08.30.17

Gaining a Competitive Advantage: Putting a CRM System to Work for Your Law Firm
Joy A. Long

Law firms are always looking for a leg up on their competitors. When it comes to gaining the competitive advantage, many firms have implemented Client Relationship Management (CRM) software to provide a consistent experience for clients and prospects. This article will discuss the five best practices for a successful CRM implementation.

08.28.17

The Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax is Bad for You – Just Like Sugar
Robert Swenson

Back in November of 2016, the Cook County Board of Commissioners passed the Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax Ordinance. The tax is imposed at the rate of $0.01 per ounce on the retail sale of all sweetened beverages in Cook County. The tax was originally intended to go into effect July 1, 2017, but was […]

08.23.17

Measuring Fundraising Success
Kevin Omahen

Donors continue to look for more accountability and transparency from non-profits, especially regarding fundraising. Not only is the sum of money raised in campaigns meaningful, but how efficiently you are able to raise it, is fundamental to the non-profits success. For instance, one activity may project higher revenues than another activity, but measuring the activities’ success requires more than just evaluating the gross revenues.

08.17.17

Buy-Sell and Partnership Agreements Can Keep Things Running Smoothly

One of the more common transactions that occurs in any business is new owners buying in, while established owners are bought out. Medical practices are no exception. The existence of buy-sell agreements which spell out the terms under which these transactions will occur can make these transitions in the practice much easier.

08.17.17

The Do’s and Don’ts of Pricing Your Product

Do lower costs to lower prices, but do not forget to overlook value. From freemium to premium, you have to decide what’s right for your company and its product and what fits industry standards. But, there are a few things that are universal no matter which pricing scheme you choose. Read this article, before you launch. Ready to […]

08.17.17

Trend Analysis Is Trendy

Appraisers are increasingly incorporating trend analysis when valuing real estate. Property owners, as well as potential buyers, need to understand the role trend analysis, also known as market analysis, can play when determining value. As always, one needs to consider the income, cost and market approaches when trying to assess fair market value.

08.16.17

1031 Exchange – Beyond Deferring Capital Gains Tax

If you own highly appreciated business or investment real estate that you wish to sell, you can possibly avoid capital gains tax by exchanging it for new property of a like kind. A Section 1031 exchange can help you defer capital gains tax on appreciated property indefinitely and possibly eliminate it permanently.

08.15.17

Reporting of Investment Return under the New ASU 2016-14 Presentation of Financial Statements for Not-for-Profit Entities
Alison Fetzer

In an effort to provide more useful information to donors, grantors, creditors and other users of the financial statements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released ASU 2016-14 Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities on August 18, 2016. While the ASU focuses on five main areas that are changing, this blog will highlight just one – reporting of investment return.

08.15.17

Deciphering and Combating Cyber Risks
Seamus M. Donoghue

Data breaches can cause safety issues, negative publicity, lost productivity, and compromised personal and corporate data. This article explains the cost of data breach and outlines ways to help prevent attacks from inside and outside an organization

08.14.17

Financial Goals: Going Beyond “Keep Overhead Low”

These are the financial goals for every business that are actually worth making. We know we don’t need to convince you to make financial goals. We’ve all heard the: “don’t spend more than you make,” and “keep overhead low” advice. But those are a little obvious. These five approaches to goal-setting are actually attainable and […]