FOC
Showing 177–192 of 393 results
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Second time around – Financial planning when marrying again
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 427
Abstract: When marrying again, it’s important to consider how the newly combined families will handle their financial lives going forward. This brief article notes what partners should do to clarify their financial situation, including taking inventory, revising financial paperwork and possibly creating a prenuptial agreement.
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Be smart: Plan for a secure retirement
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 539
Abstract: Preparing for the distant future often isn’t high on anyone’s financial priority list, but it’s important to act now to create and sustain a viable and secure retirement. This article lists steps to take, including developing a financial plan tailored to individual needs, preparing for unexpected events and using diversification strategies.
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Stay on top of new lease accounting guidelines
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 628
Abstract: The FASB issued new lease accounting guidelines earlier this year to provide complete, understandable pictures of companies’ leasing activities. As this article discusses, such guidelines may be important for companies that lease office space, equipment, real estate or other assets. The article covers several new requirements and modifications.
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On the right path – Adjustments to depreciation rules
August / September 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 912
Abstract: The PATH Act of 2015 significantly changed two depreciation tax breaks — Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation — in ways that are favorable to many companies. Although the new rules are somewhat complicated, this article explains how professional accounting advice can help many businesses benefit from these changes in planning their investments in depreciable assets. A sidebar discusses how the act affects the Work Opportunity credit.
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529 plans to the rescue
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: By the time babies born in 2016 turn 18, the cost of their college educations may top $200,000. That’s if they attend an in-state, four-year public university and the $20,000 the College Board estimates they’d pay today for tuition, room, and board rises at an average of 5% annually. One tool parents can use to save for these costs is a 529 plan. This article describes the advantages of these plans — flexibility is a key one — as well as their downside.
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Why you might not want to include corporate assets with business assets
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 491
Abstract: There are many reasons why a business owner might not want to combine real estate and other assets in a single entity. This article explains the costly mistake that such a move could entail, and why separating real estate ownership from the business offers owners greater flexibility. Suggestions to maximize tax benefits are included.
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There are new rules for partnership audits
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 654
Abstract: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, signed into law in November 2015, substantially changes the way the IRS may audit partnerships and, unless they’re not treated as partnerships for tax purposes, multimember limited liability companies. This article discusses adjustments that business owners will need to make at the partnership level because of the revised audit rules as well as new procedures that are now required by most partnerships.
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The responsibilities of being an executor – Make sure you’re up to the task
June / July 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 850
Abstract: Before a person agrees to be an executor of an estate, he or she should understand what the role entails. While serving as an executor can be an honor, the role carries significant responsibilities. This article highlights the multiple tasks required by an executor (called a “personal representative” in some states), which includes filing tax returns, taking inventory of the deceased’s assets and closing the estate. A sidebar explains how an executor is paid.
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Is it time to choose housing options for Mom and Dad?
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: There are numerous choices available when it comes to senior housing. But, making a decision on how to make that choice can be very hard on all the family members. This article can help a family understand the options available.
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Teach kids the ABCs of the almighty dollar
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: Although it might seem like jumping the gun, 3- and 4-year-olds can begin grasping concepts such as needs and wants, as well as the idea that most people can’t buy everything they want. So it’s important to start teaching a child money sense. This article delves into the issues of when to start giving a child an allowance and explaining needs vs. wants. It also addresses how to talk to teenagers about money. For example, it discusses how high schoolers can be expected to take on even greater responsibility for their own expenses.
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Watch out! Tax return changes are just around the corner
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 618
Abstract: Most taxpayers have likely already filed their tax returns and are looking forward to thinking about anything other than taxes. While that’s understandable, it’s critical that taxpayers remember certain tax deadlines and be aware that there are several important deadline changes for some types of tax returns. This article discusses deadlines for S and C corporations, partnerships, FBAR filers and mortgage lenders.
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Making the most of your company’s financial statements
April / May 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 900
Abstract: A company’s financial statements are the bellwether of its cash flow. Each report offers information regarding the financial position and performance of the business. Moreover, they can help one uncover potential money-management problems and fraudulent activity. This article looks at some of the intricacies of the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows. A sidebar notes the difference between the LIFO and FIFO inventory reporting methods.
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To catch a thief – How you can recover your stolen tax identity
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 448
Abstract: Tax-related identity theft can occur in many ways. First, a thief may steal someone’s Social Security number, file a tax return and fraudulently claim a refund. In fact, during the 2014 tax filing season, the IRS suspected and stopped more than 3.6 million returns filed by identity thieves. A victim of tax-related identity theft should work with the IRS to help remove fraudulent, inaccurate information from their account and ensure that their actual return is processed correctly. This article explains how to do just that.
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Dealing with the uncertainty of Social Security
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 640
Abstract: Baby Boomers are likely wondering if Social Security will still be available when they need to start withdrawing funds from their accounts. Probably so, at least initially — but, for someone who is relatively young, it’s more likely that the program could undergo significant changes before his or her retirement age. Whether a Baby Boomer or not, everyone should consider how Social Security fits into their retirement portfolio. This article notes that a retirement plan shouldn’t depend on Social Security, but it should factor in projected benefits.
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Tax deductions for businesses – Don’t ignore the DPAD ― it may work for you
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 650
Abstract: The domestic production activities deduction, also known as “DPAD,” is meant to encourage domestic manufacturing. It’s often referred to as the “manufacturers’ deduction” (or “Section 199 deduction”). But, as this article notes, this potentially valuable tax break can be used by many other types of businesses besides manufacturing companies.
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The ins and outs of valuing a business
February / March 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 842
Abstract: Determining the value of a business isn’t an easy task. After all, one has likely given their heart, soul and energy to build it, so objectively assessing its worth can be quite difficult. Yet an inaccurate valuation can blow the deal when one is trying to attract buyers. This article explores a variety of valuation methods, while a sidebar offers five ways to boost a business’s value.