Actuaries in the News
Actuaries are enjoying some positive exposure in the nation's print and broadcast media and bringing new and positive visibility to the profession. Buzz Worthy is a place dedicated exclusively to celebrating when actuaries make it big…in the news that is! See a compilation of these highlights and email Kim McKeown at kmckeown@soa.org if you see other mentions of actuaries in the news.
Actuaries in the News
Many Factors to Take into Account for Retirement From The Olympian This article references the SOA's 2000 Mortality Table.
Women Buying Health Policies Pay a Penalty From The New York Times SOA President Cecil Bykerk, FSA, MAAA, is quoted in this article on the differences in rates amongst males and females securing individual health insurance coverage.
Get Your Finances Ready for Retirement From Nightly Business Report This report referenced the SOA on retirement planning for women living longer.
Enterprise Risk Best Practices From Financial Executive The SOA's "Five Guiding Principles" of ERM are highlighted in this brief article. Note: A subscription is required to view this article.
Retirement Risk: How Employers Can Help From Benefits and Compensation Digest This article, written by Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, and Steve Siegel, ASA, MAAA, addresses top retirement concerns based on recent survey results, and recommends strategies for employers. Note: A subscription is required to view this article.
Top Retirement Concern Said to Be Inflation From Spokane Journal of Business Inflation is a top concern for retirees, as reported in this article quoting actuaries Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, and Steve Vernon, FSA, MAAA.
With Transparency, RMs Put Together New Broker Service Deals From National Underwriter Bob Wolf, FCAS, MAAA, discusses the importance of risk management in this article.
The New Invincibles From Best's Review Tonya Manning, FSA, MAAA, was interviewed in this article on the challenges and opportunities of Generation Y employee benefits. Note: A subscription is required to view this article.
Mike McLaughlin, FSA, MAAA, CERA, Named Risk Innovator From Risk & Insurance.
For Retiring Baby Boomers, Planning Vital From The Tribune-Democrat This article sites an SOA statistic.
Technology Aids the Actuary's Art From the Star-Tribune Actuaries Kevin Pledge, Neil McKay and Neil Fackler were interviewed for this article on the use of technology in the profession.
Why Women Have it Harder in Retirement From CNBC.com Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, offers insights from the Risks and Processes of Retirement Survey Report in this article.
Retirement Planning for the Surviving Spouse From FoxNews.com This article on retirement planning used findings from the Public Misconceptions about Retirement Security Report.
Retirement Age Stars in Social Security Debate From CBSNews.com This piece, on Social Security and the age of retirement, quoted Bruce Schobel, FSA, MAAA, FCA.
Misconceptions Can Lead You Down the Wrong Path From ProducersWeb This is the first monthly installment of actuary Mike Boot's column for ProducersWeb.
The Future of Retirement From Benefits Quarterly This article by Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, looks at different ways to define retirement as part of the lifecycle and focuses on reinventing retirement to create a better future.
Retirees Concerned About Their Finances From RedOrbit.com This article is based on the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
2 Cents Worth From The Sun-Times SOA research is cited in this personal finance Q&A column.
Answers on Long-Term Care Insurance From The New York Times This Q&A cites an SOA study.
Addressing Women's Unique Concerns From InvestmentNews Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, authored an article on women and retirement.
Six Ways to Tell if You're Financially Ready to Retire From US News and World Report Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, is quoted in this article.
Retirement Planning for the Surviving Spouse From FoxBusiness.com The report, 'Public Misperceptions About Retirement Security' is cited in this article.
The Best Way to Take a Pension From CNNMoney.com Steve Vernon, FSA, MAAA, is quoted in this article.
Rising Prices Hammer Seniors on Fixed Incomes From USA Today This article, focusing on inflation issues for retirees, includes insight from actuaries Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, and Dawn Helwig, FSA, MAAA.
How Long Will You Live? From Newsday Jack Luff, FSA, FCIA, MAAA, is quoted in this article on the value of online retirement calculators.
Chattanooga: Boomers Worried They Can't Afford to Retire Comfortably From TMCnet.com This article references the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
Gross: Inflation a Serious Threat to Economy From MoneyNews.com This article references the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
Inflation Raises Retirement Concerns for Boomers From Spectrum Online This article references the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
How to Buy Life Insurance You'll Want to Keep From Insure.com This article on insurance lapses references the SOA and LIMRA.
