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: Chairperson Address to the Predictive Analytics and Futurism Section

Description: Article about lessons learned from working with the Actuaries Without Borders Global Mentorship Program for a year.

Description: Book review of Anthony Asher’s "Working Ethically in Finance: Clarifying our Vocation".

Description: Candace Woods, the chief actuary of Prudential, shared her career trajectory and lessons learned for work and life.

Description: Read the January 2020 issue of International News published by the International Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: Chairperson's Corner for Reinsurance Section outlines key areas of interest that members support most , its mission and volunteer opportunities

Description: Gearing up-- exploring the rewards for completing the SoA Competency Framework tools of Self-Assessment and Personal Development Plan.

Description: A compilation of reader responses is presented to a real life situation posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision. This issue’s case study involved a difficult hiring decision faced by an actuarial manager.

Description: This article profiles actuary, John Hadley, who, as a devoted parent, is taking on many volunteer roles at the Somerville School District in New Jersey to tackle such problems as deteriorating facilities, out-of-date curricula, and the need to become current with technological advancements.