I found the PAK study materials essential in preparing, and ultimately passing the QFI IRM exam. They were the perfect complement to the official reading notes. Emails were also promptly responded to and certainly helped clarify areas I was weaker in. All in all a great experience and I would definitely recommend it for all candidates. Boris Lau IRM Exam |
PAK material provided me with a really comprehensive assistance process for preparing my ERM exam. I did not feel any time pressure through the entire studying period. It helps to organize a good and practical schedule, to quickly review and understand all the possible key learning points, to clarify any confused concepts through well maintained forum, to recall and rethink every key points through on-line video, to memorize and practice major concepts systematically, to keep you company through emails, and etc. I feel really happy that I can pass the ERM exam in my very first time when I take FSA exam. I will definitely choose PAK for the remaining two exams. Thank Eddy and your team for every efforts and great jobs. Garret Xue ERM Exam |
I have found the PAK materials very helpful for the IRM exam, and the constant communications have also helped along the way. Syed IRM Exam |
I have found the 76 MOCK to be good practice for building up to the official exam. I also appreciated the quick and reliable answers to the many questions that i had along the way. Zhuo QFIC Exam |
Thanks for all the PAK material. They were pretty helpful. I also appreciate the quick responsiveness to my questions throughout the study process. Jeffrey Y QFIC Exam |
The PAK Study materials, the proposed study schedule and the grouping of topics, and especially the PAK MOCK problems were very useful. Thanks so much for a great PACKAGE. Jackson QFIA Exam |
The PAK Study Manual effectively organizes the information of the ERM source material so that candidates are able to conveniently see all of the important points for each reading. Although they are technically summaries, the details of the readings are not sacrificed. In addition to that, the manual points out which past questions are relevant to each reading which allows candidates to practice answering exam questions immediately. This exposure gave me a good sense of what information the SOA would likely test the material. Also, the author of PAK is very responsive to questions. All in all, I would highly recommend using the PAK study materials. Justin Yiu ERM Exam |
I consider the PAK materials I purchased money very well spent. Comparing PAK's study notes to the source reading, you can tell the notes were put together with care and highlights the main points with clear presentation. The manual allowed me to focus on the main points instead of deciphering large volumes of source readings. I will be purchasing PAK resources again for my future exams. Anonymous ERM Exam |
Bell, thank you for your support in answering all my questions throughout the preparation for the QFIC exam. The 60 PAK Mock problems were very useful. They covered the main concepts of the official material and showed me how they could be tested on the exam. The PAK study manual and Condensed Summary summarized the contents of the syllabus so that I was able to effectively prepare for the exam in a very short timeframe. Jason Yeung QFIA Exam |
Before I used the PAK study resources I’d take the ERM Exam two times, and failed both times. I studied very hard for both sittings, but was quite unprepared to answer the questions that were given to me on exam day. For my third sitting of the ERM Exam I choose to prepare by using PAK’s study resources and had a totally different experience. I studied just as hard as I had for the previous two sittings, but this time I recognized all of the material on the Exam, and even knew which specific reading(s) the question had come from. I also was much more prepared to answer the questions effectively because of PAK’s practice materials and Eddy’s reply. I did indeed pass on my third sitting, and I owe much of the credit to PAK. Thank You! I have tried using a few different materials for the ERM Exam and would never consider recommending anything other than PAK, it’s awesome. I am so grateful I finally found it, I only wish I’d found it earlier, I might not have had to take the exam three times. Marc Roberts ERM Exam |
Without PAK study manual, I could not imagine how could I passed my QFIC sitting with a full-time job and 3-month preparation time constraints. The Condensed summary provided the main points readily to attack the exam. With no hesitation, I purchased PAK study manual for QFIA immediately after the QFIC result had come out. Suravith Nirunpornputtha QFIC Exam |
The QFIA PAK mock questions were definitely the most useful item; several of the SOA exam questions asked were very similar to the ones in the PAK aid. Additionally, I think it was also very helpful having the list of past exam questions to go through prior to the exam, for those sections of the syllabus that had been tested in prior sittings. I also really appreciate the prompt response to all my email questions, you were very helpful in filling in any gaps I had in understanding. Amber Lahde QFIC Exam |
Bell: Thank you very much for your help. The materials explains the quantitative problems clearly, and effectively highlighted the key points that should be focused on when answering the exam questions. Chu Hau Man QFIC Exam |
Bell, I got a pass on the exam. The one on one assistance that you provided helped me understand the difficult topics/readings. Thanks again for all your help! Clinton Stonacek QFIC Exam |
The materials provided through the PAK Study Package provided a simplified and efficient approach to understanding the material for this exam. Without the extensive preparation material and suggested study schedule, I likely would not have been nearly as prepared as I felt on exam day. I will most certainly be using PAK for my remaining FSA examinations! Cameron Cole LP Exam |
