Description: Tom Toale discusses the importance of behavioral economics

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: Hear from the chairperson on themes in the May 2017 Pension Section News published by the Pension Section.

Description: Update on the activities of the Retirement Plans Experience Committee

Description: Interview with Joseph Goodman, vice president at Compass Lexecon.

Description: Preview of 2017 retirement arena given US administration changes

Description: Discusses the Canadian Institute of Actuaries report on whether the normal retirement age in Canadian social security programs and private programs should be increased and possible impacts.

Description: Offers some perspectives on retirement advice and the employer after the April, 2016 Department of Labor new fiduciary rules. Builds on SOA research project from the Committee on Post-Retirement Needs and Risk, Retirement and Investment Advice: A Guide for Employers

Description: Interview with Sudipto Banerjee

Description: Read the September 2017 issue of Pension Section News published by the The Pension Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.