Description: In this article, the author discusses an estate planning strategy that is extremely effective in an environment of low interest rates and depressed asset values, and was made more attractive by the December 17, 2010 legislation that provides extensive estate tax relief, although only for two years: the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust or GRAT. The articles discusses how a GRAT works, strategy for setting one up, income tax considerations, certain drawbacks, and the need to act quickly, given congress is considering legislation that would impose restrictions.

Description: In this article, the section chair of the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section, ‘EAS,’ addresses the growth of the life actuarial profession. The author notes the significant growth in size of the profession in terms of membership, but cautions that calling us a growing profession on this basis only addresses the supply of actuaries, not the demand. The article then discusses current efforts to address the question of demand, noting that the EAS is in early discussions with other sections and the SOA staff to develop some measure of future demand for actuaries.

Description: In this discussion of President Obama’s financial regulatory reform on start-up companies, the author believes”that the proposed requirement has the potential to significantly increase the financial burden on an early-stage firm through increased scrutiny and record-keeping” This paper outlines the extent of the issues facing a start-up company due to the Administration's proposals, and offers solutions to the problems facing these entrepreneurs.

Description: In this article the author discusses 10 ways to have a successful business with limited business travel, including redefining success and living near a big city.