Description: This paper examines tandem levels of salary and interest rates and finds that the absolute level of each assumption as well as the differential are significant cost determinants for defined benefit pension plans. In forming best-estimate salary and interest rate assumptions, the actuary must reconcile the difference, if any, between the currently observed rates and the valuation assumptions. Common practice is to choose expected long-term rather than observed rates for valuation purposes. The error in this procedure is analyzed and found to be tolerable for strictly temporary discrepancies between observed rates and valuation assumptions. For situations where these discrepancies are expected to persist for some time, a need is shown for nonuniform, calendar-year assumptions or their equivalent in order to develop best-estimate assumptions. Followed by several discussion papers submitted

Description: This paper proposes to discuss the various criteria of actuarial soundness, especially as they apply to the railroad retirement system, and to suggest another measure of the financial condition of the system as of any valuation date. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1954, Vol. 6, No. 14.

Description: From the 1960 Transactions Vol. 12 No. 32, this ‘Discussion of Subjects of Special Interest’ addresses dividends. Topics include the reflection in dividends of new federal income tax basis for qualified pensions involving individual policies, and for certain annuities, rate of excess interest on supplementary contracts vs. accumulated dividends, and issues involving dividends on supplementary contracts.

Description: These discussions at the 1967 New York and New Orleans Regional Meetings are about considerations in choosing interest assumptions and challenges presented when comparing investment yields among companies.

Description: This general discussion looks at the results derived from the 15th International Congress of Actuaries and the legislations adopted in Canada and proposed in the U.S. giving favorable tax treatment to pension contributions by the self-employed. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1958, Vol. 10, No. 26.

Description: This discussion explores actuarial assumptions for interest, mortality and disability. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1961, Vol. 13, Pt. 2.

Description: The objective of this forum was to bring together basic factual material and to discover a good cross section of actuarial thinking in this field. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1950, Vol. 2, No. 2.

Description: This paper presents the fundamentals of creating and using projections. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1950, Vol. 2, No. 4.

Description: This is a discussion of the title paper by Robert M. Duncan which outlines the use of a contributory money purchase plan with death benefits, and investments in equities, to fund pensions. The approach is critiqued.

Description: The so-called pension max life insurance marketing concept is generating a great deal of excitement among life insurance marketers. It's also received some skeptical reviews in the popular news media, the most recent being a Newsweek article by Jane Bryant Quinn in the April 4, 1994 issue. The marketing concept calls for electing an unreduced pension, that is, maximizing the pension, in lieu of electing a reduced contingent annuity [CA] or joint and survivor [J&S] option. Further, the marketing concept calls for the purchase of life insurance on the employee to substitute for the economic exposure created by not electing the CA or J&S option. Although the marketing concept is clear and simple, its economics continue to generate a great deal of discussion. This paper attempts to add some clarity to this issue. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1995, Vol. 47.