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Showing 1–16 of 28 results
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How to increase your board’s financial literacy – Make balance sheets and income statements understandable
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: A nonprofit organization’s board of directors might include accountants, bankers or investment managers. It also might include business or community leaders with expertise in the nonprofit’s niche or in fundraising, marketing and publicity. How can organizations best share their organization’s financial results with the board members who aren’t necessarily financial experts? This article reviews how to effectively present financial numbers — whether it’s through a bar graph, ratio or some other means — to nonfinancial board members.
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How to increase your board’s financial literacy – Make balance sheets and income statements understandable
October / November 2023
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: A nonprofit organization’s board of directors might include accountants, bankers or investment managers. It also might include business or community leaders with expertise in the nonprofit’s niche or in fundraising, marketing and publicity. How can organizations best share their organization’s financial results with the board members who aren’t necessarily financial experts? This article reviews how to effectively present financial numbers — whether it’s through a bar graph, ratio or some other means — to nonfinancial board members.
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Lighting a FIRE under your financial goals
Spring 2022
Newsletter: Management & Tax Concepts
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Many people have been rethinking their approach to work and employment, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend. This article notes that one strategy some people are considering is the idea of retiring early — in fact, even as soon as their 30s or 40s. This goal, sometimes known as Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE), requires an extreme focus on saving and frugality. The article points out that even those whose goals don’t include early retirement may gain some useful tips from aspects of the FIRE strategy.
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Connecting your succession plan to your estate plan
Winter 2021
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: For any business owner, contractors included, putting together a succession plan may seem like an overwhelming task. Often, among the most difficult things to conceptualize is precisely how to connect — and beneficially integrate — your succession plan with your estate plan. This article offers a few ideas: selling ownership shares, gifting them and creating a trust.
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New electronic plan document disclosure rules in effect
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Employee Benefits Update
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Long-awaited updated Department of Labor (DOL) regulations governing electronic delivery of plan documents took effect on July 27, 2020. They supplement safe harbor e-disclosure regulations issued in 2002, and expand plan sponsors’ options for streamlining the dissemination of required documents to plan participants. This article looks at how the rules should help participants stay up to date on their qualified retirement plans.
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A busy industry: M&A activity is hot in construction
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: The construction industry saw many merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in 2018. Although activity is expected to cool off by the end of 2019, there are still plenty of deals under consideration and in the works. This article discusses some fundamental M&A concepts that contractors should know.
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Proper preparation can cut your audit costs
June / July 2019
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Outside financial audits may seem like an extravagance to nonprofits working to contain costs and focus on their mission. But undergoing regular audits allows organizations to identify risks early and act quickly to prevent problems. Independent audits also provide valuable reassurance to donors and other stakeholders that your ship is on course. This article offers some suggestions on how to prepare for an audit properly, which, in turn, can cut costs.
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Master the disaster – Plan now to minimize damages
April / May 2019
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: No organization today, nonprofit or otherwise, can afford to ignore the possibility of a natural or manmade threat that cripples operations. From hurricanes and wildfires, active shooters and cyberattacks, to things as seemingly minor as a burst pipe, any operation can be vulnerable. This article outlines how to assess, and reduce, risks and create an effective emergency response plan.
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Trust in a trust to keep assets secure
August / September 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Whether the economic climate is stable or volatile, one thing never changes: the need to protect assets from risk. That risk may occur as a result of factors entirely outside of owner control, such as the stock market or the behavior of heirs and creditors. This article points out that it’s wise to consider taking steps to mitigate the potential peril, including setting up a trust. The article explains that a trust can be a great way to protect assets. But to ensure the funds are unavailable to satisfy claims against the owner, the trust must become the owner of the assets and be irrevocable.
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Gain flexibility with a self-directed IRA
May / June 2018
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Traditional and Roth IRAs are considered relatively “safe” retirement-savings vehicles, but a drawback to them is that they limit investment choices. A self-directed IRA provides more flexibility in investment choices with potentially greater returns, including real estate, precious metals, energy and other alternative investments. On the downside, self-directed IRAs are riskier and can lead to unfavorable tax consequences. This article explains how a self-directed IRA affects an estate plan.
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Reviewing retainage, in concept and practice
Fall 2017
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: One way construction project owners look to mitigate risk is through retainage. Many contractors’ feelings about this range from annoyance to outrage, yet the practice continues. This article reviews the concept of retainage and suggests some ways to potentially mitigate its negative effect.
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What can you do to prevent employee fraud?
Spring 2017
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: It’s important for medical professionals to be aware of the potential for employee fraud in their practices and to ensure that their internal controls are designed to provide maximum protection. This article explains the most common types of employee fraud and lists several steps management can take to keep it from happening, such as conducting a risk assessment, separating staff duties and monitoring employee behavior.
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Don’t compare apples to oranges – Evaluate borrowers accurately by normalizing financial statements
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Borrowers’ accounting practices can vary widely. An accounting tool called “normalizing” can help adjust income statements and balance sheets to compensate for companies’ different accounting methods. Failing to normalize financial statements may result in faulty lending decisions. This article uses some examples to illustrate how normalizing works and the difference it can make in helping a lender who is evaluating a borrower accurately compare its practices to those of a competitor or to industry benchmarks.
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Income-tax-saving strategies for your estate plan
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: For 2015, the federal estate tax exemption is $5.43 million, so most people don’t need to be concerned about estate taxes. However, many middle- and upper-income taxpayers still need to plan for income taxes. This article suggests two strategies a taxpayer might incorporate into an estate plan: 1) Hold on to appreciated assets and 2) make charitable donations during one’s lifetime.
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Succession planning – Who’ll be the next in line?
November / December 2015
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Retirement can sneak up on dealership owners. One day they’re spending hours at the helm of their dealership, making a bevy of leadership decisions. The next day they’re eyeing golfing engagements, volunteer opportunities and part-time consulting gigs. This article addresses taking the right steps now to prepare for the transition to a new leader.
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When to look a gift horse in the mouth — and report its value
Summer 2015
Newsletter: Nonprofit Observer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: When a nonprofit receives a generous gift of noncash property, it needs to assess the gift’s fair market value (FMV). This article defines FMV and lists factors that help determine value, including a gift’s cost, its selling price or the value of a comparable good. It also explains when a professional appraisal is needed.