03.25.14

Choose the Beneficiary of Your Retirement Plan Carefully

This article describes the importance of understanding the tax effects of choosing a beneficiary to inherit an IRA, 401(k) plan or other retirement account. For non-Roth accounts, there are three factors to consider that can affect the beneficiary’s income tax liability. It is also important to consider the estate tax consequences of choosing a spouse versus someone else as a beneficiary.

03.20.14

Top 10 Ways to Use Social Media to Promote a Restaurant

All kinds of businesses are using social media to promote their content and their brand online, and restaurants are no stranger to this approach. But what is the most effective way to go about restaurant promotion through social media networks? We’ve compiled 10 tactics to help you create an effective social media strategy for your restaurant.

03.19.14

How to Protect Your LLC Investments
Kadir P. Sunardio

Real estate owners and developers often form limited liability companies (LLCs) to hold title to property. One key reason for making the switch is that LLCs limit personal liability. While these entities do offer protection from personal liability for the debts and liabilities of the entity itself, some exceptions exist that could drain an owner’s or developer’s personal finances. This article discusses some of the ways that personal liability can exist and how it can be minimized.

03.18.14

Inventory: An Often-Overlooked Asset

Inventory – is it an asset or a liability with a host of hidden problems? True, it is an asset shown on the balance sheet, but what is inside that number? And, more important, how can an owner or CEO stay informed as to how that line item affects the company’s bottom line results?

03.13.14

What is UBIT?
Jeffrey Chiles

One of the most attractive aspects of a not-for-profit organization is the ability to operate and produce income which is not subject to taxation. While this is generally the rule, there are situations where activities conducted by an organization can generate unrelated business taxable income. This post focuses on the definition of unrelated business income tax (UBIT) and what activities may trigger UBIT.

03.11.14

Harnessing Best Practices in Claim Denial Management

Claim denials are a huge financial drain on physician practices. If nothing is done to reverse a denial, the revenue that it represents is lost to the practice. Fortunately, there are some best practices that can help manage claims denied by payers. This article discusses how to keep a claim “clean” in the first place, how to respond to a claim denial and how to prevent future denials. A Sidebar looks at analyzing data to reveal the root causes of denials.

03.04.14

Strategies to Boost 401(k) Plan Participation

According to the Department of Labor, about one-third of eligible employees do not participate in their employer’s 401(k) plan. But 401(k) plan participation benefits both employees and employers. This article looks at why participation matters and strategies to help increase participation numbers.

02.28.14

Plan For Problems Before You Open Your Restaurant
Izzy Kharasch

The problems restaurants face during openings are endless. A number of restaurants that have recently opened are now experiencing problems with some of their brand new equipment. While this is a big problem, it is not as bad as it could have been. When opening a new restaurant, you need to plan for equipment problems far in advance of even the purchase and installation process. Buying equipment is a lot like buying a new car. You need to put a few miles on it before you know what adjustments need to be made in order to achieve peak performance.

02.26.14

How Should I Handle Nonrecourse Loan Carve-Outs?

Like many borrowers, you may be drawn to nonrecourse loans because the arrangements can shield you from personal liability. But they do not provide protection in all cases. “Carve-outs” in the loan documents can saddle you with full liability if violated. However, you may be able to minimize personal liability for violations through savvy negotiating.

02.25.14

Should You Join Forces With Another Not-For-Profit?

Forming an alliance with a like-minded organization can be a smart strategic move for a not-for-profit organization, but it is important to think things through thoroughly before making the leap. The process begins with examining the organization’s motives and then determining whether a joint venture or a strategic alliance would be more appropriate. Once you have determined reasons for uniting goals, identifying and performing due diligence on the other organization becomes essential.