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: Letter from the SOA president describing his year in term.

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: This report provides the results of the 2002 membership and candidate survey. Results of the research suggests four broad avenues for action: 1. Maintain and enhance the value credentials. 2. Assess member satisfaction periodically. 3. Establish a baseline for employer perceptions of the actuarial profession. 4. Apply results to the Balanced Score Card.

Description: We interview two former actuarial analysts who transitioned into non-actuarial roles and learn about their experiences in their former employers and the reasons for their career change.

Description: A dinner speech at the Actuarial Research Conference at Drake University, Des Moines IA summer 2023. A ramble through 50 years of experience with actuarial research.

Description: An overview of John Robinson's experience at the recently concluded annual meeting of the Caribbean Actuarial Association in Trinidad.

Description: Feature article discussing the Morris Report and its influence on U.K. actuaries and development of the Financial Reporting Council FRC. This includes the Board for Actuarial Standards BAS, Professional Oversight Board POB, and the Accountancy & Actuarial Discipline Board AADB.

Description: Article discussing the SOA’s addition of a new membership section, Social Insurance & Public Finance Section and a new section of the Web site, Pathway to Membership.

Description: This article is an interview with Ron Gebhardtsbauer, Senior Pension Fellow at the American Academy of Actuaries about his career and how his passion for serving.