Abstract This paper examines the viable options for personal retirement saving: IndividualRetirement Arrangement (IRA) and the Roth-IRA. The paper describes the tax benefits of the funds and the annual contribution limits. It provides complex information on stock option plans and stock ownership plans. The paper is packed with statistics and charts on the financial benefits for these plans.
Table of Contents
1. IndividualRetirement Arrangement (IRA) and Roth-IRA
2. Traditional and Roth IRA
3. Annual Contribution Limits
4. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) Plan
5. Incentive Stock Option Plan
6. References
From the Paper "Generally called an Individual Retirement Account is a personal retirement savings plan that is available to anyone during the year who receives taxable compensation. For contribution purposes of IRA, compensation includes salaries, alimony, fees, wages, bonuses, commissions, tips, taxable and separate maintenance payments (Quinn. 1998)."
Abstract This paper discusses how a Federal Tax Court decision in 1996 opened the door for Subchapter S Corporations to export goods produced in the United States to selected countries through a foreign sales corporation (FSC). It looks at how the court ruling also permitted an individualretirementaccount (IRA) of a Subchapter S Corporation owner to be the owner of the FSC and how this structure made it possible for individuals to benefit both from export incentive tax reductions through an FSC and tax benefits available through an IRA. It researches various models designed to maximize federal income tax-related benefits and wealth deriving from these developments.
Outline
Introduction
The Subchapter S Corporation IRA/FSC Model
The Subchapter S Corporation Direct Export Model
The Subchapter C Corporation Direct Export Model
The Subchapter C Corporation FSC Subsidiary Model
Postulated Theory and Hypotheses
Analysis of the Two Postulated Hypotheses
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Subchapter S Corporations always have had the authority to engage in the export of goods to foreign countries. No special benefits accruing directly from profits on exports, however, were available to the owners of Subchapter S Corporations. Rather, the benefit to the owners of such corporations was the ability of a Subchapter S Corporation to elect to be taxed as individual owners, as opposed to being taxed as a corporation. Thus, the owners of a Subchapter S Corporation making such an election would benefit to the extent that individual tax rates were lower that the applicable corporate tax rate, as well as to the extent that other incentives initiated by government to spur exports led to increased profits on export sales."
Abstract This paper describes retirement planning as an ongoing process that a person needs to keep up with if goals are to be met. The paper contends that for those at or near retirement age, the planning process goes from accumulation of wealth to making the right decisions about assets. While one will still continue to accumulate money from investments, one will also be looking at using that money for day-to-day living expenses. The paper explains that the right choices are imperative in order to have the retirement lifestyle one desires.
Table of Contents
Early Financial Planning for Retirement Financial Planning for Retirement: The 30s
Financial Planning for Retirement in Middle Life
Financial Planning for Retirement in the Later Years
Financial Resources for Retirement Planning
Social Security
Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans
Other RetirementAccounts Other Resources
Retirement Strategies
Summary
References
From the Paper "Credit card debt should also be evaluated when one is in their 20's. Many credit cards have interest rates of 20% or higher. Over time, a concerted effort should be made to lower balances on these cards. Continuing to maintain high balances and high interest rates delays
putting money aside for retirement. Financial goals should be shared with one's partner. It is of critical importance that each person is involved in the planning and agree on what type of lifestyle he or she wishes. Once the goals are mutually agreed on, both parties should be involved in carrying out the financial strategies necessary to achieve those goals. Each person should know and understand which investments to have and why. This is a critical period to educate oneself about how to handle finances."
Abstract This paper explores different strategies for developing a financial and retirement plan. The paper takes into account the realities of today's economy, worker career mobility and phased retirement. Tradeoffs between working longer before retirement, aggressive investing and the role real estate play in an investment portfolio will be highlighted.
Contents:
Financial Planning ? Working Toward the Future
Retirement Planning
401(k)
Traditional IRAs
Simplified Employee Pension
Savings Incentive Match Plan
Portfolios Need Real Estate
From the Paper "There are 76 million Americans who were born between the years 1946 and 1964, they are the so-called baby-boom generation. Fifty-five million Americans are age 55 and older, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Within that number, there are 35 million who are 65 and older, and by 2030 that amount will double to 70 million. Surprisingly the fastest-growing segment of senior citizens is of those who are 85 years old or older."
