Department of Finance

 

Date of this Version

1996

Document Type

Article

Citation

Journal of Actuarial Practice 4 (1996), pp. 229-255

Comments

Copyright 1996 Absalom Press

Abstract

We consider two ways for a retiree to obtain a pension from a retirement fund: through the purchase of a whole life annuity providing a level monetary income; and through the withdrawal of income from a fund invested in equities. Deterministic and stochastic models are used to assess the risks and benefits associated with each approach. In each case the projected cash flows are compared with those from a whole life annuity providing an income linked to price inflation. We conclude that, although each of the two options conSidered involves significant risks, each method may be attractive to certain groups of pensioners, particularly those with additional savings held outside the retirement fund.

Share

COinS