Description: A new approach to computing annual pension costs, based on an open-group projection of the participant population for a number of years, was described in detail in a paper published in the 1975 Transactions, entitled 'The Forecast Valuation Method for Pension Plans.' That paper described the operation of such a cost method at the initial valuation date. This paper discusses several alternative approaches to projection valuation methods and also describes how costs should be computed at valuation dates after the first one. In addition, the author illustrates projected contributions and asset buildups under both traditional [closed-group] cost methods and projected [open-group] cost methods, for a number of years under a variety of assumptions as to the growth rate of the participant group. Projection valuation methods have not been described heretofore in sufficient detail to make it possible for actuaries to use them on a recurring basis or for the Internal Revenue Service to make a determination as to the acceptability of such approaches for computing tax-deductible pension plan contributions. It is the hope of the author that this paper will fill both of those gaps. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1977, Vol. 29.

Description: Since the Internal Revenue Service updated its rules for integration of qualified pension plans [Revenue Ruling 71-446] nearly ten years ago, major changes have taken place in the structure of Social Security benefits. The lack of a consensus as to what constitutes a good set of rules for integration is a reflection of the many existing social and political viewpoints on this subject. This paper proposes a single theoretical basis for the integration of qualified pension benefits with Social Security retirement benefits and examines the implications of that proposal. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1982, Vol. 34.

Description: This paper describes the actuarial valuation method for pension plans, the formulas and assumptions used, and the way these assumptions might be chosen. A case study is presented. Followed by several discussion papers submitted