Description: This article discusses the results of a study sponsored by the Society of Actuaries which demonstrated the different accrual patterns between cash balance and traditional pension plans. From: The Actuary, September 1999 – volume 33 - Issue 7.

Description: This is a book review of 'Pension Mathematics for Actuaries' by Arthur W. Anderson. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1985, Vol. 37.

Description: This article is about structuring participating group annuities to guarantee permanent security to participants of defined benefit plans. From The Actuary Vol. 26, No. 8

Description: This article, another in the popular series devoted to tax basics, provides an overview of how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the law governing employment-based retirement and health plans, impacts the use of annuities in pension and 401(k) plans. The article explains which types of plans are subject to ERISA, and which are not; why the concept of "plan assets" is critical; what duties an insurance company or distributor might take on when an annuity is placed with a retirement plan; and finally what disclosures may be required. The article also includes a brief introduction to terminal funding annuities. This article is intended for those with no prior experience in ERISA. Because the vast majority of retirement assets are saved originally in employment based plans like pension and 401(k) plans, understanding the basics of ERISA is important for anyone who will have a career in annuities and life insurance.

Description: This is an article that highlights an alternative method for determining the impact of a change in interest rates on the factor which converts a life annuity to a 100% joint and survivor annuity. It also discusses the factors for early retirement and deferred retirement.