Focus
Showing 385–393 of 393 results
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Do you really have the homeowner’s coverage you need?
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 705
Abstract: A homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to cover your home and personal belongings in the case of theft or damage. But do you know whether you really have the coverage you need? This article explains why it’s critical to review your policy regularly so you know whether it’s time to buy additional coverage or switch insurers. A sidebar offers tips on how to ask your insurer for a better deal.
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3 tips for tax-smart intrafamily loans
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: At one time or another, you may wish to provide financial assistance via a loan to your children or other family members. Whatever your reasons for lending to a family member, it’s important to structure and document the loan carefully. You may trust these loved ones implicitly but, if you handle things too informally, you may bring about some unpleasant tax consequences. This article offers three tips for making tax-friendly family loans.
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A QPRT lets you have your cake and eat it too
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 714
Abstract: Most estate planning strategies involve some tradeoffs. For example, typically, to remove assets from your taxable estate, you must relinquish control over them. One estate planning tool, however, comes close to letting you have your cake and eat it too: the qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). This article discusses how a properly designed QPRT allows you to transfer your home to your children or other relatives and remove its value from your estate — while you continue to live in it.
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Take aim and fire! How market research can help you focus on the target
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: Researching and understanding your target market is key to knowing where and how to effectively aim your business’s marketing efforts. Missing the target and failing to generate a return on your marketing investment can seriously injure your business’s financial position. This article explains how you can avoid this fate, by applying a strategic, methodical approach to your marketing efforts, which includes market research. (Updated 1/4/12)
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Selling a home in today’s market
February / March 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: Slumping sales in the single-family home real estate market is a reason for concern for anyone needing to sell their home. This article offers some practical advice for getting your home in marketable condition. Plus, it offers options to consider if it doesn’t sell quickly, such as selling to a real estate investor, auctioning it off or leasing it out.
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Pssst! Have you heard? Word-of-mouth marketing can help you build your business
February / March 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 313
Abstract: This short article discusses why word-of-mouth marketing (a.k.a. referrals) is one of the best, most cost-effective ways to grow your business. Although you may be relying on successful product and service delivery to grow your company, you can maximize these opportunities by developing a program to handle referrals. This article explains how to do it. (Updated 1/4/12)
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The 4-1-1 on FIN 48 – New accounting rules can be taxing
February / March 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Under the new FIN 48 accounting rules, some organizations must disclose uncertain tax positions on their financial statements. If you’re like many business owners, you may be concerned that these new requirements will not only increase your costs and affect your company’s earnings, but also provide the IRS and state taxing authorities with ammunition they can use during an audit. This article delves into the topic and attempts to answer these questions: Do the new rules apply to you? What does FIN 48 require? What about state taxes?
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Figuring out dependent tax breaks isn’t child’s play
February / March 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: Caring for children or other dependents may entitle you to a variety of tax breaks. But just because you support another person financially doesn’t mean that you’ll qualify. This article explores the intricacies of the tax code, and attempts to decode the IRS’s definition of “qualifying child.” Unlike previous definitions, which generally required that you provide more than half of a dependent’s support, the new definition relies on residency. This article also outlines four tests that a qualifying child must meet. A helpful sidebar discusses how to determine who’s entitled to tax benefits if more than one person claims a benefit with respect to the same child.
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Healthy computers = better performance
February / March 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 627
Abstract: If you’re like most people, you know the feeling of your stomach dropping to the floor when a computer malfunctions or crashes. That feeling can turn to sheer panic when the computer malfunction is companywide. This article explains why maintaining your computers is critical to enabling and sustaining your business operations, and it offers practical advice on how to keep your company’s computers humming.