Description: This article discusses adjusting IRC 415 limits for prior distributions. The proposed IRC 415 regulations issued last May contained guidance regarding how to adjust the benefit limits for prior distributions. This is commendable on the part of the IRS. How to adjust the IRC 415 limits for prior distributions has long been a source of confusion even for experienced pension actuaries. The best methodology is not immediately clear, and some methods have become common practice even if they can lead to inconsistent or unreasonable results. From Pension Section News, January 2006, No. 60.

Description: Article from Pension Section News, January 2006, No. 60, is the Chairperson's Corner of the outgoing member of the Pension Section Council. The article highlights its current initiatives and projects that are critical components in the SOA's forward-looking approach.

Description: This article discusses the need for a better strategy for defined benefit pension plans. While pension costs per se can be considered independently of investment strategy, the volatility of costs cannot. Many defined benefit plan sponsors are acutely aware of this volatility and are freezing or terminating their defined benefit pension plans. From Pension Section News, September 2006, No. 62.

Description: Josh Bank explores the new Pension Section Web pages and provides readers with a map of the new features.

Description: May 2010 Issue 72 of Pension Section News.

Description: May 2011 Issue 74 of Pension Section News.

Description: Announcement of 2011 section elections.

Description: Andrew Peterson gives an excellent synopsis and editorial comments on the high points of the National Academy of Social Insurance’s 23rd annual Conference, held this January at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

Description: This article explains why and how maturing defined benefit pension plans become increasingly unstable if they maintain asset mix policies that embody material mismatch risk between plan assets and liabilities. The implication is that asset depletion is a risk that mature plans should take very seriously. This means redesign should be a priority for pension plans facing this risk. From the Pension Section News, October 2011, Issue No. 75.

Description: This article describes techniques and models used to forecast mortality improvement and the considerations that underlie long-term mortality improvement projections in the United States.