The folks at PAK were very attentive to any questions I had, and the study guide provided a very good platform on which to base my studies. The formulae book and mock exam were very useful as well. I plan to use them again for any future exams. Gary Marshall LP Exam |
The organization of the materials is hands down the best I've encountered. PAK provides you all the tools and more, you just have to be willing to use them. From having the Flash Cards on my phone so I can view them wherever I am, to having searchable PDFs of the Condensed Summary and Study Manual, everything is extremely well laid out. The Mock questions, Mock exam and Exam Aid are also very beneficial to make sure you're abilities are up to par before the real exam. You will not beat PAK's customer service, period. Here's to a pass - thanks Eddy! Wes Smith ERM Exam |
The PAK study package provides an excellent preparation for the ERM exam. The combination of study schedule and digital materials (study notes, condensed summary , note cards) played a key role in helping with the prepartion of the exam. Exam questions were tied to different topics, which helped with getting a better understanding of the material. Eddy is extremely fast in responding to questions. Overall very impressed with PAK study package. William Olaprath ERM Exam |
The study materials were very helpful in preparing me for the exam. I was able to understand the material better than I did by just reading the source material, and most importantly I was better able to apply the things that I learned to exam style questions. It was very organized and valuable. Marc Roberts ERM Exam |
The exam was challenging as expected. The SOA hit most all areas of the syllabus and tested some fundamental but also a good deal of "outlier" or non-core material in my opinion. The manual was helpful as a supplement to the actual text books and papers. The practice problems were the most helpful. Given the limited timeframe, I understand not a large set could be produced. Eric Wolfe QFIA Exam |
I found that the 40 mock questions were very helpful and definitely a very important component of my study. The SM was helpful for some readings, but I usually like to make my own notes. Considering the circumstances that this was the first sitting of the exam, I am satisfied with the material. It can only evolve from there. Thank you. Augustyniak, Maciej Jakub QFIA Exam
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I chose PAK because there were a lot of good comments on the actuarial outpost. When I bought the PAK Study Package, I understood why there were so many. Now, retrospectively, I can say that the PAK study package permitted me to use my study time very efficiently. I probably would have wasted 200 hours without PAK; instead I used these hours to do more exercises and memorize more lists. His summaries are to the point and well organized and this is the most important aspect for an effective study. I passed FETE on my first try with PAK. I am now in an optimistic mood to pass ERM and AdvF also on my first try. Thank you Eddy! (By Jacek Augustyniak) |
I passed AFE in April 2012, and just did FETE yesterday; I feel pretty comfortable about yesterday's exam. Without the PAK study manual/package, I could not have done what I have done for these exams. If there is someone out there looking for exam preparation material, PAK is the one she must choose. (By Seung-Hwan Chang) |
I found the PAK Study Package to be very helpful. It provided focus to a very broad syllabus. Thanks Eddy! (By Michael Ewald) |
PAK Study Manual has helped me prepared my FETE exam very well. I feel very happy that I have chosen the right study material for preparing my exam. (By Kim Song Ngui) |
I'm really appreciate PAK Study Manual, as it gives very comprehensive notes and concepts. Eddy is not play the roles as an author to the study notes but he also plays a lecturer's role to provide good advise to pass exam! (By Yin Yin Oh) |
Using Eddy's study material, I passed exam AFE on my first attempt with a 10! It was my first FSA exam. In particular, I found the Exam Aid and Test Aid extremely helpful. Through these resources, Eddy taught me what to expect, how to answer FSA style questions, and maximize my potential score. This is especially important for students who have never taken an FSA exam before. Eddy was also always so willing to answer any questions I had via email or during the live seminar, which I also attended. The live seminar was also very helpful because we covered all the potential calculation questions that were likely to appear on the exam. I would have been so lost without PAK and would definitely recommend it for anyone future FSA candidates! Thanks so much, Eddy! (By Hanah Chae) |
I would highly recommend PAK Study Package for FSA exams especially for FETE and APMV exams which I took. The study notes are well organized and explained to help you understand the source materials and supplementary exam aid is also very helpful. You can definitely count on Eddy to be there throughout the entire process to help you learn the materials and explain any questions you might have regarding past exam questions as well as study strategies. He is also encouragous and a wonderfuly person to work with! (By Jasmine Pan) |
PAK turns a traditional "read and practice" learning pattern into a multi-way learning experience, which encouraged us to interact with instructor. Towards the end of studying, we got plethora supports from last week study strategy to exam day strategy, which are extremely helpful. (By AZ) |
Eddy's study package product is fantastic as it covers ALL of the syllabus through reading summaries, condensed summaries, and flash cards. In addition he provides critical insight into the strategies needed to be successful. Finally the test aid and exam aid products are the perfect supplements to a fantastic study package. I will buy again! (By Andrew Jenkins) |
