Description: Article focuses on a number of strategies that can be used to improve results in a DC plan. It is based on information from several outside sources. It encourages people with DB backgrounds to learn more about DC issues.

Description: An “eligible combined plan”allows the promise, funding and delivery of both pension benefits funded by the employer and salary deferrals funded by the employees

Description: An interview with actuary Lee Gold reveals preliminary results of a recent SOA research project which surveyed employees on what retirement plan features they prefer.

Description: All we need is … a §401k - redesigned to • Leverage the fungibility of money • Consolidate to a lifetime, all-in-one plan • Create liquidity without leakage

Description: The traditional defined-benefit (DB) plan is a type of plan structured to provide the greatest degree of retirement income security, designed to pay out a guaranteed retirement income for the life of the retiree (and, when applicable, a beneficiary). However, over the last several decades, the number of private-sector employees covered under these traditional plans has decreased dramatically and been replaced by defined contribution (DC) plans. In contrast, public-sector retirement plans, which are exempt from ERISA, have seen a much smaller decline in DB plans. There are many differences in the private and public sector that likely contributed to this phenomenon, but ERISA and the many amendments to it has been a major factor.

Description: Many factors contribute to one’s ability to save and prepare for retirement. This essay examines the influence family structure has on retirement preparedness.

Description: In this video Steve Siegel, a Senior Practice Research Actuary at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, discusses a study focusing on the retirement planning of 35 to 45 year olds. The study explores how income, family dynamics, and other factors influence retirement decisions. Despite the importance of retirement, many participants hadn’t deeply considered it, and obstacles such as financial stress and uncertainty hindered their saving efforts. The report offers recommendations for future research and tools to help individuals better envision their retirement lifestyles. Contributors: Steve Siegel, ASA, MAAA; Rose Northon; Jon Forster ASA, MAAA

Description: The standard for measuring retirement income adequacy has been the final earnings replacement rate (usually targeted at 70%). But - does it work?

Description: In this video, Steve Siegel, a Senior Practice Research Actuary at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, introduces a report titled “What Retirement Plan Features Do Employees Really Want?” He discusses the methodology behind the research, which involved a survey and around 25,000 adults in the US using Conjoint Analysis. Siegel highlights key findings from the report, including preferences relating to retirement planning, availability of retirement plans, accessing benefits, risk tolerance, and leaving a legacy. He also mentions the Choice Simulator Tool, an Excel dashboard developed to explore benefit preferences further, and available for download. Contributors: Steve Siegel, ASA, MAAA; Rose Northon; Jon Forster ASA, MAAA

Description: In this video, Steve Siegel, introduces a report titled “Megatrends Impacting the Future of Retirement Plans.” He explains how to access the report on the SOA website and discusses its initiation during the COVID pandemic, aiming to inspire creative thinking about retirement. Siegel outlines key concepts from the reporting, including “Templosion” and “Non-Linear Life Trajectories”, which signify rapid changes and evolving life stages impacting retirement planning. He also discusses trends like “Diamonding” and “Gerontopogy” highlighting their implications for retirement and business opportunities. Finally, Steven emphasizes the ongoing nature of the conversation around retirement planning and invites viewers to explore the report for deeper insights. Contributors: Steve Siegel, ASA, MAAA; Rose Northon; Jon Forster ASA, MAAA