2015
Showing 193–208 of 732 results
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Currency movements and your portfolio – The opportunities — and pitfalls — of a fluctuating dollar
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 814
Abstract: The U.S. dollar is coming off sharp gains relative to its currency counterparts around the world. Such a situation — or its reverse, a falling dollar — is likely to have profound effects on the global economy and financial markets, not to mention on individual businesses, consumers and investors. This article provides investors insight into how shifts in currency value can affect their portfolio’s past performance, as well as ideas about how they might position it appropriately for the future. A sidebar notes factors that can drive currency movements.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – Your plan doesn’t provide for items of sentimental value
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 307
Abstract: Because many people focus on high-value assets in their estate plans, personal property items with relatively low monetary values that can have significant sentimental value may get overlooked. Using a personal property memorandum can help the estate’s executor on the disposition of personal property not covered by a will or living trust. This brief article explains the benefits of a personal property memorandum.
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Tenancy-in-common: A versatile estate planning tool
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 615
Abstract: For those who hold significant real estate investments, tenancy-in-common (TIC) ownership can be a versatile estate planning tool. This article explains what TIC is and offers three ways TIC interests can be used in estate planning.
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International affairs – Special estate planning is necessary if you’re a non-U.S. citizen
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 695
Abstract: Many traditional estate planning strategies are based on the assumption that everyone involved is a U.S. citizen. But for those couples with a noncitizen spouse, special rules apply that require additional planning. This article examines some of the estate tax issues for noncitizens, both resident and nonresident.
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A TRU balances interests of current, future beneficiaries
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 877
Abstract: Trusts often create conflicts between current beneficiaries, who receive the income that the trust generates, and remainder beneficiaries, who receive what’s left at the end of the trust’s term. A total return unitrust (TRU) can better balance both current and remainder beneficiaries’ interests. Using a fictional example, this article details how a TRU can benefit all beneficiaries. A sidebar looks at whether an existing trust can be converted into a TRU.
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Follow the steps: An ADEA case
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 593
Abstract: The concept of progressive discipline generally refers to a series of corrective steps a troubled employee must follow to correct employment-related shortcomings. If an employer stumbles when applying these steps, however, its legal arguments may fall flat in court. This article looks at a case in which an employer met just such an ill fate when an employee filed claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Soto-Feliciano v. Villa Cofresi Hotels, Inc., No. 13–2296, Feb. 20, 2015 (1st Cir.)
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How to identify the similarly situated – Eighth Circuit takes hard look at comparable employees
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 921
Abstract: When looking to establish pretext for alleged racial discrimination, courts often look to “similarly situated” employees at the same organization. This article reviews a recent case that provides a good working example of this practice. A sidebar looks at a much earlier decision from the same appeals court regarding similarly situated employees. Austin v. Long, No. 14-2044, Feb. 23, 2015 (8th Cir.) E.E.O.C. v. Kohler Co., No. 02-2447, July 10, 2003 (8th Cir.)
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Applying the “economic realities” test in employee classification
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 774
Abstract: To mitigate legal liability, employers are urged to step carefully when engaging independent contractors. Anyone interested in a real-life reason why need look no further than a recent decision handed down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. This article covers the ruling, in which the court applied the “economic realities” test to determine whether a plaintiff’s claim to overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) should stand. Keller v. Miri Microsystems LLC, No. 14-1430, March 26, 2015 (6th Cir.)
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Dress code or discrimination? Supreme Court rules on case involving religious headscarf
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Employment Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 712
Abstract: The U.S. Supreme Court recently handed down an important decision regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ruling arose from a dispute between a Muslim plaintiff and the employer who refused to hire her because her headscarf (or “hijab”) violated the company’s dress code. This article describes the factors considered by the High Court in a case demonstrating that even a seemingly neutral dress code may not spare an employer from liability. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc., No. 14-86, June 1, 2015 (Supreme Court)
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Dealer Digest – Is your dealership benefiting from charitable work?
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 425
Abstract: This issue’s “Dealer Digest” briefly explores the benefits for dealerships that partake in charitable work. The feature also reports on vehicle leasing, which is up 24% from five years ago, and on 2016 annual limits for Health Savings Accounts and high-deductible health plans.
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Ownership compensation – Beware of IRS scrutiny
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 675
Abstract: Dealership owners who believe that deciding how much the company’s owners should be paid — in salaries and benefits or stock dividends — is a fairly simple profit-driven decision should think again. Many factors need to be considered when making compensation decisions so that, among other things, they’ll hold up to IRS scrutiny in case of an audit. This article explores several of the most important factors, including possible ramifications for C and S corporations if salaries or dividends are set too high.
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A good time to grow – Target the right kind of loan for your dealership
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 574
Abstract: It takes capital to grow and expand a business. Dealerships can sometimes fund growth using earnings retained from the business. But, more often, they must turn to an outside financing source for growth capital. This article explains, in a nutshell, the most common types of financing available to auto dealerships.
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Is your dealership vulnerable to cybercrime?
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Dealer Insights
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 842
Abstract: Dealerships aren’t immune to the ever-growing risk of cybercrime. In fact, dealers are often prime targets. This article discusses patterns among cybercriminals, dealership vulnerability and steps a dealer can take to prevent a cyberattack. A sidebar discusses compliance concerns.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor looks to raise her small company’s profile
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 450
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” we meet a remodeling contractor who believes she’s missing out on opportunities well suited to her company. She asked her financial advisor how she might raise her public profile without wasting time and dollars on fruitless marketing efforts. Together, they came up with an affordable, effective way to get noticed — contact local media as a source for firsthand information on exciting, interesting construction projects.
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Should you add life-cycle costing to your portfolio?
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 662
Abstract: Today’s construction companies do more than build things; they can be information providers. A prime example of this is a contractor’s role in a process called life-cycle costing (LCC). This article describes LCC analysis, which is a risk-evaluation method that identifies, qualifies and analyzes all costs associated with the construction and operation of a building over its expected life.
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Gamification plays well in construction training
September / October 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: “Gamification” is an odd word that’s gained acceptance in business circles recently. In its most general sense, the term refers to integrating characteristics of game-playing into business-related tasks as a way to excite and engage the people involved. This article explains how gamification could prove highly useful in employee training for the construction industry.