According to Bloomberg News, about $24.8 billion of US office buildings were in distress at the end of the second quarter, resulting in a higher amount of real estate worries than the leading commercial real estate laggards — hotels and retail properties. Questions: Source: Gittelsohn, J. (2023). Distressed US Offices Jump to $24.8 Billion, More… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Ethical Dilemma
Newest “Old School” Scam
The IRS is warning about a new scam that targets your bank account using an old-fashioned mailer. Questions: Source: Tanner, J. IRS warns taxpayers of new ‘unclaimed refund’ scam – here’s how it works. The Hill, July 8 (Retrievable online at https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/4085938-irs-warns-taxpayers-of-new-unclaimed-refund-scam-heres-how-it-works/
Bank of America fined and ordered to issue refunds
According to the Associated Press, Bank of America will reimburse customers more than $100 million and pay $150 million in fines for “double-dipping” on overdraft fees, withholding reward bonuses on credit cards, and opening accounts without customer consent. Questions: Source: Sweet, K. and M. Chapman. (2023). BofA hit with $250 million in fines and customer… Read more »
Inheritance from Antiquities Smuggling
According to the Washington Post, U.S. authorities announced that they have secured a $12 million forfeiture agreement from the daughter of accused antiquities smuggler Douglas Latchford, a man federal prosecutors say was a key figure in the decades-long ransacking of ancient Cambodian temples. Questions: Source: Whoriskey, P. (2023). Heir of accused antiquities smuggler agrees to… Read more »
Forever Chemicals Settlement; No Liability Admitted
According to the New York Times, chemical giant, 3M, reached a $10.3 billion settlement deal with U.S. cities and towns regarding claims that the company contaminated drinking water with so-called forever chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to nonstick coatings. Questions: Source: Friedman, L and V. Giang. (2023) 3M Reaches $10.3 Billion Settlement in… Read more »
The Ups and Downs of the Interest Rate
According to the Washington Post, the Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it would not raise interest rates this month. Questions: Source: Siegel, R. and A. Bhattarai. (2023). Fed leaves rates unchanged for first time since March 2022. The Washington Post, June 14 (Retrievable online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/06/14/fed-expected-leave-rates-unchanged-first-time-since-march-2022/)
AI in Small Business Accounting
According to The World Financial Review, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing advancements in small business accounting. Questions: Source: Staff. (2023). How AI Is Revolutionizing Small Business Accounting. The World Financial Review, June 14 (Retrievable online at https://worldfinancialreview.com/how-ai-is-revolutionizing-small-business-accounting/)
“Home Equity Theft” ruled on by the Supreme Court
According to Accounting Today, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected a Minnesota county’s argument that a 94-year-old woman had no property interest in a condominium they seized from her and later sold for more than her unpaid taxes. Questions: Source: Cohn, M. (2023). SCOTUS rules for 94-year-old in property tax case. Accounting Today, June 6 (Retrievable… Read more »
Higher Stock Ownership among Americans in 2023
According to the Washington Post, 61 percent of Americans own stocks, which is the highest number since 2008. Questions: Source: Singletary, M. (2023) More Americans own stocks. This is great for their financial future. The Washington Post, June 6. (Retrievable at https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/06/06/american-stock-ownership/)
Do more taxes mean better services?: A cautionary tale
Generally, you equate the need for higher taxes in a city as a way to improve the environment. This blog looks at the city of Portland, Oregon. Questions: Source: Conerly, B. (2021) Death Of A City: The Portland Story? Forbes, Jan. 28 (Retrievable online at https://www.forbes.com/sites/billconerly/2021/01/28/death-of-a-city-the-portland-story/?sh=bff67ac74ad0) Constantz, J. (2023). The cities where high earners face… Read more »