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

Description: Summary sheet of the report, Tale of Two Pension Plans: Measuring Pension Plan Risk From an Economic Capital Perspective.

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

Description: In this video, Sherry Chan, an experienced actuary, provides insights into key aspects of retirement planning. She emphasizes the importance of understanding defined benefit plans and highlights three main categories: Single Employer Plans, Multiemployer Plans (MEPs), and Public Plans. Chan discusses the significance of ERISA regulations, crucial assumptions used in actuarial calculations, and contemporary events impacting retirement planning, such as legislative acts like the Social Act and Secure 2.0 Act. She stresses the importance of adhering to Actuarial Standards of Practice and encourages exploration of emerging trends in Retire Tech, which integrates Fin Tech and Insure Tech advancements. Chan concludes by recommending further resources for in depth knowledge enhancement. Contributors: Sherry Chan, FSA, EA< MAAA; Faith Wilson, FSA, CERA; Susan Boyle, FSA, EA, MAAA, FCA; Robert Shriver FSA, EA, MAAA, FCAS; Rebecca Janus, ASA; Jon Forster ASA, MAAA.

Description: Chapter 4 discusses a range of actuarial issues associated with DROPs. From Design and Actuarial Aspects of Deferred Retirement Option Programs, M-RS03-2.

Description: An interview with the director of research at International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans

Description: This article provides a basic introduction to the taxation of qualified annuities held in qualified retirement plans and IRAs. The article has been updated for the SECURE Act and the SECURE 2.0 Act. The article describes the basic types of employer-based plans, provides of overview of the taxation of contributions and benefits when annuities are held in connection with plans and IRAs, explains the required minimum distribution rules, and offers a brief introduction to recent legislation impacting qualified annuities.

Description: This article, another in the popular series devoted to tax basics, provides an overview of how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the law governing employment-based retirement and health plans, impacts the use of annuities in pension and 401(k) plans. The article explains which types of plans are subject to ERISA, and which are not; why the concept of "plan assets" is critical; what duties an insurance company or distributor might take on when an annuity is placed with a retirement plan; and finally what disclosures may be required. The article also includes a brief introduction to terminal funding annuities. This article is intended for those with no prior experience in ERISA. Because the vast majority of retirement assets are saved originally in employment based plans like pension and 401(k) plans, understanding the basics of ERISA is important for anyone who will have a career in annuities and life insurance.

Description: May 2016 issue of Pension Section News