I used Eddy's study program. The notes summarize the material saving countless hours, the practice questions and personal feedback are invaluable. I am not sure how Eddy finds time to produce the amount of exam support that he does and provide the personell attention that he does. What I can tell you is that it has gotten me through two FSA exams. (By Benjamin Quiner) |
The PAK materials cohesively summarize the syllabus material, add key explanations to difficult concepts, and provide resources to go from understanding the material to being able to show it on the exam. Having never sat for an FSA-level exam before, the additional support and tips provided by Eddy helped me to feel confident about what to expect come the day of the exam. (By Jordan Givan) |
Best study guide experience yet! Eddy's products are very thorough and especially useful for narrowing down the massive curriculum content. He is extremely informative, accessible, and helpful. (By Adam Burns) |
PAK Study Package is a complete product that prepared me to be very prepared to the exam. I do not know yet if I passed it, but I am sure that I couldn't have been better prepared with other study material. I suggest PAK materials to anybody who wants to increase their chance of passing the advanced exams! (By Julien Proulx) |
You did a wonderful job helping us to prepare for the exam! The PAK package helped me to understand the materials more efficiently. I cannot read all the original materials as some of them are not readable. PAK study manual is much more organized and easier to understand. I would alo strongly recommend the PAK live seminar for AFE. After I attended the seminar, I had a much clearer idea how to prepare for the exam. (By Yun Yang) |
I'm very thankful for being able to discover PAK Study Package. PAK Study Package has really helped me a lot in my preperations for both the FETE and AFE exams. Reading the raw material without the study manual is fustrating and difficult to understand. With it, it helps me to understand the materials much better and in a shorter time frame. Besides that, it tells you which question is related to which topic, which helped me avoid wasting time all over to search for related past year questions. The PAK Flash Cards, Memorization Aid, and Condensed Summary helped me to understand the whole picture very well, and to see how the topics are linked together. I would highly reccomend this product if you want to pass your FSA exams as soon as possible. I've passed my AFE Spring 2011 with it (passed it on first sitting). As for the FETE Fall 2011, I can't tell since the results are not out yet. But I've got a good feeling that I will since I've prepared quite well for it with PAK Study Package. (By Han Hui Thye) |
The PAK Study Package is an excellent product! In the Exam Aid, Eddy provides you with some really rigourous practice questions that cover all of the material on the syllabus. This really helped me to find out what topics I needed to focus my attention on in the few weeks before the exam. In addition, the Mock Exam (part of the Test Aid) is great because Eddy will give you feedback if you send him your answers. Not having sit for an FSA exam before, I found this extremely beneficial because Eddy pointed out how I could improve my score by just doing some little things on the exam. (By Christopher Hessenius) |
I really appreciate the structure of the preparation: readings followed by condensed summaries, which are in turn followed by even more condensed memorization maps. This structure allows you to tailor your studying given different time frames and jump to various parts that need strengthening a few days before the exam. It looks like several iterations have been used to put this material together and it makes a big difference. Thank you very much Eddy!
(By Pavel Sergeyev) |
Eddy hosted an excellent Live seminar in NYC that really helps motivate and prepare you for the exam. Talking with others who took different seminars they didn't know how to take the exam and nothing about strategies to better use your time in the exam. I found the materials provided by Eddy to be complete and very informative. He does much of the work of putting things together for you, so that you can work on understanding why instead of drawing a conclusion about the relationships and having nothing to back it up. Thank you for all your help on the AFE Exam Eddy! (By Mike Gamble) |
Thanks Eddy for doing an awesome job. The seminar and materials really helped me stay on top of my study schedule and kept me going. The feedback on the mock exam proved invaluable during the exam when I was under pressure to perform. Reading through the case study analysis that you provided in your materials was top notch. It helped me answer all 6 case study questions and I was so prepared for the case study questions that I knew what the SOA could ask and where to look for all the information. The Case Study Analysis saved me so much time on those 6 questions and built my confidence to continue and answer every question in the morning session. Thanks so much for all your hardwork and help over the last 4 months. (By Ryan S. K. - Canada) |
Unlike other study manuals, PAK study manuals don't stop caring about you after the point of sale. After buying the PAK study manual, Eddy not only replied your e-mails with suggestions, but more importantly, he replied to feedback. This sitting, after the SOA cut the formula sheet in half, he sent out an e-mail asking if people wanted him to provide a list of formulas they should know that are not on the formula sheet. People did, and a week or two later, Eddy sent us a complete formula sheet, with notes about what was on the formula sheet provided by the SOA. Does it get any better than that!! (By Matt Wolf - NY) |
