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: 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: Read the November 2020 issue of Expanding Horizons published by the Education & Research Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: It is now a recognized fact of life: even actuaries are at risk of being “downsized.” As unpleasant as it sounds, job elimination is something that we have to face as a significant risk exposure in our careers. But it is also true that many actuaries have come through the downsizing experience and emerged both wiser and stronger or for some of us, at least bigger if not better.

Description: Article discusses how to set your goals by asking 2 questions 1What do I want? and 2 What is important to me? These questions will help you to set your goals and make these goals more achievable.

Description: Discusses resources the SOA provides that can assist actuaries who have been immediately impacted by the downturn.

Description: An overview of how the actuary's role will evolve as technology improves.

Description: Section member Greg Fann writes about his mid-career personal and professional reflections, paralleling the actuarial life experience with oceanic travel through the lyrics of the Jimmy Buffet ballad “A Pirate Looks at 40”.

Description: Read about The Bulletin Board Updates on important events related to the Technology Section.