All Articles
Showing 9137–9152 of 10245 results
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Reduce costs without losing control
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 514
Abstract: In a weak economy, like it or not, cost-cutting is an integral part of strategy. There’s no one right way to cut costs, but it’s important to consider the potential impact on internal controls. Eliminating jobs can heighten a bank’s risk if affected employees are integral to internal control processes. But there are ways to mitigate the risks if such job cuts are absolutely necessary.
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Outsourcing: Another cost-saving strategy
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 753
Abstract: In times when cost-cutting is king, outsourcing some functions can be more appealing than ever to community banks. But, as this article explains, the key to success is finding the areas of a bank’s operation that are right for outsourcing. Should the internal audit function be outsourced? What about human resources, mortgage fulfillment or proof-of-deposit functions? It’s also important to carefully select and monitor the service provider. And, as a sidebar explains, offshore outsourcing can be a challenge for community banks that pride themselves on knowing their customers better than their larger counterparts do.
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Measure for measure – Which profitability measurement tools are best for your bank?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 984
Abstract: With some banks failing and many struggling, this article emphasizes that it’s vital for a community bank to monitor its performance closely. But which measurements are best? Historically, return on assets (ROA) has been the most popular. But banks are now placing greater emphasis on ROE. And how does one make a fair comparison between the performances of different branches? Finally, regardless of how one measures profitability, it’s important to consider the impact of risk. A sidebar looks at a recent survey that shows how banks are measuring profitability and using the results.
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Location, location, location – Is it time for a change of scenery?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: If a dealership has been in the same spot for years, chances are the neighborhood is changing — or already has changed. The address might still be an asset, or it might have become a liability. This article lists some factors to consider when evaluating the ideal locale for a dealership. There are also important considerations in regard to renting vs. owning dealership property.
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Keep your guard up at tax time
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 698
Abstract: This year, profits are down and losses up for many dealerships — maybe this is a year, one might reason, that Uncle Sam, and his IRS agents, might give dealerships a break. Forget about it: small business audits have been on the rise. But there are steps a dealer can take to satisfy an IRS auditor, including proving an intent to make a profit, even when losing money; keeping salaries reasonable; tracking cash sales; and keeping accurate records of previous years’ LIFO invoices.
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I will survive – Your manufacturer’s undoing needn’t be yours
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 690
Abstract: Those dealerships still standing at the approach of 2010 deserve congratulations. But the war is far from over. Surviving manufacturer upheaval is no easy task, but the odds improve with proactive planning and professional expertise. It may be possible that a sound business plan will convince a manufacturer not to pull the plug, but there are options to stay in business even if the franchise agreement is terminated. These include undergoing a brand change or sharing resources with another dealership. But, in the meantime, it’s important to assuage customer concerns.
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Use vehicle sales tax deduction to convert browsers into buyers
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1022
Abstract: As year end approaches, customer interest in the new sales tax deduction on new vehicle purchases could grow. Dealers report that the vehicle sales tax deduction is a particularly useful selling point for shoppers straddling the fence about new car purchases. But many shoppers are still unaware of the deduction, so it’s important to get the word out. This article lists some myths about the deduction that a dealer can dispel, while offering a specific example of potential savings. A sidebar describes a couple of other tax breaks that are presently available.
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Ask the Advisor – How can I know if a foreclosed property is a good investment?
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: Although the sheer number of foreclosures has tempted many people to become foreclosure investors, it’s not as easy to make a buck in this market as it may seem. Investors should be prepared to dole out plenty of cash to improve property and remove liens; to know where to look for deals; to scrutinize tenant data to determine a commercial property’s revenue-generating potential; and to perform due diligence for both the specific property and the area.
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The ins and outs of green leases
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 419
Abstract: As the green building movement continues to take center stage, so do green leases. Through a green lease, landlords and tenants are “bound” to help ensure that high-performance buildings meet and exceed their intended “green” goals. Although specifications vary, a number of characteristics are emerging as likely components in green leases, such as alignment with a third party certification standard such as LEED, BRREAM, Energy Star or Green Globes. But developers who jump through all the LEED or other building certification hoops likely won’t want that certification jeopardized by noncompliant leasehold improvements — so rules defining sustainable product requirements and construction practices should be clearly specified in a tenant construction agreement.
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2 smart property management strategies for today’s economy
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: As the weak economy continues, real estate investors are taking a hard look at ways to maximize the profitability of property management. While some developers delve into management themselves, others are focusing their search on streamlined processes and cost-cutting measures. Fortunately, smart strategies exist that can help to achieve these goals. Two of the best: finding a good property manager and using Web-based property management software.
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What you should know about forms of joint ownership
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 873
Abstract: What’s the best way to hold a real estate title? The wrong ownership form can increase legal liability, enlarge your tax burden, and subject an estate to probate. In contrast, choosing the right ownership form can reduce red tape while improving a property’s profitability. This article discusses the different options and who might benefit the most in each case. A sidebar looks at living trusts as a means of holding titles to personal residences and other major assets.
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Smooth transition – Financial tips for managing unemployment
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 510
Abstract: The possibility of becoming unemployed is on many people’s minds these days. But it may be possible to mitigate the effects of unemployment by planning ahead. Items to consider include possible severance pay, unemployment benefits, and health insurance options.
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An additional gift for your heirs – Educate beneficiaries on the advantages of using a trust
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 713
Abstract: After a person’s death, his or her heirs will receive their inheritance, which then becomes a part of their taxable estates. To avoid this potential additional estate tax liability, it might be advisable to leave amounts to a trust rather than directly to loved ones. This article describes some of the benefits of a trust and discusses what to look out for when setting one up.
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Do you have enough life insurance?
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 682
Abstract: Life insurance can help a family maintain its standard of living even if the breadwinner is no longer around to provide for it. A policy can help prevent a family from having to sell its house or make other dramatic adjustments in their standard of living to make ends meet. But different people have different insurance needs. This article explains what to consider when planning for the future, while a sidebar describes the differences between term and permanent insurance.
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Nest egg repair – Rebuild your retirement savings one step at a time
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 594
Abstract: For all but the most conservative investors, it’s not likely that retirement account balances are what they used to be. Unfortunately, only time may bring back what many have lost. But the silver lining is that they can take steps today to rebuild their 401(k) plans or other retirement accounts and prepare their portfolios for better times ahead. Among their options are to save more, invest automatically, and work longer.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your child is on the title to your home or other assets
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 353
Abstract: One of the most common, and costly, estate planning mistakes is to own property jointly with one’s child. Many people hold property — such as homes, bank accounts, investments or automobiles — with their children as joint tenants with right of survivorship. Their goal is to avoid probate and to ensure that when they die the property is transferred to their children automatically without the need for a trust or other estate planning vehicle. But there are many problems with this approach. Fortunately, they can be avoided with properly drafted trusts.