General & Family Business
Showing 913–928 of 1042 results
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Rewarding nonfamily employees – Offer “alternative” compensation and benefits
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 587
Abstract: Family business owners understand the need to reward their nonfamily workers. After all, in many cases, these employees make up the lion’s share of a company’s workforce. But it can be difficult to keep the “lions” motivated when family employees are also owners and nonfamily employees aren’t. To avoid giving ownership interests to nonfamily members, consider instead offering them “alternative” compensation and benefits. These may include matching contributions for a retirement plan or, for executive employees, participation in a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Phantom stock and fringe benefits are also possibilities.
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Does your retirement future look as bright as it used to?
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 925
Abstract: Many people approaching their “golden years” are understandably nervous about opening their retirement plan statements these days. Although leaving the workforce — and a steady income — behind during the current economic downturn probably isn’t ideal, it may still be possible to retire in style. But it’s important to look at finances. How lavish a retirement is desired? Will there be enough money for health care? Beyond Social Security, one must look to a tax-advantaged retirement plan, such as a 401(k), IRA, or simplified employee pension (SEP). Or one can work longer, but retirement plan minimum distribution requirements take effect at age 70½ (although, as a sidebar explains, these have been suspended for 2009).
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Practical Perspectives: key financial issues for you and your family – What to consider when a family member asks for a loan
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: This issue examines the case of Irving, Veronica and Irving’s sister Patricia, who has lost her job and is in desperate need of a loan. Before they make a decision, Irving and Veronica visit their financial advisor, who explains the steps that are necessary to formalize the loan and to avoid negative tax consequences.
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Moneylines: News Briefs for Businesses
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 419
Abstract: This issue’s “Moneylines” discusses slower customer payments being experienced by some businesses, while others’ owners are forgoing their own salaries to keep their enterprises afloat. There’s also increased usage of “cloud computing,” and one study shows that surfing the Internet at work might not be the productivity-killer that many have feared.
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How do you hold title to your assets? – The answer could affect your estate plan
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1088
Abstract: The manner in which you own — or “hold title” to — your assets can have a big effect on how and whether those assets are passed on to your heirs according to your wishes. But there are three key ways to hold title assets, each of which could affect the feasibility of your estate plan: joint tenancy with the right of survivorship; an irrevocable life insurance trust; and a credit shelter (or “bypass”) trust. A sidebar notes current and potential changes in the estate tax exemption.
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Retaining your best staff in a down economy
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Trendlines
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 831
Abstract: With rising unemployment numbers getting plenty of media attention over the past year or so, it may seem counterintuitive to worry about retaining staff. Yet a star employee moving on to greener pastures during tough economic times is hardly an impossibility. And your remaining employees may feel unsettled when key staff depart, hurting their productivity and leaving them eyeing the exits. For these reasons, it’s important to brush up on some best practices in staff retention. These include relevant training, a challenging environment, work-life balance and employee empowerment. And a sidebar points out that, for those who do leave, an exit interview can provide important lessons.
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The 411 on enhanced charitable contribution deductions
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 363
Abstract: Under previous law, the charitable contribution deduction was limited to cost. But, through Dec. 31, 2009, businesses contributing food, computer equipment and books to qualifying organizations can receive a deduction of up to twice the cost or basis of an item, if the value is higher than cost. This offers some companies a great opportunity to reduce their tax burden.
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2 expanded business tax breaks deserve your attention
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 671
Abstract: Two valuable tax breaks were expanded earlier this year that can provide many businesses with substantial benefits if they act soon. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) extended the 50% bonus depreciation through 2009, making it more affordable for businesses to invest in asset purchases this year. The act also expanded the net operating loss (NOL) carryback period for smaller businesses with 2008 NOLs, potentially providing them with a much needed cash infusion this year.
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Risk management: How to use ERM to plan for the worst
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 630
Abstract: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) hasn’t saved every company in these difficult times, but it remains the most viable solution to the numerous and varied risks that companies face during this era of financial uncertainty, globalization and technological change. There are some best practices you can follow in building sound, companywide risk protection. They involve assessing risks, developing a plan, and bringing ERM into the company culture.
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Attract and retain top talent – Offering deferred compensation plans can keep ’em happy
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: Even in these times, attracting and retaining top executive talent is crucial. An appealing compensation package may be just the ticket, and deferred compensation can be an important part of that package. In considering compensation, companies have two options: qualified deferred compensation (QDC) plans or nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans. Both can benefit your top employees; the major difference between the plans is how they affect your business. In particular, companies must pay attention to Section 409A compliance rules.
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Ready to convert? To a Roth IRA, that is
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Even if converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA isn’t an option for you today, it will be next year. That’s because starting in 2010 the income and marital status restrictions that might otherwise restrict your ability to make that conversion will no longer apply. But it’s not for everyone. This article discusses the pros and cons, while a sidebar looks at the advantage of contributing to a charity directly from your IRA.
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Mom, Dad, we need to talk – Why it’s necessary to discuss finances with aging parents
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 365
Abstract: Talking with aging parents about their finances can be emotionally taxing for them — and you. But with some advance planning — and a lot of sensitivity and respect — you can help your parents manage their emotions and their finances. This brief article lists a few of the things you need to discuss.
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Joint tenancy arrangements carry significant risks
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 725
Abstract: One way some individuals sidestep the formalities of a will is to place property in “joint tenancy with the right of survivorship.” Under this arrangement, the property is co-owned by two parties, with ownership ceding to the surviving owner upon one party’s death. Although it sounds simple, joint tenancy carries significant risks. This article looks at the specific risks involved regarding legal conflicts, Medicaid disqualification and tax liability.
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Be cautious when asking for business loans from family members
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: A family business owner might be tempted to use family members as a source of capital. But receiving money from family members can be like a double-edged sword: For tax purposes you may structure the transactions as outright gifts or as loans. But too much debt from these loans can signal bankers and potential investors that your business is financially unstable. Here are tips on how to treat the debt the same as you would if you held it with outside investors or lenders.
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Are your independent contractors truly independent?
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 824
Abstract: In today’s belt-tightening economy, some businesses are replacing downsized workers with independent contractors (ICs) to eliminate the costs of maintaining full-time employees. But just because your company considers workers as ICs doesn’t mean the IRS will. This article offers guidelines to help companies observe the distinction between supporting and controlling the way an employee works, and a sidebar warns that companies must be careful to protect the tax-qualified status of their benefit plans when reclassifying ICs as employees.
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A thief among us – How to curtail employee fraud
June / July 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 361
Abstract: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners notes that employee fraud is on the rise. Workers may commit a variety of crimes, ranging from misappropriating assets to stealing supplies. This article discusses the kinds of persons most likely to commit fraud, what company functions are susceptible to particular kinds of fraud, and — most important — what steps companies can take to minimize risk.