Inflation Baby Boomers' Top Concern From TheBostonChannel.com This article is based on the SOA's Risk and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
The Top Five Risks You'll Face in Retirement From Marketwatch An article based on the SOA's Risk and Process of Retirement Survey Report, outlines steps for handling retirement risks.
Making the Connection From Best's Review Actuaries Marc Slutzky and Jim Stoltzfus wrote this article explaining how economic capital modeling links the effectiveness of a company's risk management to its capital requirements.
Five Retirement Risks and How to Manage Them From US News and World Report Inflation is a top concern for retirees, as reported in this piece featuring the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
Get Your Finances Ready for Retirement From PBS's Nightly Business Report Americans attempt to find the 'magic number' to cover retirement expenses in a piece inspired by the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report. Note: The article begins halfway down the page.
Inflation Hits Top Retirement Concern From The Daily Herald Inflation is a top concern of retirees in this piece featuring highlights from the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
Retirement Money Worries Mount for Workers From The San Francisco Chronicle Actuary Anna Rappaport is quoted in this article featuring the results of the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
Retirees Worry about Inflation From plandviser.com This article highlights the results of the SOA's Risks and Process of Retirement Survey Report.
Study Reveals Pre-Retirement Attitudes Reinforce Inadequate Preparation for Retirement From CCH Pension and Benefits An SOA study is cited in this article.
Insurers More Open to Life Policies for Seniors From InvestmentNews SOA research is cited in this article on selling life insurance to older consumers.
Five ERM Rules From Best's Review
Actuaries advise life insurers to follow these steps as they build enterprise risk management programs in this article written by actuary R. Dale Hall.
Help Wanted: The Older, The Better From Orlando Business Journal Actuary Anna Rappaport is quoted in this article. Note: A subscription may be required to view this article.
Some Firms are Already Fighting Upcoming 'Brain Drain' From Orlando Business Journal Actuary Valerie Paganelli is quoted in this article. Note: A subscription may be required to view this article.
Central Florida Plans to Retire Hundreds of Thousands of Experienced Workers From Orlando Business Journal Actuaries Anna Rappaport and Valerie Paganelli are quoted in this article. Note: A subscription may be required to view this article.
Are Your Retirement Savings in a Free Fall? From Pittsburgh Post-Gazette SOA research on life expectancy is mentioned in this article.
How Long Will You Live? From MSN Finance An SOA statistic is cited in this article.
Twisted Logic on Smoking Ban From The Virginian-Pilot This editorial cites the SOA's secondhand smoke research.
SOA Earns Corporate Branding Campaign of the Year From PRWeek.com PRWeek Awards, the leading awards program for the public relations industry, presented the "Corporate Branding Campaign of the Year" to the actuarial profession for the work on Actuaries–Risk is Opportunity: The Revitalization of a Profession's "Brand".
Principal Financial Group Names Larry Zimpleman, FSA, MAAA, CEO
Dollars and Sense: Avoid Impulse Buying and Shopping away Your Retirement From Green Valley News and Sun This article mentions a 2007 retirement survey conducted by the SOA.
LTC Insurance Should Be a Key Piece of an Income Plan From National Underwriter Life & Health This article discusses the need for long-term care insurance for those living longer and mentions the SOA's Living to 100 Symposium.
Cash Value in Life Insurance: What's It Worth to You? From: Insure.com The SOA is referenced in this article on shopping for life insurance.
Older Boomers Caught All the Breaks From: USA Today Ron Gebhardtsbauer, FSA, MAAA, is quoted in this article.
Guiding Principles Spell Success for ERM From: National Underwriter Property and Casualty CRO Craig Raymond relates how The Hartford incorporated an enterprise risk management system.
Lottery Commission Should Clear the Air From: MySA.com This article references an Academy report on secondhand smoke.
Reluctant Retirement Savers May Be Scared Straight by These Stats From: MarketWatch This article references the SOA's 2007 Risks and Process Retirement Survey.
Running Away with the Circus From: Workforce Management As a senior benefits manager for Cirque du Soleil, Hélène Thibault, FSA, FCIA, puts her actuary training to work in ways as creative as the company she works for.
A Master Act of Coordination From: Workforce Management This article highlights the parallels between balancing risk as a performer and risk as an actuary. Helene Thibault, FSA, FCIA, is interviewed in this piece.
Don't Be Afraid of Stocks in Retirement From: The Colorado Springs Gazette New research shows retirees with mostly fixed-income investments have a greater chance of running out of money in retirement.
