Description: These 'Notes from the Editor' offer a run-down of topics covered in the August 2011 issue of The Independent Consultant, the newsletter of the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section.

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: A preview of the Society of Actuaries’ 2010 Health Meeting, June 28-30, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida.

Description: This article discusses the search for talent, and the issues companies face in looking to hire top talent in times of recession. The author addresses questions such as why the talent pool isn’t necessarily larger and easier to select from, and why the hiring process may take even longer, when times are bad.

Description: Find out how to join the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section LinkedIn Group.

Description: The editor of The Independent Consultant offered brief notes about the articles covered in the current issue.

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: The incoming chairperson of the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section discussed the section initiative for the coming year.

Description: In his farewell article, the outgoing chairperson of the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section solicits more ideas regarding how the section can better meet the needs of its members.

Description: In this Column, the editor of The Independent Consultant discussed section activities and goals and solicited ideas for how the members' needs could be better met.