Description: The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute released initial findings from its biennial Retirement Risk Survey to gain insights into financial retirement risks and help improve financial planning strategies.

Description: This article is the second in a series that offers a concise summary of an extensive body of SOA Research Institute work focused on improving retirement planning and management. The article summarizes findings from consumer research and other reports at different life stages to help the reader understand what households actually do with regard to retirement planning. It points out the challenges of groups such as the financially fragile and those who do not have employer sponsored retirement plans. A repeated finding from this work is that individual actions fit patterns that are different from what the planning methodologies and professional advisors believe they are or should be, creating gaps and significant opportunities to help improve retirement planning and management, particularly since individuals have so much responsibility for their own financial security.

Description: This video features Sherry Chan a C – level executive and SOA board member. This video provides an overview of retirement plans, focusing on Defined Contribution (DC) and Defined Benefit (DB) plans. DC plans operate like personal savings accounts, with contributions from employee, employer, or both, while DB plans promise a fixed monthly benefit upon retirement. The script also discusses various retirement plan sponsors, including employers, government entities, and self-sponsors, highlighting their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, it discusses strategies for plan sponsors, such as choosing between lump sum payments and annuities, considering workforce demographics, managing administrative complexities, and staying compliant with regulations. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of understanding plan differences and making strategic decisions to ensure retirement for employees. Contributors: Sherry Chan, FSA, EA< MAAA; Faith Wilson, FSA, CERA; Susan Boyle, FSA, EA, MAAA, FCA; Robert Shriver FSA, EA, MAAA, FCAS; Jon Forster ASA, MAAA.