Description: One of the most fundamental concepts in actuarial practice is the time value of money. For any work in which future cash flows are allowed for, such as reserving or pricing, it is natural to discount to present values so that an appropriate amount of money can be set aside today, allowing for future investment returns. This article discusses yield curve extrapolation methods along with the benefits and drawbacks of these methods.

Description: This is a discussion about agency matters such as: new agents, experienced agents, general agents and managers, agent survival rates, etc. Also discussed is the future of the Society of Actuaries with reference to its role in providing service to its members and to the public. From Transactions of 1966, Vol. 18 Pt. 2, No. 51.

Description: Part I of a four-part series on insurance product regulations around the world. Provides a good high-level summary of the regulations as of 2002.

Description: This is a panel discussion session on recommended guidelines and practices for determining dividends and illustrations for individual life insurance products, focused on the SOA's Committee on Dividend Philosophy's proposed recommendations. The differences between mutual company and stock company views are explored.

Description: This general discussion looks at problems or solutions developed in the field of agents' compensation, considerations leading companies to recent reductions in individual annuity rates, trend to offer first year cash values, increasing demand for the issuance of insurance at ages up to 70 and beyond, and if the SOA should give consideration to elective subjects in the Fellowship exam.

Description: Inaugural article in a series to share resources with other actuaries at smaller companies. This article will introduce the reader to the Academy's Life and Health Valuation Law Manual, an annual publication containing numerous references, notes and guidelines to help valuation actuaries complete their statutory regulatory work.

Description: Situated at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and economics, behavioral economics (BE) centers on applying an honest understanding of human behavior to practical problems. This report is designed to provide general familiarity to the reader interested in the subject of BE and motivate additional research on the topic.

Description: A review of Life Insurance Accounting, a reference work by twenty three authors under the direction of the Insurance Accounting and Statistical Association, IASA.

Description: The goal of the third survey in this series is to collect and disseminate information on best practices around sales and the issuance of new business. The survey was directed at staff directly involved in assessing the impact of recent events on new business processes.