideas for minimizing discrepancies. It looks at whether to outsource physical counting, how often to count and precautionary steps to take. A sidebar lists several ways to fraud-proof a parts department.
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How an ILIT can solve your estate planning quandaries
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 186
Abstract: An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be a solution for those who worry that their heirs won’t have sufficient cash to pay estate taxes — or that a life insurance policy’s value might exceed lifetime estate and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions. But as this short article explains, ILITs also have potential drawbacks.
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6 questions to ask before refinancing your mortgage
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 377
Abstract: In September 2012, the Federal Reserve announced plans to keep the Fed funds rate at “exceptionally low levels” at least through mid-2015. So this may be a good time to refinance a mortgage. But low rates are just one consideration. As this article shows, homeowners also must ask themselves several questions before taking the plunge.
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Business structure basics – Have you chosen the right entity?
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: Choosing a business structure, or entity, is an important decision that requires owners to consider several factors. The right structure depends on their circumstances, which may change over time. This article discusses the pros and cons of choosing to become a C corporation, S corporation or limited liability company (LLC), particularly as these structures pertain to flexibility, taxes and access to financing.
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Cash flow is your company’s lifeblood — monitor it closely
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 468
Abstract: While growth and profitability are good measures of a business’s success, cash flow may better reflect its overall health. Many of the businesses that failed during the recent economic downturn can blame cash-flow problems such as low collection rates or the inability to secure lines of credit. This article discusses two tools that can help businesses analyze their cash flow: a detailed budget and a cash flow statement.
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Special financing Q & A – Primer on subprime loans addresses pluses, minuses
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1053
Abstract: Here’s what you need to know about subprime auto loans in sum. This article discusses the subprime loan customer, the dealership as lender, outside lenders, risks and more. A sidebar addresses how the risks of subprime auto lending are different from those of subprime mortgage lending. (Updated 11/30/12)
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Taking care of business – 6 steps to an effective continuity plan
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 754
Abstract: Every company should have a business continuity plan (BCP) for maintaining or recovering operations if natural disaster hits, technology fails, terrorists attack — or your business is in some other way interrupted. For financial institutions, the ante is especially high. Thus, it’s critical for banks to have a BCP to minimize financial loss and ensure they can continue serving customers. (Updated 8/29/12)
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Bank-owned life insurance – Should you take out policies on your employees?
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1222
Abstract: As employee benefits costs continue to climb, many banks are turning to bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) to help offset the expense. If your bank uses BOLI or is contemplating doing so, it’s critical to review recent legislative, regulatory and accounting developments in this area. BOLI remains an effective tool, but it’s important to know its limits and potential impact on your institution’s financial statements. (Updated 8/29/12)
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Contractor’s toolbox – 5 tips for avoiding tax audit triggers
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 471
Abstract: Paying income taxes is painful enough without the specter of penalties and interest. But that’s just what you’ll incur if an IRS audit reveals you broke the rules. This article offers five tips (such as reporting all business income and watching business deductions) for avoiding those audit triggers that can tax your construction company in more ways than one. (Updated 5/29/12)
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Harder than it looks – Changing business structures calls for careful planning
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: Contractors who are starting new businesses must be careful when choosing the form of ownership, or business structure, for those businesses. This article explains the types of business structure available, how each one operates, and some pitfalls that are inherent with the various structures. A sidebar discusses five things you must consider when choosing a business structure, such as the amount of liability you’re willing to assume and state regulations. (Updated 5/29/12)
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Professional employment organizations – Should a third party handle your most important asset?
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: In today’s business environment, where ways to cut costs while improving performance are revered, the outsourcing of many operating functions is widespread. But when it comes to the service-oriented world of the auto dealership, should you let a third party handle your most important asset — your people? An increasing number of dealerships are doing just that, turning to professional employment organizations (PEOs) to hire and fire employees, handle the related HR paperwork, and provide employee benefits. Here are some issues to consider before making a decision. (Updated 4/30/12)
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Construction projects go high-tech with GPS
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 348
Abstract: This article takes a quick look at global positioning system (GPS) technology in construction. Its use is growing as contractors learn how to leverage its capabilities for tracking vehicles and equipment, dispatching crews and supplies, reducing theft, and mapping job sites. It’s an interesting read about cutting-edge technology that’s helping contractors work smarter and more efficiently. (Updated 3/20/12)
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5 tips for building an incentive compensation program
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: When looking to cut costs, a contractor may first look to put annual bonuses on the chopping block. But rather than eliminating such financial incentives, it may be better to develop an incentive compensation program that’s designed to help achieve the company’s goals. This article offers five tips for designing a program that works.
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Winning the war on waste
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 366
Abstract: Dealing with waste often is a costly and frustrating issue for manufacturers, but it doesn’t have to be. This article shows how avoiding waste creation, finding new ways to reuse waste, and making waste smaller can help manufacturers manage it more efficiently, greening their operations while also saving money.
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Smart strategies for paring payroll taxes
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 609
Abstract: Can manufacturers reduce their payroll taxes without shedding employees? It may be possible if they implement certain strategies that can trim their tax burdens and boost their balance sheet. This article offers three such strategies: offering tax-exempt fringe benefits instead of more money; establishing an accountable plan for employee reimbursements; and using independent contractors when possible.