Description: The author discusses group short-term disability or STD programs, including the advantages and disadvantages of self insured vs. insured plans, as well as hybrid approaches.

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: This article discusses the services a personal actuary can provide.

Description: In this article, the author, an independent consulting actuary, discusses the process of becoming independent, providing advice on what you need to consider in making the transition from company employee to independent consultant.

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

Description: Peer Review by Ken Hartwell from Smaller Consulting Firm Section, June 2003, Issue No. 2.

Description: The author reviews the impact of health care exchanges becoming operational in 2014, and he offers ideas for efficient risk identification and ways to measure the results.