2009
Showing 193–208 of 678 results
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News For Nonprofits – Excise tax to follow madoff ponzi scheme?
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s items: whether excise taxes will apply to private foundations and their board members who placed up to 100% of their portfolio assets with Bernard Madoff; when a charity’s products for sale may or may not be subject to unrelated business income tax (UBIT); and why nonprofits should think twice about trying to save money by treating people as independent contractors rather than as employees.
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Fight the good fight – 7 strategies for struggling nonprofits
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 777
Abstract: In this economy, nonprofits have already taken many steps to cut costs. Wage freezes, staff cuts, eliminating out-of-town travel and many other money-saving measures are now the norm. But there are other actions that can help ensure the organization stays afloat. Seven are discussed, including relying more heavily on board members and reviewing the nonprofit’s investment portfolio to find assets that aren’t generating operating income.
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How to account for losses on endowment investments
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 801
Abstract: In today’s market, a nonprofit is likely to be recording losses on their investments instead of gains. For their unrestricted investments, the organization records those losses — both unrealized and realized — in an unrestricted fund. But, for permanently and temporarily restricted endowment fund investments, it’s more complex. This article discusses the basics of accounting for losses and offers a scenario. A sidebar defines particular types of endowments.
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Strategic and financial planning – Borrowing from business
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 592
Abstract: While stories of corporate fraud and mismanagement seem to dominate the news, there are still lessons nonprofits can learn from for-profit business to help ensure a strong future. Specifically, just as for-profit business boards and owners do, nonprofit boards should develop not only an overall strategic plan addressing the organization’s mission and future initiatives, but a strategic financial plan that expresses financial goals and provides a methodology for monitoring progress. This article offers tips from business that will help nonprofits create effective strategic and financial plans.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. How should I juggle my succession plans with a possible merger?
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 502
Abstract: Succession can be difficult for any business, whether a founding owner is ceding power to the next generation or a company has unexpectedly lost its CEO. Add the many stresses of an M&A and the situation becomes even more challenging. The best strategy is to take the issues one at a time and resolve a company’s succession issues before considering a merger. This column explains how businesses might devise a plan, put it in writing and communicate it to stakeholders.
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Take your public company out of the public eye
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 756
Abstract: As the economy continues to struggle and financial markets roil, many public companies can expect their stock prices to be extremely volatile, unsettling shareholders and making long-term strategic planning virtually impossible. Now might be a good time to consider getting off the rollercoaster by going private. This article discusses a number of pros and cons, along with options public companies might pursue if they decide to go private.
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Buyer’s market – What a changing M&A landscape means
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 793
Abstract: In the earlier part of this decade, business sellers enjoyed an advantage over buyers. That’s not the case today. M&A activity has dried up across the board, and some sellers may have trouble attracting even one reasonable bid. Companies hoping to sell or buy in the near future need to understand how the M&A landscape has changed in the past few years. There are a number of steps that both buyers and sellers should consider to successfully complete an M&A transaction.
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Dealing with debt – Manage your company’s liabilities before you try to sell
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 906
Abstract: Given the current economic environment, prospective business buyers generally are wary of assuming additional debt when making an acquisition. So sellers must address the issue of debt — both the amount of debt on their balance sheets and the nature and terms of this liability. This article lists several solutions that may be available for improving a company’s debt profile, depending on its circumstances. A sidebar points out that buyers, too, must watch their balance sheets.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You plan to take a retirement distribution later this year
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 302
Abstract: Those who have retirement plans such as IRAs and 401(k)s must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) when reaching age 70½. This is a problem for those whose assets have taken a tumble during this recession. In response, recent legislation has allowed a suspension of this requirement for 2009, thus giving account holders a little more time to rebuild their assets in these tax-deferred vehicles.
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Now’s the time to revisit your buy-sell agreement
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 568
Abstract: This is a good time for owners of closely held businesses to review their buy-sell agreements, particularly their valuation provisions. The economic crisis has been tough on everyone, and many business owners have seen the value of their shares decline. If a buy-sell agreement’s terms don’t reflect current conditions, the interest may be priced too high. And this can result in higher estate taxes and hurt the business or its surviving owners. This article describes the benefits of a buy-sell agreement, but also warns against relying too casually on standard valuation formulas.
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All in the happy blended family – Consider a QTIP trust or ILIT when estate planning for a blended family
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 692
Abstract: No one said estate planning is easy, and this is especially true with a blended family. The good news is that there are two trust types — a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust and an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) — that can provide for children from a previous marriage while also taking care of one’s current spouse and any children from the current marriage. There are pros and cons to each option.
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Special needs trusts: Not just for the needy
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 920
Abstract: If a child or other family member has a disabling condition requiring long-term care or that prevents them (or will prevent them) from being able to support themselves, a special needs trust (SNT) might be in order. Also known as a supplemental needs trust, an SNT can enhance a family member’s quality of life without jeopardizing his or her eligibility for government benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This article describes what the trust does and the considerations involved in setting one up; it also describes an option for beneficiaries who have too much money to be eligible for Medicaid or SSI. A sidebar describes what can be done if a trust has Crummey withdrawal powers that render a beneficiary ineligible for government assistance.
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Ethics matter — now more than ever
August / September 2009
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 521
Abstract: Even in healthy economic times when companies are thriving, business ethics can easily fall by the wayside. A poor economy only increases pressure on employees of every rank to do “whatever it takes” — even if it’s fraudulent or illegal. A company wishing to avoid these pitfalls needs to lay out the ground rules in a written policy and be prepared to enforce them. It also needs to develop strong internal controls and look out for poor quality control and evidence of fraud. And, it should be aware of specific potential risks when cutting costs.
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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).