2012
Showing 705–717 of 717 results
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Clocking customers’ growth – Watch out for expansion that can veer out of control
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 441
Abstract: When a loan customer’s business is booming, it’s easy to be enamored by the outward signs of prosperity. But there could be underlying patterns of risky behavior that spell trouble. This article uses a hypothetical example to show how rapid growth can be decelerated to a more sustainable rate before a borrower careens out of control. When a lender keeps an eye on the borrower’s debt-equity ratio and profit margins, it can put the brakes on lending if the time is right.
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IT security: Is your program still effective?
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 782
Abstract: In June 2011, the FFIEC issued Supplement to Authentication in an Internet Banking Environment, urging banks to tighten their controls on customer authentication. The FFIEC concluded that common authentication methods and controls have “become less effective” in an “increasingly hostile online environment.” This article shows how hackers have become more sophisticated, giving rise to the necessity of developing more complex defenses. These include “layered security” strategies, such as “out-of-band” authentication of high-risk transactions. The article lists additional tools and tactics recommended by the agency.
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Take a balanced approach to incentive compensation
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: For many banks, a strategically designed compensation plan — one that includes performance incentives — is critical to success. But a poorly designed program can encourage executives to engage in activities that maximize short-term returns while putting the bank’s long-term health at risk. This article discusses the FFIEC’s Interagency Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies and its three key principles to help banks design incentive compensation programs that are both safe and effective. The guidance also identifies four methods currently used to build risk into the compensation decision. A sidebar notes that new compensation rules for large banks could “trickle down” to community banks.
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Tax savings begin in your home office
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 404
Abstract: The home office deduction is an important tax break associated with self-employment. But not all home offices qualify. And many self-employed individuals don’t know which expenses they’re allowed to write off — and which ones might raise red flags. This article lists three conditions to qualify for the deduction and what expenses are eligible.
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5 tips for getting a business loan
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 202
Abstract: Business owners know that bank loans remain difficult to obtain. But “difficult” doesn’t have to mean “impossible.” This article offers five tips that can improve owners’ odds of succeeding when applying for a loan.
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Protecting your business with life insurance
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 463
Abstract: Many people know they need life insurance to provide their dependents with financial security should they die unexpectedly. They may be less familiar, however, with how life insurance can help protect their business. This article shows that, while a buy-sell agreement can be funded from a number of sources, life insurance offers several advantages. And a sidebar explains how a buy-sell agreement can provide for a smooth transition of ownership in case one owner dies or wishes to sell.
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What’s an owner worth? Setting a reasonable salary for yourself
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Business Matters
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 506
Abstract: During an economic downturn, it may be an acceptable short-term strategy for owners to take a pay cut to keep their company afloat. But it’s also important that owners pay themselves what the IRS calls a “reasonable” salary. S corporation owners, in particular, can get into trouble if their salaries are too low. This article offers advice for both start-ups and mature businesses regarding how to determine the amount, form and timing of their owners’ compensation.
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Unclaimed property – It’s not a matter of “finders, keepers”
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 504
Abstract: Every dealership has assets that are in a kind of limbo — long-forgotten checks to customers and other valuables that no one else has claimed. A dealership might be giving little thought to these financial assets, and perhaps improperly treating them as a type of revenue. But the state may try to collect this “unclaimed property.” This article explains the expectations that some states might have of businesses in regard to reporting it.
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Retooling pay incentives
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 657
Abstract: All pay plans should be effective — they need to attract, retain and motivate a talented team. But many fail to meet these objectives, so dealers need to ask whether their pay plans have kept step with recent changes in the labor market. No universal formula works for every dealer, but this article offers six ideas for evaluating a pay plan, such as keeping the plan simple, aligning it with business strategy, and thinking beyond new and used vehicle sales.
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The “how to” of inventory management
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 721
Abstract: Many dealerships order vehicles, parts and accessories using gut instinct. But more scientific techniques for managing inventory can minimize inventory carrying costs. Manufacturers have used cost accounting to improve operating efficiency for decades, but, as this article explains, only recently have dealerships begun to look at their businesses in other terms: product-by-product margins, product mix, turnover, and reorder points.
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Are you lost without a business plan? Create a “map” to navigate your way
Winter 2012
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Business plans serve a purpose beyond use at the dealership. Factory field representatives and lenders view auto dealers with formal plans as more organized, less risky business partners. With manufacturers looking to constrict their franchise networks and lending still tight, formal planning may offer a leg up on the competition. This article discusses the three financial statements and other elements that should be included in the plan, and notes the importance of testing business assumptions. A sidebar explains why it’s important to continually monitor and revise a business plan.
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IRS easing restrictions on innocent spouse relief
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 500
Abstract: Years after a divorce decree has been signed and entered, an innocent former spouse could end up on the hook for the misstatement of taxes on a couple’s joint tax return. In such a case, the nonresponsible spouse must request innocent spouse relief from the IRS. This article explains that the IRS time limit on certain relief requests was recently expanded, and many spouses — divorced or not — who previously were denied relief because of the limit may now qualify.
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E-discovery pilot program – Survey suggests Seventh Circuit is on the right track
January / February 2012
Newsletter: Advocate's Edge / Litigation Support
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 805
Abstract: Almost three years ago, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals launched its multiphase Electronic Discovery Pilot Program. The program is intended to develop, evaluate and improve pretrial litigation procedures that ensure fairness and justice for all parties while reducing the rising cost and burden of electronic discovery. This article looks at the principles of the program and the findings thus far.