All Articles
Showing 10049–10064 of 10245 results
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The measure of success
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 372
Abstract: You’ve gathered for a retreat to brainstorm ideas for your firm’s strategic plan. You’ve reached consensus on what the firm should look like in five years, creating goals in several areas such as technology, client service and profitability. But did you discuss how you would measure your firm’s progress? This brief article discusses benchmarks and ways to measure objectives to see how well your firm is making headway.
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Determining whether a merger is right for your firm
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 618
Abstract: Continuing consolidation in the legal profession means there are more opportunities than ever to merge. Even now, you may be at the point where you want to explore a chance to grow your firm. But before you expend the time, energy and money to join forces with another, make sure the merger is a good fit. This article reviews factors to consider, such as synergy with the other firm, financials and clients. (Updated 1/4/12)
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How to keep your key clients – And what to do when one still walks out the door
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 983
Abstract: “We’ve decided to take our business elsewhere.” These aren’t the words you want to hear from a client — especially a major client that’s brought in 20% of your firm’s revenues for the past few years. Whether it’s because of client dissatisfaction, a merger, recession, consolidation of legal services or another reason, losing a major client can be financially devastating. This article looks at steps you can take to help prevent it, or at least soften the blow when you can’t. (Updated 1/4/12)
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You and your spouse own most of your property as joint tenants
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 349
Abstract: There’s a common misconception that holding property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship is an effective estate planning technique. But if a person’s wealth exceeds the $2 million estate tax exemption and that person and his or her spouse own most of their property as joint tenants, the person is losing out on valuable estate planning opportunities. This short article discusses a better strategy: owning property as tenants in common.
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Estate planning in the 21st century
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 472
Abstract: The digital revolution has changed virtually every aspect of life, and estate planning is no exception. Today, many people do business, communicate and manage their finances online. The result is a wealth of “digital assets,” which may take the form of e-mails, online accounts or other information stored on the Web or remote servers. Unfortunately, in many cases, when the owners of these assets die, the user names, passwords, security codes and other protections die with them. This article explains why it’s important to leave loved ones with instructions on how to access digital accounts.
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Many happy returns – Total return unitrusts align beneficiaries’ interests
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1106
Abstract: At times, traditional trusts can create conflicts among beneficiaries, making it more difficult for a person’s estate plan to achieve its objectives and placing trustees in a difficult position. A total return unitrust (TRU) may offer a solution. This article details how a TRU works and discusses how to use a TRU for postmortem planning.
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Should you donate real estate to charity?
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1010
Abstract: The real estate “bubble” may have burst, but many landowners continue to hold property that has appreciated significantly in value. One option for tax efficiently divesting such real estate is to donate it to charity. But there are several tax traps for the unwary. This article explains the obstacles and how to sidestep them.
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Why your company needs a travel policy
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: If your employees travel regularly for business, it’s important to develop a written travel policy. A well-designed policy has many benefits: It provides employees with guidance on appropriate business spending, helps you control your travel costs, and ensures that you have the documentation needed to support income tax deductions and withholding and payroll tax exclusions. This article explains how to develop a travel policy for your employees. A sidebar delves into the subject of per diems. (Updated 4/4/12)
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Do you really have the homeowner’s coverage you need?
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 705
Abstract: A homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to cover your home and personal belongings in the case of theft or damage. But do you know whether you really have the coverage you need? This article explains why it’s critical to review your policy regularly so you know whether it’s time to buy additional coverage or switch insurers. A sidebar offers tips on how to ask your insurer for a better deal.
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3 tips for tax-smart intrafamily loans
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: At one time or another, you may wish to provide financial assistance via a loan to your children or other family members. Whatever your reasons for lending to a family member, it’s important to structure and document the loan carefully. You may trust these loved ones implicitly but, if you handle things too informally, you may bring about some unpleasant tax consequences. This article offers three tips for making tax-friendly family loans.
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A QPRT lets you have your cake and eat it too
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 714
Abstract: Most estate planning strategies involve some tradeoffs. For example, typically, to remove assets from your taxable estate, you must relinquish control over them. One estate planning tool, however, comes close to letting you have your cake and eat it too: the qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). This article discusses how a properly designed QPRT allows you to transfer your home to your children or other relatives and remove its value from your estate — while you continue to live in it.
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Take aim and fire! How market research can help you focus on the target
April / May 2008
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: Researching and understanding your target market is key to knowing where and how to effectively aim your business’s marketing efforts. Missing the target and failing to generate a return on your marketing investment can seriously injure your business’s financial position. This article explains how you can avoid this fate, by applying a strategic, methodical approach to your marketing efforts, which includes market research. (Updated 1/4/12)
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Jelke reverses Tax Court on discount for built-in gains tax
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 470
Abstract: The recent appellate court decision in Estate of Jelke v. Commissioner (11th Cir. 2007) could dramatically affect estate tax liability. This article summarizes the case’s history and court’s ruling, and explains why it’s a boon to estate taxpayers and could be relevant to the valuation of C corporations in divorce matters.
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Calculating construction defect damages
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 357
Abstract: Even construction jobs that finish on time and within budget can produce claims down the road if defects later arise. As this short article discusses, the remedy in a construction defect case usually comes down to the most feasible and reasonable repair that puts the owner in as close to the same position as if the contractor had performed properly. (Updated 8/22/12)
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How income reconstruction builds a case against fraudsters
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 626
Abstract: Sometimes a company discovers the misappropriation of assets and has a guess as to who may be behind it but no direct evidence to back up its suspicions. A financial expert can help by using income reconstruction to show that an employee’s estimated actual income is higher than his or her known income. This article covers some of the common methods of income reconstruction and what circumstances may indicate that it should be used. (Updated 11/30/12)
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Accounting for mergers – New standard could influence purchase prices
Spring 2008
Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: This article talks about how the newly revised Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 141R, Business Combinations, expands the scope of covered business combinations and revises how transaction costs will be recorded. The revised standard could affect merger negotiations, particularly over a company’s purchase price, and prompt earlier valuations of assets.