Most current (or recently graduated) college students are familiar with several of the methods that can be used to finance a college education. The most preferred options are college savings programs (529 plans), grants and scholarships, because they do not have to be paid back. Secondly most-preferred are government loans, which have lower interest rates compared to other loans. Once those avenues are exhausted, however, it is up to the students and their families to find other alternatives. Traditionally, this would mean that students (or their families) might resort to taking out private loans with higher rates than those offered by the government. But what if there was another funding method to consider – one that relied more directly on the quantifiable expected return of the education being pursued?

A decade ago, autonomous vehicles (AVs) seemed like a futuristic gimmick, out of reach.

Today, however – although the word “autonomous” might suggest otherwise – most people drive some sort of AV. Various rate filings, both for commercial and private passenger auto, give an idea of how autonomous vehicles are being priced with regard to insurance. Although rate filings do not exist for fully autonomous vehicles, many filings offer discounts for having an autonomous feature attached to the vehicle.

This raises the question – would fully autonomous vehicles be even more cost-effective with regard to insurance?

A year and a half ago, I moved to Biltmore Lake, North Carolina. One of the most beautiful natural vistas in this area is the view of Scott Mountain. The north face of the mountain, up to a section of the mountain called Scott’s Ridge, is owned by the Cecil family. After a long period of ownership, the Cecils made the decision last year to sell the 138 acres that make up Scott’s Ridge. I would hate for it to become a condominium development – but, as it turns out, Pinnacle has a client that can help conserve this natural beauty..

I had an interesting conversation with a colleague the other day about the difference between being a consultant and a trusted advisor. 

There’s been a lot of ink spilled over the difference. Increasingly, companies have marketed advisory services as a replacement or supplement to consulting services. Although the distinction between the two can seem unclear, there is separation.

Not too long ago, I received the news that I failed my most recent actuarial exam. Those familiar with the actuarial examination process know that this is an agonizing feeling (in fact, the Wall Street Journal published an article in December 2021 about the challenges of actuarial exams). To make matters worse, it was the fourth time I scored just under a passing score of 6 during my exam journey. 

When faced with discouragement, it’s all too easy to admit defeat. So how can we keep going when it feels like a win is out of reach?