Blog - Anna Rappaport

Selected Posts & Features

Welcome

This blog shares insights on emerging research, meetings of interest, and thought-provoking ideas related to retirement, aging, and financial security—with an occasional touch of creativity and fun.

— Anna Rappaport

Let’s Operate 401(k) Plans as True Retirement Plans

Employers play a crucial role in helping employees prepare for and navigate life after retirement. 401(k) plans should be designed and managed as accurate retirement plans—not just savings vehicles.
Read more about how employers can strengthen their post-retirement support strategies in this CFO.com article.

New Insights on How People Decide to Retire

A 2013 Society of Actuaries study offers revealing insights into the retirement decision-making process. It found that many individuals who retired voluntarily were actually pushed by external factors—such as job demands or health concerns—rather than drawn by the promise of their dream retirement.
Read Anna’s full commentary on The Conference Board’s Human Capital Exchange blog.

Painting Featured in the Chicago Cultural Center Exhibit

An abstract painting by Anna, titled “Jazz Band,” was featured in the 2013 “Later Impressions” exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center (September–October 2013).

Running Out of Money: A Study from the Society of Actuaries

This SOA study examines the prevalence of retirees running out of money, the underlying causes of this challenge, and strategies for enhancing outcomes. The research combines expert submissions with dynamic discussions to highlight potential policy and behavioral solutions.
Released: December 2012

Necessary Trade-offs in Retirement Decision-Making

Published in Benefits Quarterly (Winter 2012), this article examines the difficult choices retirees face. It introduces the Managing Retirement Decisions series—a practical resource from the Society of Actuaries that helps individuals and employers make better-informed financial decisions.

Thinking About Lifetime Income

Anna’s blog post, “Focus on Helping Employees Build a Paycheck in Retirement,” published by The Conference Board’s Human Capital Exchange, explores how employers can help workers convert savings into sustainable lifetime income.

Recommended Resources:

Hueler, Kelli & Rappaport, Anna – The Role of Guidance in the Annuity Decision-Making Process, Pension Research Council Working Paper 2012-11
Vernon, Steve – Money for Life: Turn Your IRA and 401(k) Into a Lifetime Retirement Paycheck, Rest of Life Communications, 2012
Society of Actuaries – Issue Briefs: Designing a Paycheck in Retirement and Deciding When to Claim Social Security

Balancing Art and Professional Work

Outside her professional work, Anna enjoys painting and photography. Her Halloween in Chicago (2012) photo series captured the creativity of her neighborhood’s decorations—an intersection of community, art, and joy.

Supporting “Artuaries” and The Actuarial Foundation

Anna co-founded Artuaries, a collective of actuarial professionals who express themselves through art—painting, photography, quilting, and more. Their work is featured on greeting cards sold through ACTEX, with proceeds benefiting The Actuarial Foundation.
Support the initiative and follow Artuaries on Facebook.

Anna Rappaport