Description: The April/May 2016 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: The United States has received severe negative press the last several years regarding its massive U.S. federal government debt, currently estimated as of April 2007 at about $8.9 trillion. This article looks at the U.S. debt relative to other countries and also explores the impact on U.S. investments.

Description: This editorial notes how change is constant in the world around us and that the SOA has adopted a theme of change. Articles in this issue of The Actuary, which are all related to change, are summarized.

Description: The article summarizes a survey conducted by the Pension Section's Research Team. Nearly 2,400 actuaries responded with answers that ranged from abolishing the system to expanding the program to include all workers. The question, What changes, if any, should be made to the current system? is recapped.

Description: This article from The Actuary Magazine discusses the paper issued by the Emerging Issues Advisory Group on fair value liabilities. A change in the method used for financial reporting is on the way. The questions, what are the changes and what they mean to you are answered here.

Description: This is a synopsis of a report that actuaries have been participating in regarding insurer risk assessment for solvency purposes.

Description: Other Post Employment Benefits OPEB deals with the promise of providing coverage for post employment non-pension benefits such as health care and life insurance. This article focuses on the recent implementation of GASB No. 43 and 45 which requires public entities to value and recognize the liability of post employment non-pension benefits.

Description: This article is about the cost-benefit relationship of advances in longevity and taking personal responsibility for one's own wellness.

Description: Feature article describing the need and reasoning for the new SOA Section, Social Insurance and Public Finance.

Description: This article explains the change in reinsurance in Brazil to an open market and why Rio de Janeiro should be the center of Brazil's reinsurance market. Prior to January 2008, all reinsurance was through the IRB, The Brazilian Reinsurance Institute founded in 1939 and jointly owned by the insurance companies that are licensed to do business in Brazil and by the Government of Brazil.