Description: This essay explores the role that the emerging defined contribution retirement system may be playing in the growth of wealth inequality in the United States. The current system leaves many Americans with little or no retirement savings. Those with higher accumulation levels appear to invest proportionally more in equities, which may have an exponential effect of balances over long time periods. The author hypothesizes that willingness to take investment risk involves the relationship between the amount an investor has accumulated and what she/he needs in order to cover basic costs of living. This is one reason that investors with greater accumulation levels may be able to earn higher rates of return. The essay concludes by suggesting that the U.S. defined contribution system should include all workers and provide additional fiduciary guidance. Examples reforms, both in the U.S. and other countries, are provided.

Description: Summary/Project at a Glance of Spending Decisions in Long Term Retirees Study

Description: 2015 Risks and Process of Retirement Survey – Report of Findings

Description: This report highlights findings from the 2011 Retirement Risks Survey related to working in retirement, with additional sources for commentary.

Description: The SOA is pleased to make available a report highlighting findings related to housing from the biennial survey, Risks and Process of Retirement.

Description: The SOA is pleased to make available the full report and an overview report highlighting findings for the biennial survey, Risks and Process of Retirement.

Description: Book review of The Fundamentals of Pension Mathematics by Barnet E. Barin. Mr. Griffin supports the text as a valuable contribution in particular his analysis of gains/losses by source during the transition to utilizing computers for pension valuation.

Description: The SOA is pleased to make available a report highlighting findings related to housing from the biennial survey, Risks and Process of Retirement.

Description: This report presents findings from the 2013 Risks and Process of Retirement Survey, specifically those relating to personal risk management. Plans made and actions taken throughout people’s formative working lives develop their “life portfolios.” An important part includes making provisions for their senior years. These steps and efforts continued beyond their working lives to optimize physical, cognitive, emotional and financial well-being comprise their personal management of retirement risk. Such measures include, but are not limited to, when they choose to retire and take Social Security; their spending habits; how they manage debt; how they plan living arrangements and utilize the equity in their homes; the financial products they purchase; and how they employ financial planning services.