This optional monthly payment program, called Fidelity Smart Payment Program, uses quantitative analysis to determine a schedule of annual target payment rates, with a goal of not running out of money before the target date is achieved.

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"The net income target is a threshold to determine tax deductibility and clearly impacts whether we award a bonus or not, " says compensation committee chair Judith Estrin.

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The recent incident of Target using customer analytics to determine that a teen was pregnant before her father knew is an indication of how much companies actually know about us and our activities.

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The case now heads back to California to determine damages, and the sum awarded to FBT has become a favorite target of speculation for industry watchers.

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To determine whether the fund is a worthwhile investment, look at the fund's performance compared to its target index, Lowlicht says.

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Also, she says, determine how much income you need to stay afloat each month, and focus on that target like a laser.

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With a target retail price in mind for the product, the brand then works backwards to determine the wholesale price to the retailer.

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