Abstract A discussion about government policies over retirement protection. The author examines the issues such as retirement funding, schemes, individual savings, investment and social welfare. The author focuses on retirement plan developments in Hong Kong.
From the Paper "In Hong Kong, discussions about government policies over retirement protection have spanned a lengthy period of about 30 years. It was only until recently that the decision has been made to institute the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF). However, in other countries, various schemes of retirement protection have been practiced over the past decades, with all kinds of experience that Hong Kong could beneficially refer to. Since retirement funds could be either fall into two categories 1. Pays-as-you-go/ 2. Fully-funded. They could either be managed by the government or the private sector. Yet, this is crucial to understand the pros and cons of these different kinds of schemes, and determine which is the most appropriate for Hong Kong. Furthermore, retirement protection is closely related to the issues of individual savings, investment, and social welfare. It affects the economic well being of all members of society, and also the performance of the economy as a whole. In this research paper, several comprehensive views and findings would be addressed, and some discussions on the impacts of MPF after the Asian Financial Crisis would also be stated for conclusion. "
Abstract This paper discusses some differences between defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans; the differences between 401 (k) and 403 (b) plans; the fiduciary requirements imposed by ERISA; and the non-discrimination rules imposed by ERISA.
From the Paper "Although maximum percentage of compensation limits have now been eliminated for benefits under defined benefit plans, maximum dollar limits have not. These limits typically affect only a few employees, but applying them can be an issue given typical constitutional restrictions on modifying benefit formulas for existing employees."
Abstract The paper discusses related arguments that oppose forced retirement. The paper examines how, due to a changed economy and society, many more people want to work past the age of 65. The paper analyzes various myths of retirement, such as assuming that the retiree has sufficient material wealth with which to retire. The paper further analyzes matters of identity, self-concept, meaning, and achievement when removed from the workplace.
Abstract The paper examines how the rapidly aging baby boomer population will impact consumption and government spending on retirement benefits in the US, most notably social security and Medicare. The paper recommends policies that are most likely to maximize the gross domestic product (GDP). The paper also suggests the promotion of consumerism, higher taxes and less benefits for the wealthy, who do not need the Social Security/Medicare safety net, and raising the retirement age by just one year.
Outline:
Introduction
The GDP-Related Challenges of Baby Boomers and Retirement Possible Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Changing demographics are straining Social Security resources. At the end of World War II, there were 44 workers paying Social Security taxes for every retiree collecting from the program (The first baby boomer collects Social Security, 2007). Now, the ratio is just three workers for every one reitiree and retirees will soon outnumber workers. According to the Council of Economic Advisors chartered with providing objective economic analysis and advice on the development and implementation domestic and international economic policies, Social Security will begin to incur annual operating losses in 2018, when its outlays first exceed its tax revenues (CEA memo on Social Security). To cover the shortfall and to "stay open," Social Security will use up its Trust Fund (or draw down its bank account) from 2018 to 2042."
Tags: social, security, Medicare, consumerism, taxes, retirement, age
Abstract This paper studies the beverage company Coca-Cola in relation to ethical concerns over inequities in retirement compensation between different employee classes. The paper concentrates on the issue of excessive retirement benefits for top executives without regard to performance.
Abstract This article discusses that statistics show that retired people fall into two different brackets regarding the internet. The writer notes that they either use the Internet for many different purposes and quite often or they have never used the Internet before. The writer maintains that the Internet is impacting the lives of retired people in many different ways including the use of email and chat rooms, online buying, and distance learning. However, the writer points out that there are problems with the designs of many web pages.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses recent developments that have taken place regarding retirement homes and villages. Relevant issues involved in the transition to a new existence that challenges a person's self-identity are examined in the paper. The writer looks at the difficulties brought about by such a transition in the retiree's life.
From the Paper "Retirees who leave their hectic work lives often confront difficulties with replacing their work weeks with new meaningful activities. For them, their experience of retirement involves a major transition to a new existence that challenges their sense of identity thus undermining their overall well-being during this period. Apart from their withdrawal from a major social sphere of their lives, retirees are often distressed by the loss of control over their lives and their growing dependence on others. The erosion of their ability to care for ... "
Abstract This paper explores the kind of background and knowledge an accountant requires to be an effective internal consultant. The author explains that data gathered by accountants is not only used internally but also externally. The paper relates the ways in which information gathered by accountants at Marmon and other corporations is used by individuals and organizations outside of the company.