NIU Adds Actuarial Science Degree From: The MidWeek News Northern Illinois University introduces its bachelor's program in actuarial science.
New SOA Study Examines Retirement Risks From: National Underwriter The SOA surveyed 801 retirees and near-retirees on their concerns about retirement, and this article summarizes the results.
Life Isn't Fair From: Forbes This article about life spans includes SOA statistics.
Actuaries Have Special Roles When Explaining Credit Scores and Losses From: Insurance Journal By explaining why there is an association between credit scores and insurance losses, insurers and actuaries can promote a better understanding of why credit scores are a useful underwriting tool.
Longevity's Evil Twin: Inflation From: The Washington Post Taking one small bite after another, inflation can consume huge chunks of a retiree's nest egg as the years go by. But there are ways to fight back. This columnist consults several experts on inflation risk, including the Academy's Ron Gebhardtsbauer, and offers a few suggestions.
Cashing in that Retirement Fund From: Reuters This feature discusses the value of having an actuary's help when making retirement decisions.
Enterprise Risk Management: ERM Certification From: Rough Notes This article highlights the SOA's new CERA credential.
How to Make Sure You'll Have Enough Money for Retirement From: FOXNews.com An SOA statistic is cited in this article.
Obscure Health-Benefit Scheme is Central Issue in Auto Talks From: Washington Post Dale Yamamoto, FSA, MAAA, is quoted in this article. Note: Registration is required to view this article.
Guest Commentary: Politicians Responsible for Florida's Insurance Catastrophe From: Naples Daily News Walter Steffen, FSA writes an editorial on government involvement in insurance programs.
Retirement Plan Proposals Abound From: Workforce Management During the past few months, a number of coalitions have come up with their own proposals for new and improved defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans. Note: Registration is required to view this article.
Meet Zois Johnston, ARM, CRM, AIS, CPCU From: Financial Week A discussion of enterprise risk management credentials, including the SOA's new CERA credential.
Defining a New Retirement System From: Benefits and Compensation Digest Should defined benefit and defined compensation be the only two options? An article by Emily Kessler, FSA, MAAA. Note: A subscription is required to view this article.
Actuary Group Offers New Certification Focused on Risk Management From: Financial Week This article offers details on the new CERA credential.
SOA Effort Explores More Flexible Retirement Systems From: National Underwriter Report from SOA's Retirement 20/20 conference looks at new retirement systems for the 21st century.
Women (and Those Who Love Them): Be WISER About Retirement From: FOXNews.com Figures from an SOA study are included in this article on women's needs in retirement.
IRS Proposes 2008 Pension Mortality Tables The National Underwriter references a Society of Actuaries mortality tables report in an article on an IRS proposal.
Towers Perrin appoints new COO FSA promoted to Towers Perrin COO.
The Off Chance of Retirement Investing Emily Kessler, FSA, speaks on Retirement 20/20 in an article from the Washington Post.
Panel of Executives Life Industry Continues to Adapt Insurance News Net wrote about the LIMRA, LOMA and SOA-sponsored life insurance conference, which took place last week in Atlanta
Actuarial Group Seeks Pension Reform Emily Kessler is quoted in Pensions & Investments on the Retirement 20/20 project’s effort to reform the pension system.
Change Your Mindset About Social Security From: FOX News -In a Fox News piece about Social Security, a statistic from the SOA was quoted.
Unpack the Benefits Package From: Washington Post - Washington,DC,USA: Ron Gebhardtsbauer, FSA, MAAA was quoted on the subject of employee benefits
American Community Names New Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, and Board Member From PR Web Newswire: An FSA was named chairman of the board at American Community Mutual Insurance Company.
Predictive Modeling Turns Good Intentions into Measurable Results From Web Services Journal - Montvale,NJ,USA: The Predictive Modeling Applications conference is mentioned in the Web Services Journal
Revealed! Six Secrets to a More Secure Retirement From FOXNews.com: This article includes an SOA statistic on aging.
Six Sure Ways to Save From U.S. News and World Report: This article, with input from Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, offers advice on how to be a 'frugal retiree'.
Traditional or Roth? Which IRA Are You Eligible For? From FOXNews.com: An SOA statistic on longevity is cited in this article.
Time to Clear the Air with Statewide Secondhand Smoke Law From The San Antonio Express: This commentary on secondhand smoke cites a statistic from the Society of Actuaries.
