Description: A discussion of mental health issues facing those in the role of caregiver for a loved one.

Description: A discussion of a gathering in Las Vegas of more than 500 insurance agents who discussed various answers to the question: Will there still be a long-term care insurance (LTCi) industry going forward?

Description: In the Leadership & Development Section’s Leadership Inspiration Contest, entrants were asked to tell us what inspired them to be a better actuarial leader. This is Fraser Smart's entry from the “Defining Moment/Event” category.

Description: The article discusses the Texas Pension Review Board's Guidelines for Actuarial Soundness applicable to Texas state public retirement systems (including the system's amortization period), and how these guidelines are consistent with and complementary to both the current GASB 27 ARC disclosure, and the imminent GASB 67 & 68 disclosures. The GASB requirements will change from a de facto funding standard to strictly disclosure requirements, with a focus on plans whose funding trajectory is the poorest.

Description: The author encourages the use of sound actuarial principles to develop reasonable retirement spending budgets instead of rule of thumb approaches commonly used.

Description: In this paper, Honorable Mention Essay for the Society of Actuaries' Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section 2010 Papers Competition, the author discusses the relative lack of personal insurance programs in third world countries, and the opportunities and challenges this presents to entrepreneurial actuaries. This essay discusses approaches for solving the issues in order that personal insurance programs in the third world will become a viable business opportunity. In addition to being an opportunity, the author believes this should also be an area in which actuaries feel a responsibility for finding solutions, because actuaries understand the problems and can find the answers. The author also suggests ways the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section can help.

Description: The Total Career Benchmark Model, consistent with Retirement 20/20 principles, focuses on reconstructing and maintaining a consistent and reasonable sharing of risks and rewards amongst the four stakeholders: Individuals, Society, Employers and the Markets. Modern technology provides the necessary tools. A series of benchmarks are used for tax limits, target pensions, accrual to date etc. The self adjusting, consistent benchmarks under the TCB Model, means that all stakeholders speak the same language. Individuals and Employers can easily compare what they have to what they need – and more importantly can see how to accrue what is needed. An individual’s ability to tax shelter income over a career is not dependent on the design of any employer pension plan. All funds allocated to an individual remain the individual’s and are not used to subsidize another person – except for the inherent risk sharing of an annuity – by hidden transfers of value.

Description: An actuary, Jim Toole, speaks out on racial disparities in infant mortality.

Description: This document is intended for reporters and editors seeking information and thought leaders on how to clarify the complexities of retirement planning and the associated risks for the individual consumer. It provides tips and a summary of considerations and risks involved with transitioning into retirement, and includes bios for expert actuaries specializing in retirement, who are available for interviews or comment, and contact information for the Society.