From the Paper "There is still a role for external consultants as they provide flexible resource of manpower and specialist expertise that an organization often lacks. Internal consulting offers a new model for many highly skilled accountants whose abilities are under-utilized. A common failure of internal auditors becoming internal consultants is that the company and the consultants both expect their job duties to be driven by functional department manager they are assisting. However, successful consulting demands a proactive approach where the relationship is between equals. Consultants often must challenge the d
Tags:Accountants, Marmon, internal consultants, Data gathering, internal and external customers.
Abstract This paper discusses three articles: "Strategy Formation: The Roles of Conversation and Design" by Leidtka (2001), "Strategy as Strategic Decision Making" by Eisenhardt (1999) and "Organizational Structure: Looking Through a Strategy Lens" by Keats and O'Neill (2001). The author points out that modern organizations create and maintain value through the implementation of strategic management methods. The paper relates that these articles demonstrate that there is no one strategic management formula but rather that the possibilities are varied and can be tailored to the individual needs of the organization.
From the Paper T"he purpose of this essay is to critically evaluate three separate journal articles that al focus on the role and importance of strategic management in the modern organizational setting. The first is "Strategy Formation: The Roles of Conversation and Design" by Leidtka (2001). The second is "Strategy as Strategic Decision Making" by Eisenhardt (1999). The third article is "Organizational Structure: Looking Through a Strategy Lens" by Keats and O'Neill (2001). All three of these articles will be compared and contrasted, described, critiqued and supported with other references from the literature. The purpose here is to identify the fact that modern organizations create and maintain value through the implementation of strategic management methods. These articles demonstrate that there is no one strategic management formula, but rather that the possibilities are varied and can be tailored to the individual needs of the organization."
Abstract This paper analyzes the factors necessary for a managerial accountant to succeed in an independent practice and within a larger organization. The author emphasizes that managerial accountants must set the standard for communication within their practices, particularly in regard to strategic issues and relationships between other accountants in their practice. Additionally, the paper shows that managerial accountants must be linked organizationally to the accounting department that they support, which includes training end users to become more proficient in interpreting financial documents. The author concludes that more research is needed in the area of managerial accounting communication so that managers responsible for making training decisions and communicating on a continual basis will have enough tools with which to base their decisions.
Outline:
Introduction to Communication within the Accounting Profession
Leadership over the Managerial Accountant Leadership by the Managerial Accountant Decision-Making by the Managerial Accountant Staff Motivation through Communication by the Managerial Accountant Communication and Compensation
Outside Training
Management Priorities by the Managerial Accountant Communicating Expectations of Staff
Marketing
The Communication of Ethical Standards
Conclusion
From the Paper "As a result, managerial accountants must be flexible to change and adaptation, and those with a broad spectrum of behavioral understanding in addition to financial skills are more properly suited for their positions. This includes a communication medium that reaches the intended audience efficiently and effectively. This paper will analyze the correlation between managerial accountants and their means of communication necessary for their practice to thrive. It will also provide recommendations throughout that managerial accountants can incorporate into their practice in order to bring the profession as a whole to a new level of success."
This paper defines the term accounting ratios and details why they are a significant tool applied by accountants when presenting accounting statements.
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the importance of accounting ratios in business. Accounting ratios illustrate the present as well as the prospective, so that shareholders can visualize how much gain a business attained, the total worth of the assets and the level of cash reserves available. This well-researched paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of accounting ratios. One significant drawback of the accounting ratio is that it depends too heavily on the conventional costs that lead to twists in quantifying performance. Ratios are required to be represented meticulously. They can entail the evidences to the performance of the company or financial environment. However, they are unable to demonstrate whether the performance is good or bad out their own. The writer details the manner in which the final figures of accounting ratios are achieved, while discussing the fact that these ratios necessitate some quantitative information for an informed analysis to be made. The writer contends and clearly explains why accounting ratios are completely dependent on the supplied data which may or may not be accurate.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "A markedly low accounts ratio may give rise to angry suppliers and remarkably high inventory turnover ratios may lead to supply shortages and angry customers. The one that is correct for one company may not be considered appropriate for another one. Besides, no two companies are found to be similar irrespective of the fact that they are competitors in the same industry or market. Application of ratios to evaluate one company with another provides misleading information. Businesses may be within the same industry but have distinguished financial and business risk. Ratios are completely dependent on the data that may or may not be accurate."
