Description: This article is a review of the book “Pension Mathematics with Numerical Illustrations,” by Howard E. Winklevoss. The stated objective of this book is to analyze pension costs in detail, including the manner in which such costs vary under different actuarial assumptions, funding methods, and benefit provisions. The reviewers conclude the book is “probably most useful as a basic reference to those interested in pension cost relationships, examined from a theoretical and mathematical viewpoint.”

Description: This session discussion is about practices and procedures in the termination of pension plans, PBGC requirements and effect of new regulatory requirements on plan terminations. From Record of the Society of Actuaries Vol. 14, No. 4A.

Description: Chapter 5 raises a number of tax issues that require legal advice, while recognizing that not all experts will agree on the correct tax treatment. From Design and Actuarial Aspects of Deferred Retirement Option Programs, M-RS03-2.

Description: Update to the SOA's longitudinal analysis of contributions among state-based and large-city pension plans in the U.S.

Description: This research report analyzes approaches for the required discount rate to determine adequate funding for DB pension plans.

Description: This teaching session focuses on the IRS and PBGC requirements for terminating a defined benefit plan, both with and without sufficient plan assets. It also looks at alternatives to plan termination, such as plan freeze and plan merger. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries Vol. 5, No. 4.

Description: 2004 SOA Spring Meeting, Anaheim, CA. This session presented expert views on emerging issues that have technical and practical ramifications for plan sponsors, participants and/or advisers. It offered attendees an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the current retirement system's regulatory environment and how it has changed.

Description: This is a discussion about pension plan design and mechanics including: 1. Adjustment of pension benefits for inflation, 2. Major revisions or plan terminations, 3. Development of group pension contracts, and 4. Design problems of negotiated plans. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1967, Vol. 19 Pt. 2, No. 55.

Description: This discussion focuses on the advantages and disadvantages, from the viewpoint of smaller insurance companies in the United States and Canada, of entering the field of small pension plans. Considerations involve whether a smaller company entering the field should offer group annuities, and to what extent are special premium rates, plans of agents' compensation, and policy forms necessary for a smaller company to compete successfully for individual policy pension plans. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1961, Vol. 13, Pt. 2.

Description: Chapter 8 examines several issues related to DROP features added to ERISA-covered plans, and several issues related to Canadian plans. From Design and Actuarial Aspects of Deferred Retirement Option Programs, M-RS03-2.