Financial Tips

Credit
Loan or lease? The advantages and disadvantages are spelled out in an easy-to-read format so you can carefully weigh the options.

Tax
Businesses receive temporary depreciation bonus
Small businesses buying new property can take a generous upfront 30-percent bonus depreciation under the Job Creation and Workers Assistance Act of 2002 enacted earlier this year by Congress.
 
Records: What to keep and for how long?
Handy guidelines to help you decide what financial records to hang on to and what to throw out.

Opportunities from the 2001 Tax Act
Year-end tax planning is always important. After a tax bill with significant changes, however, tax planning becomes even more important because you don't want to lose out on opportunities that are available to you.

Prepare Now for New 2010 Tax on Inherited Property. Taxpayers with sizable estates may be ecstatic that the new tax act repeals the federal estate tax, but many may not realize that repeal has a few complications that require some careful planning.

Alternative Minimum Tax, is it in your future? See if you are among the growing number of taxpayers who must pay the AMT.

Education tax credits. Don't forget two important education tax credits.

Tax planning: It makes good sense
Lots of last minute ways to squeeze in a few more deductible expenses before year-end.

New York State sales tax exemption. You can now take advantage of a new sales tax exemption.

New York State energy refundable tax credit. You may be eligible to a refundable tax credit on your electric and natural gas costs.

Management
Is agritourism in your future? If so, think like a retailer first, and a grower second.

How to price a branded commodity — A brand "premium" refers to the amount you can charge above and beyond the usual market price for a product. In agriculture, entrepreneurs attach premium prices to commodities that reflect superior quality or value: Premium apples (or tomatoes or ice cream or lumber — you name it) at a premium price!

Financial Risk — Global opportunities can also mean global risk, particularly financial risk

Consultant's Corner — Leading the troops in your business

Case Study: Tips on how to start a new farm enterprise

9 Business Succession-Planning Mistakes to Avoid Most business owners expect to pass on some day their pride and joy—most likely to their children, but possibly to an employee or an outside buyer.

6 public relations tips you can use every day

A closer look at an income statement and balance sheet. Learn how both reports can help you achieve your business goals.

Are you getting all you can from your loan officer? Besides servicing your account, your loan officer can provide dependable advice on a range of financial issues.

Building a business plan. Learn how you can use your business plan to measure the success of your business.

Business management advice. Common sense tips that really make a difference.

Communication quiz. Take this interactive quiz to see how well you communicate with your employees.

How to be a better risk manager. To keep risk under control, start with a few basic steps.

Saving costs with less energy and lower interest rates. Are you taking advantage of these cost savings programs?

Who needs a consultant? Questions to help yourself determine if hiring a business consultant is right for your business.

Estate Planning and Retirement
13 Estate Planning Terms You Should Know
Families delay doing critical estate planning for a variety of reasons: much of it deals with death or incapacitation, they don’t think they need planning, or it raises touchy family issues. Another reason is that they don’t understand the complicated jargon.

Will you be "SHOCKED" by the cost of retirement? Will you spend less, the same or more in retirement?

Avoid making these 7 financial assumptions. Many of us make assumptions regarding our financial lives. Here are 7 common assumptions you may want to reconsider.

Do you need a will? Will your estate be at the mercy of federal and state laws? Learn how proper planning can help you provide for your heirs the way you want.

Estate planning tips. Questions you can ask yourself that may save you estate tax dollars.

Knowing your net worth is key to managing your money. Your estimate is probably wrong ... by a lot of dollars!

Appraisal
Do you need an appraisal? A simple questionnaire to help you decide if you need a business appraisal.

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