Description: This article notes how “we can do much more at the company, industry and social level by combining what we know with other actuaries as well as members of other disciplines.” This will become easier due to social technologies that allow individuals to collaborate regardless of conventional barriers. The author asks “how do we use these new social technologies to leverage our existing actuarial skill set data in a way that creates value for customers and clients?”

Description: These 'Notes from the Editor' offer a run-down of topics covered in the August 2011 issue of The Independent Consultant, the newsletter of the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section.

Description: In this article, the author discusses an estate planning strategy that is extremely effective in an environment of low interest rates and depressed asset values, and was made more attractive by the December 17, 2010 legislation that provides extensive estate tax relief, although only for two years: the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust or GRAT. The articles discusses how a GRAT works, strategy for setting one up, income tax considerations, certain drawbacks, and the need to act quickly, given congress is considering legislation that would impose restrictions.

Description: In his farewell article, the outgoing chairperson of the Entrepreneurial Actuaries Section solicits more ideas regarding how the section can better meet the needs of its members.

Description: This article discusses the services a personal actuary can provide.

Description: In this Column, the editor of The Independent Consultant discussed section activities and goals and solicited ideas for how the members' needs could be better met.

Description: Peer Review by Ken Hartwell from Smaller Consulting Firm Section, June 2003, Issue No. 2.

Description: A preview of the Society of Actuaries’ 2010 Health Meeting, June 28-30, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida.

Description: Over the last several decades, mortality trends and life expectancies in developed countries have been improving and are expected to continue to improve in the future. This paper discusses issues of longevity risk and volatility faced by small defined-benefit DB pension plans in Canada and outlines the opportunities available for entrepreneurial insurance companies interested in providing solutions to address these issues.

Description: In this article, the author, an independent consulting actuary, discusses the process of becoming independent, providing advice on what you need to consider in making the transition from company employee to independent consultant.