Actuaries Pursue Safety in Numbers
From The Seattle Times: Margaret Meister, FSA, MAAA, and CFO of Symetra Financial, says the financial services industry is full of potential for those with high-level expertise in math and economics.
Six-Figure Salaries for the Rest of Us From CareerBuilder.com: A discussion of the top six-figure salaries, and actuary is among them.
John Dewan, FSA, Interviewed over Super Bowl Predictions 
From Chicago's WSCR-AM: Actuaries and sports make a great combo! Listen to this report in MP3 format as Dewan predicts the winner of Super Bowl XLI.
Actuary Develops System to Pick Super Bowl Winner From Chicago's WBBM-AM 780: Listen to this report in MP3 format of John Dewan, FSA, predicting the Super Bowl winner.
Actuary Predicts Super Bowl Winner From Crain's Chicago Business: John Dewan, FSA, has developed a prediction system to determine who will win the Super Bowl.
Actuaries: The Emerging Experts From The Tribune India: This article introduces the actuarial career path and explores the gap between the supply and demand of actuaries in India.
You Fix It From the Austin American-Statesman: This brief article lets readers try their hand at the Social Security Game created by the American Academy of Actuaries.
Actuary: Finding Meaning in the Numbers From U.S. News and World Report: Actuary is named one of the best careers of 2007. SOA Past President, Bob Beuerlein, FSA, MAAA, discusses actuaries' ability to combine math and business skills in this profile.
Paying Health Care from Pensions Proves Costly From The New York Times:
Donald Rueckert, ASA, MAAA, comments on the strain of health care on government budgets. Note: Registration may be required to view this article.
Long Life is a Blessing and a Challenge From USA Today:
This article cites a study from the American Academy of Actuaries that says there is nearly a one-in-three chance that one or both partners in a married couple will make it to age 95.
Young Moms, Long Life? From Newsday:
SOA study shows those born first to women under 25 years old tend to live longer than their siblings. Note: Registration may be required to view this article.
Future of Terrorism Insurance is at Risk From The Columbus Dispatch:
The American Academy of Actuaries estimates damages from a terrorist attack in a U.S. city could range from $3 billion for a small incident up to $778.1 billion for a large-scale attack.
Pension Agency Funding Deficit Improves From CNNMoney.com:
Ron Gebhardtsbauer, FSA, MAAA, was consulted for this article, which covers the recent decrease in the PBGC deficit.
Illinois' Pension Nightmare From the Chicago Tribune:
Lance Weiss, MAAA, FCA, is quoted in this article illustrating Illinois' pension shortfall. Note: Registration may be required to view this article.
Pension Law Shrinks Lump-Sum Payouts From the Wall Street Journal:
Recent changes in the law have cut pension payments to those who take their pension as a lump sum. Ron Gebhardtsbauer, FSA, MAAA, is quoted in this article. Note: Registration may be required to view this article.
Bans On Credit Scoring Would Force Insurers To Find New Risk Assessment Techniques From Insurancenewsnet.com:
Roosevelt Mosley, FCAS, MAAA, is quoted in this article illustrating the trend to regulate the use of credit by a number of states.
Seebach: Heinz Kerry Eager to Help Women Plan for the Future from the RockyMountainNews.com
The SOA's recent retirement survey is cited in this article, which discusses Teresa Heinz Kerry's efforts to help women learn more about financial matters.
An Age-Old Problem: How to Make Sure Your Money Lasts as Long as You Do from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steven Siegel, ASA, MAAA, comments on longevity and retirement in this article.
Getting Going: How to Make Sure Your Money Lasts as Long as You Do from the Wall Street Journal
Steven Siegel, ASA, MAAA, comments on longevity and retirement in this article. Note: Registration may be required to view this article.
Boomer Retirement Savings: Better to Start Late than Never from the Seattle Times
This article cites the SOA/WISER report on the risks of not saving enough for retirement.
Hidden Cost of Outliving a Spouse from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, is quoted in this article covering the challenges women can face in outliving their spouses.
Public Pension Plans Face Billions in Shortages from the New York Times
State and local governments have left taxpayers with big bills for public employee pensions. Actuaries David Driscoll, FSA, MAAA, FCA, EA, and Lance Weiss, FCA, MAAA, EA are quoted in this article. Note: Registration may be required to view this article.
Pensions Take Their Lumps from the San Francisco Chronicle
Ron Gebhardtsbauer, FSA, MAAA, comments on the pension bill awaiting the president's signature.