Description: This article provides a perspective on the SOA’s Aging and Retirement research reports, and on the types of research that are included. The SOA does a lot of research on different retirement topics, and many people are not aware of the scope of this work. This article offers an overview of the big picture as we think about the future. The article describes longer-term challenges to the US retirement system and recent developments that have affected the system and created uncertainty. It provides an overview of what individuals have said about retirement and their view of post-retirement risks and planning in a variety of consumer research studies. It then reviews some of the research and provides information on summary reports which provide insight on the findings from multiple related research reports. It also provides information about consumer education and what is currently available and in process. It then focuses on how the SOA is helping retirement professionals understand current and expected change and discusses areas of uncertainty as we help those we serve deal with change.

Description: An interview with Anna Rappaport who discusses her life and actuarial career.

Description: Feature article discussing how much money an individual needs to retire comfortably.

Description: Jonathan Barry Forman, J.D., is the Alfred P. Murrah Professor of Law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

Description: The traditional defined-benefit (DB) plan is a type of plan structured to provide the greatest degree of retirement income security, designed to pay out a guaranteed retirement income for the life of the retiree (and, when applicable, a beneficiary). However, over the last several decades, the number of private-sector employees covered under these traditional plans has decreased dramatically and been replaced by defined contribution (DC) plans. In contrast, public-sector retirement plans, which are exempt from ERISA, have seen a much smaller decline in DB plans. There are many differences in the private and public sector that likely contributed to this phenomenon, but ERISA and the many amendments to it has been a major factor.

Description: The article summarizes the work of three past Retirement Section Chairs, what they did and what they are currently doing for the 100th Anniversary Edition.

Description: An analysis of the revamped state sponsored retirement income pension gives insight into design and funding elements that might figure in reforming social security in the United States.

Description: Chairperson's welcome to the RS and thoughts about our future.

Description: This article provides an overview of the relationship to COVID-19 to issues related to caregiving, family and long-term care, and related SOA research. The SOA has addressed these topics in several research reports not related to COVID-19 and in recent reports related to COVID-19. It is currently working on new projects to help people better address some of the issues. The article also includes some highlights of efforts by ASEC, the ERISA Advisory Council 2020 projects, and an educational program focused on these issues. It then focuses on a number of things that employers might do to be supportive in addressing these issues. The employer issues focus on employees, retirees and caregiving employers. In thinking about this, employers can focus on financial wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and prepaid legal programs. A list of topics to considered for educational offers is included.

Description: Article from the chairperson of the Retirement Section of the SOA regarding section activities.