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Showing 8225–8240 of 10245 results
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Avoid mistakes with timely deposits
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 484
Abstract: In any qualified retirement plan, money comes in and money goes out. And an area that garners Department of Labor (DOL) attention is what’s known as timely deposits. The DOL actively enforces timely deposits of elective deferral contributions. This article summarizes what readers need to know to avoid problems.
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Battle of the documents – What if your summary plan description and plan document differ?
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 764
Abstract: Generally, an underlying plan document (UPD) and summary plan description (SPD) govern retirement plans. What happens when these documents differ? Which one takes precedence over the other? And what’s the plan sponsor’s responsibility? This article answers these questions. Washington v. Murphy Oil USA, 497 F.3d 453 (5th Cir. Aug. 16, 2007) Jobe v. Medical Life Ins. Co., 598 F.3d 478 (8th Cir. Mar, 19, 2010)
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What’s Congress done for benefits lately? How the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 affects you
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 868
Abstract: The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (SBJA) affects 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457(b) plans and can potentially expand the availability of Roth features to plan participants. This article discusses why a plan sponsor would want to amend its plan to allow for the Roth feature and the steps needed to do so.
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Back to basics – S corporation vs. C corporation
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 466
Abstract: Entity choice is a strategic decision that affects bank customers’ legal liability, tax obligations and financial reporting. S corporations and C corporations are two popular choices for private business ownership. This article looks at some differences lenders should keep in mind when considering these corporations.
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Financial restatements – What do they really tell you?
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 661
Abstract: Lenders should be concerned about the accuracy of the accounting information in borrowers’ financial statements. But there may be “honest” reasons why borrowers need to correct their financial statements, such as when complex accounting principles are misinterpreted. This article examines some of those factors and shows how to minimize dependence on bad numbers.
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Get a grip on internal controls
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 918
Abstract: Understanding borrowers’ control systems is an important part of loan due diligence. The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) lists five components of internal controls. This article discusses them, along with what to look for in management letters. Specifically, a sidebar points out that such letters must include “material weaknesses” and “significant deficiencies” in internal controls unearthed during audit procedures.
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Beware of these top tax traps – IRS strategic plan sheds light on potential audit risks
February / March 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 740
Abstract: Under the IRS’s five-year strategic plan, Tier I activities — credits or deductions involving a large number of taxpayers in many industries, a significant dollar amount or high visibility — are specific high-risk transactions that IRS auditors must evaluate if a borrower is audited for any reason. This article looks at some possible consequences of an IRS audit and, proactively, some IRS hot buttons that lenders should watch for on their borrowers’ financial statements and tax returns.
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The tax lay of the land – Familiarize yourself with a new state’s tax laws
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: This article discusses the case of “Justin,” who is purchasing a second home in another state to be closer to a sick family member. But he still expects to spend time during the year in his old home. His tax advisor then called to inform Justin about his new state’s tax laws and the need to establish a legal “domicile,” or principal place of residence. He explains that a person can have many homes but only one domicile, and discusses how to establish one so as to obtain the most advantage of states’ different tax laws.
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HSA + HDHP = cost-effective health care funding
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 773
Abstract: Because of the rising cost of health care, individuals are looking for cost-effective ways to fund it. The combination of a Health Savings Account (HSA) and a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) is one solution. This article explains the basics of how they operate together, what it takes to qualify, and why this solution might be better for some than for others. A sidebar shows the 2012 HSA contribution limits and HDHP costs.
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Gain financial flexibility with a savings plan
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 488
Abstract: A person who’s achieved some measure of earning power might be inclined to think that saving will somehow take care of itself. That would be a mistake. There’s no telling when an unexpected turn of events, such as a job loss or an extended illness, could quickly empty one’s bank account. Consequently, the smartest strategy is to begin saving as much as possible, as early as possible. This article offers tips for getting started early.
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Is it time to sell? Knowing when to get rid of a security requires strategy
November / December 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: If an investment is doing well, the tendency is to want to stick with it to see if it does even better. If it’s doing poorly, the inclination is to hang on until it’s back to breakeven. But both of these scenarios can turn out badly. So when is the right time to sell? This article offers some reasons to sell, such as when a company is in decline or it’s necessary to balance one’s portfolio. A sidebar discusses selling in tax-deferred vs. taxable accounts.
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A primer on the probate process
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 266
Abstract: This brief article explains the probate process and why it’s generally desirable to avoid probate, if possible. It mentions strategies for avoiding or minimizing probate, but they depend largely on the complexity of one’s estate.
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Do you need long-term care insurance? Weigh the costs and benefits before deciding
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Long-term care (LTC) generally isn’t covered by Medicare or other health insurance. Because of the increasingly high costs associated with LTC services, an LTC insurance policy is worth considering. This article discusses options available, including a new federally administered program called Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS), which will be available after October 2012. The article also discusses the self-insurance option.
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Turning your ownership interest into cash for retirement
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 821
Abstract: Business owners have many options to get cash out of their businesses so they can retire comfortably. This article describes what’s involved in selling to different types of buyers: co-owners or family; managers or employees; or outsiders. Alternatively, one can derive cash from the business without selling it, through such vehicles as a deferred compensation agreement, a severance package, a covenant not to compete, or defined benefit plans and target benefit plans.
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ETFs vs. mutual funds – Both have merit, depending on your goals
September / October 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 773
Abstract: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have exploded in popularity since their introduction in the early 1990s. Both ETFs and mutual funds allow investors to invest in a variety of securities, providing the potential for instant diversification. However, in many ways, ETFs are a more flexible and easily traded product. As this article explains, that flexibility can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. It discusses the differences between the two kinds of products, including fees and expenses, and looks at the ever-more-exotic strategies that some ETFs and mutual funds offer.
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Rebalanced your portfolio, recently? If not, unintended risks may increase
July / August 2011
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: Without rebalancing one’s portfolio it’s possible to become exposed to more risk than initially intended. This article explains the reasons to rebalance and the steps to take to do so. However, rebalancing involves buying and selling securities, which can expose an investor to capital gains tax when working within a taxable investment account. So it’s important to decide whether tax costs may outweigh the potential long-term performance benefit of rebalancing.