Description: This paper examines how the cash balance plan design is related to the normal cost and accrued liability in the various actuarial cost methods, as well as the interaction of the economic assumptions in the valuation. The analysis will show that the traditional cost methods may understate the actual liability. The paper also presents an alternative cost method, along with its advantages and disadvantages. From Cash Balance Symposium Monograph, M-RS02-3.

Description: This paper demonstrates that cash balance plans should invest all of their assets in taxable fixed-income securities and credit employee account balances with the total return on an equity index. From Cash Balance Symposium Monograph, M-RS02-3.

Description: This paper examines the history, reasons, and impact of the shift from traditional defined benefit plans to hybrid plans. Also discussed are the need for good communication, and for further regulation. From Cash Balance Symposium Monograph, M-RS02-3.

Description: This paper examines some of the issues threatening the current health of the Social Security System, and how all or part of the system could be replaced by a cash balance plan. From Cash Balance Symposium Monograph, M-RS02-3.

Description: This paper examines some specific issues where cash balance plans don't fit the traditional mold, and what regulatory changes would provide the best fit for cash balance plans. From Cash Balance Symposium Monograph, M-RS02-3.

Description: This paper concentrates on who carries what risks if the national stocks-for-retirement cycle is fundamentally flawed and can fail a millions of baby-boomers grow older. From Cash Balance Symposium Monograph, M-RS02-3.

Description: This paper evaluates a number of hybrid pension plans, including hybrid plans used to provide social security benefits in some countries. The paper provides an overview of types of hybrid plans provided around the world.

Description: This abstract describes a paper that studies operational characteristics of a group pension scheme with fixed annual contributions and variable benefit accruals. From Actuarial Research Clearing House, July 2010.

Description: A defined contribution plan with a defined benefit minimum guarantee is valued as a put option or exchange option. This paper compares the resulting price with the actual additional contribution rate used by one public sector plan, and considers extensions of the option theory to allow more accurately for the pension plan characteristics.

Description: A Technical Analysis of Pension Equity Plans Course P–362U Study Note by Kyle N. Brown and Richard R. Joss from Pension Section News, August 1998, Issue No. 37.