Description: This is a Pension Section News book review of 'Annuity Markets and Pension Reform,' by George A. 'Sandy' Mackenzie. The book has two main objectives. First, for public pension systems that plan to implement individual account reform, it provides a guide to the policies that should govern and regulate distributions from individual accounts. Second it considers the adequacy of the regulation and supervision of the annuity business, and how private annuity markets might function more efficiently.

Description: Editor Art Assantes looks at the results of our first ever PSN “quick poll.”antes

Description: In this article, the Editor previews the contents of this issue.

Description: One of the significant changes for Baby Boomers approaching retirement has been the increased responsibility placed on individuals to make more decisions and take additional personal responsibility for their retirement planning. At the 2008 Society of Actuaries Annual Meeting, the authors presented a session focused on key decisions that individuals must make as they plan for retirement. This article summarizes the presentation at that session from two perspectives: that of an actuary, and that of a financial planner/wealth manager.

Description: Table 1 for 2009 Pension Section Survey: Update and Action Plan showing types of research being done by the Pension Section Council and their time frame

Description: This article talks about the steps taken by one corporation to provide a comprehensive LTD program for their employees.

Description: The editor previews the issue.

Description: Author's view of important issues raised in EBRI 35'th anniversary policy forum and other settings, together with commentary and related public policy recommendations. Goal is to encourage readers to think about the situation today and where it might be going, and to help them identify important issues that need attention.

Description: This article advocates that DC plan sponsors implement programs of retirement income in their plans, and that actuaries are ideally qualified to help plan sponsors with that task. A program of retirement income offers a menu of choices to convert savings to income, along with appropriate communications to help retiring employees make informed choices.

Description: A summary and description of a recent publication by the Committee on Post-Retirement Needs and Risks of the Society of Actuaries.