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Showing 9201–9216 of 10245 results
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The right trust can help shield assets from creditors
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 606
Abstract: More than ever, people are looking for ways to protect their assets — and with good reason. With the erratic stock market and weakened home values, threats such as a frivolous lawsuit or a forced bankruptcy filing could sink a business owner’s financial ship. Or, he or she may be more concerned about threats to assets being passed to children. All of these threats can be battled by placing assets in a trust — but not just any trust. Spendthrift trusts and offshore trusts may offer special protection — although there are some caveats.
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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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3 retirement benefits options for small businesses
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 325
Abstract: For small business owners, a 401(k) plan may be impractical. Yet helping employees save for their retirement is a perk for many businesses. This brief article explains three possible alternatives, and two of them allow employees to save quite a bit more than they can with a traditional IRA.
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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – What you need to know about changes to COBRA coverage
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) makes substantial changes to COBRA coverage, including the addition of a government subsidy for medical premiums. Signed into law earlier this year, ARRA affects employers with 20 or more employees who maintain group health plans. This article summarizes the changes made to COBRA under the act.
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Is your plan ready for automatic enrollment? IRS issues final regulations
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 764
Abstract: Final IRS regulations now in effect encourage greater retirement plan participation through two types of automatic enrollment arrangements: qualified automatic contribution arrangements (QACAs) and eligible automatic contribution arrangements (EACAs). This article provides some highlights of each arrangement.
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IRS simplifies timing of taxes on ADP corrections
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 860
Abstract: Many plans that provide for elective contributions are subject to the actual deferral percentage (ADP) test. This test limits the amount that certain plan benefits provided to highly compensated employees (HCEs) may exceed benefits provided to nonhighly compensated employees (NHCEs). A failing ADP test is something that many plans have to face at some point in time. While this sounds intimidating, the fix is actually pretty easy under new IRS requirements. This article takes a look at the law and provides a few examples.
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Market Niche Insider – Evaluating a family affair
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 480
Abstract: Most family businesses are small private firms with limited resources to weather an economic downturn. Lenders should be on the lookout for relaxed management styles and minimal internal controls; nepotism; and a lack of clear succession planning.
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Signposts of strong internal controls
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 397
Abstract: Unfortunately, recessions entice some employees to commit fraud. Lenders should be on the lookout for three basic controls that differentiate strong internal control systems from weak ones: physical restrictions, account reconciliation and job descriptions.
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Greed and hubris have no place in bankruptcy
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: Lenders might overlook minor transgressions in good times. But when contemplating bankruptcy, lavish spending and blatant disregard for corporate/personal boundaries are slaps in the faces of employees, creditors and lenders. Self-serving spending habits not only set a bad example and lower morale, but they also increase the likelihood of insolvency. And they leave less money for stakeholders to divvy up in liquidation. This article identifies red flags and recourse methods.
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Lean companies are healthy borrowers – Characteristics of efficient supply chain management
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: In a downturned economy, operating inefficiencies can push shaky companies over the edge. But healthy supply chain management can help avoid inefficiencies. Characteristics of a strong system include centralized purchasing, shared information, preferred vendors, tight shipping policies and lean inventory practices.
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Risky customers – Watch out for signs of disappearing cash
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Forget net income and book net worth. When it comes to monitoring creditworthiness, cash is king. Every business experiences occasional cash shortfalls — that’s why they need lines of credit — but borrowers with chronic cash deficits may be on the brink of default. This article shows how to scrutinize the statement of cash flows, inquire about significant changes, and find hidden sources of cash. A sidebar shows how the “cash gap” — a financial metric — works.