Description: This is the Executive Summary of the results of a study, sponsored by the Society of Actuaries and the Actuarial Foundation, which assesses the extent to which retirement planning software programs help users understand post-retirement risks.

Description: The objective of the Phase I research effort was to further the Committee’s work by defining relevant and actionable consumer segments among middle-income / mid-level net worth households. This report updates the Phase 1 analysis using data through 2010.

Description: This report reviews retirement planning software programs currently available to individuals and their professional advisors. The report does not rate or recommend specific programs. Rather, it explains how programs that are currently available work, and what features can be improved.

Description: This report provides key findings from the 2005 Risks and Process of Retirement Survey related to issues of particular importance to women. The report also focuses on differences and similarities in the retirement risks faced by men and women.

Description: Series of infographic to help individuals understand how life expectancy and the decisions they make impact their plans for a happy, healthy and well-funded retirement.

Description: An interview with actuary Lee Gold reveals preliminary results of a recent SOA research project which surveyed employees on what retirement plan features they prefer.

Description: There is no silver bullet to improving retirement income outcomes for retirees. However, a combination of changes can be of significant value in addressing this overlooked issue. Although QLACs on the surface have potential value, they are not nearly as efficient as they could be. So far, employer plans have provided limited options for retirement income solutions. IRAs may not cost effectively serve the best interest of retirees. Employer plans should be encouraged to become retirement income providers and alternative approaches should be considered. The current prohibition on allowing plans to modify benefit payouts based on mortality experience should be reconsidered to allow for innovative plan income designs. Improvements to the deaccumulation stage of the retiree nest egg are challenging yet necessary.

Description: This paper charts the economic status of women moving from marriage to widowhood, and examines the changes in income and income sources that actually occur as women are widowed. The paper focuses, in particular, in the actual and potential role of pensions in preserving the economic status of widow. From Retirement Needs Framework, M-RS00-1.

Description: This study extends provides insights into how married and partnered couples in five generations compare and contrast to single individuals on retirement issues.

Description: Presented at the Living to 100 Symposium, January 2011. This paper looks at issues with regard to long life and managing risk by individuals. It focuses on how structuring of payouts interacts with issues related to long life, and also discusses cash benefits and health-related benefits.