ABI Blog Exchange

SEC Staff Permits Exclusion of Audit Firm Rotation Shareholder Proposals

In what may be the first major decision this proxy season on shareholder proposals, the SEC staff has granted no-action letters to two companies, Hewlett-Packard Company and Deere & Company, that had sought to exclude proposals submitted by the

SEC Staff Permits Exclusion of Audit Firm Rotation Shareholder Proposals

In what may be the first major decision this proxy season on shareholder proposals, the SEC staff has granted no-action letters to two companies, Hewlett-Packard Company and Deere & Company, that had sought to exclude proposals submitted by the

Bankruptcy And Mortgage Mediation/Modification

The words Mortgage Modification and/or Mediation and Bankruptcy were never used in the same sentence because we all know that a debtor in Chapter 13 cannot use the Bankruptcy Code to modify a primary mortgage on their residence. However, in the wake

SEC Staff Permits Exclusion of Audit Firm Rotation Shareholder Proposals

Bankers: Embrace Shadow Banking System as Clients, Not Rivals

Banks are going to need to make hard decisions to exit some traditional businesses. The question is how to do it to maximize what you get at the exit, and in such a way that remaining businesses can thrive.

Operational Risks Are the Cockroaches of Banking

Like roaches, op risks hide well, multiply quickly, and should be everyone's problem to stomp out.

Low CD rates mean risky business

Lecturer K. Steven Lovell shares his opinions on how seniors should cope with low CD rates.

Americans expect to spend less over the holidays

Four in 10 Americans say they'll curb holiday spending, but will they surrender to shopping?

Job fears push down Financial Security Index

Low levels of job security dragged down Bankrate's index in November's survey.

Save on engagement ring without being chintzy

Dazzle your future bride with a stunning engagement ring and your excellent financial sense.

Elderly Parents, Life Estates, Remainder Interests, and Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy trustees in California and elsewhere were notorious for holding a Chapter 7 case open while real estate prices rose (hah! remember those days?) above the protected values. The trustee would then sell the home, forcing a debtor to move –

9 items homebuyers desire in 2011

What will satisfy today's homebuyers? Bargains in great condition, plus luxurious informality.

Will The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee In My Tax Refund?

Whether a tax refund will be taken by the Trustee in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will depend on several factors. As a general rule, the amount of taxes withheld from your pay are prorated over the entire year. This means that the portion of the tax refund

Mortgage Cram-Downs On Investment Property In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 permits debtors to “cram down”, or reduce, the amount of a mortgage on investment property to the property’s current market value. A client recently asked me if the Chapter 13 cram down eliminates past-due mortgage payments and if...

Holiday happiness -- get it all but pay less

Can't afford a holiday blowout? Here's how to have a great festive season for less.

How to analyze your portfolio

First assess your strategy, then determine if your portfolio holdings are worth keeping.

Offbeat ways to finance your small business

When a small-business owner needs cash in a hurry, these options can fill the bill in the short run.

5 tips for classy, frugal holiday party fun

Don't let a sagging economy stop you from hosting an affordable party with panache.

In Memoriam: John Worthy Alvis, 1945-2011

On Wednesday November 23, 2011, friends, colleagues and family members gathered at First Baptist Church in San Marcos, Texas to remember the life of John Worthy Alvis who passed away on November 19 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. John

Important Bankruptcy Concepts Explained

When a debtor files bankruptcy, there are several very important concepts that they should understand. Let’s take a look at a few: The Ability To Pay The debtor’s ability to pay is an important concept of the bankruptcy process. Before a debtor files