My name is Mavis Shang, I work for RBC Insurance Company. I took FETE exam in November 2010 and used PAK (the whole package) as study aid. PAK is the best study aid I've ever used. The Study Manual covers all key points from the source material. The author adds "additional notes" and "reminders" which are great. The Exam Aid provides the RELEVANT questions from all past FSA exams (all tracks) and tells us which questions is relevant to which topic. This saved me significant amount of time, and really helps when I felt I'm weak in certain topics and need to practice more. Exam aid questions covers key topics, as well as those "seem not so important" topics. So after practicing the exam aid questions, I was able to find out where I'm weak and make sure I go back to them. Test aid is the best part, we get to send the answers to the author. He provides detailed feedback and gives mark distributions of the pool. Memorization maps is very useful, especially towards the end of the studying periods. It helped me to link similar topics to each other, so that I can recall which reading the question is actually about during the exam. Overall, if I pass this exam, I'll give 90% of the credits to PAK!!! (By Mavis Shang - Toronto)
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I passed my AFE exam (Spring 2010) on my first attempt with 10. I give my credit to Eddy. Thank you Eddy. I sat for AFE this past sitting (Spring of 2010) and I passed it on my first attempt with a score of 10. Having sat through the FAP modules, picking up pace for the brutal FSA exam was a definite challenge for me. I am glad to say that I overcame this challenge with determination, due diligence, and of course PAK's study guide package. Many of Eddy's testimonials already elaborated more than enough on how great the study manual is per se, thus I will focus on what I felt were the key drivers in PAK in getting me a 10 (which I did not quite expect, but nevertheless thankful for). I would attributed it to (1) Eddy's active participation on his study group; (2) Eddy's emails prior to the exam; and (3) PAK's sample questions and mock exams.
(1) Study Group By actively participating in the study group, I was able to learn and truly understand the various topics/problems that came about. There are times when I think I know a concept, then come to the realization that I do not fully understand them as I follow through and participate in the discussions/threads. Eddy was able to clarify all of the questions that I had. He actively participates in the discussions and always provided a response within hours.
(2) Eddy's emails prior to the exam Eddy would provide invaluable exam tips and motivational words to keep me going. This was great. For many manuals, you buy it and well...that is it. PAK provided ongoing support throughout the whole exam sitting period. It is as if you have a personal coach to guide you through the exam.
(3) PAK's sample questions and mock exams I feel this was one of the best aspect of the PAK study guide package. The questions/mock exams gave me a good idea of my weak areas, which I focused on for the last two weeks prior to the exam. I remembered when I submitted my mock exam to PAK for review, the feedback assessment was much less than ideal. It was then, I understood my weakness and learned what I could do in a short time frame to get a better score on the exam.
Thank you Eddy for writing PAK. I am certain that I would not have gotten a 10, let alone passed, without PAK and your support. I would highly recommend PAK for anyone seeking to pass AFE on the first attempt. (By Su (Charlie) Yang)
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I started my study in Dec and followed Eddy's suggested schedule. I studied almost every day, even at Christmas. I kept Eddy busy as I asked him tons of questions. Eddy is always very patient to explain all the questions in time. Remember, it is our benefits if we purchase the original versions of PAK study manual.
I like PAK Past SOA Questions. It helps a lot after reading each study note. As we are studying for the exam, we have to get familiar with SOA exam style questions. The past questions are definitely useful.
I like PAK Memorization Map. It helps a lot in the last month as we have to remember so much. The map links all the relevant materials. I printed the map in A3 sized paper and I added my additional notes on it as well. On the exam day, the only thing I brought was the map.
I like PAK mock questions. Eddy is very good at guessing the questions. Before the exam, the only thing we cannot miss is to practice PAK mock questions. And I practiced all the questions at least twice to ensure myself understanding all the principles behind the questions.
Thank you Eddy. You are the best tutor I have met. (By Vivian Zhu)
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I loved the graded practice exam because it wasn't just made-up questions with solutions. My exam habits were analyzed in great detail and my grade split into various categories of how well I handled aspects of the exam like Timing and Critical Thinking. I already knew what I needed to memorize, but Eddy told me WHAT to do differently. I also found the outlines of the readings to be a great balance of memorizable, yet comprehensive. And finding all relevant practice questions from ALL tracks for the last 10 years!? That's getting your money's worth! Oh, and I can't forget how thoroughly responsive and supportive/motivating Eddy is to questions and even seemingly irrelevant concerns not directly pertaining to exam material. Highly recommended. (By Russell, Brooklyn NY)
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When I first decided to do the final FSA exams, I was completely clueless about where to begin, when to begin, how to do it, how to get efficiently prepared for these exams. With the PAK Study Manual, not only did I get good résumés of awfully long and sometimes very dry study notes, but I also got the support of the very friendly Eddy. The tips that he gave me were essential. With these tips, I knew where I was going from the first day of the 4 months study to the last minute of the exam on the final day. Even with my little experience and knowledge of the financial world, I passed the FETE exam on the first try and right know I feel good about the AFE, which I just wrote and will have to wait two months for the results. Eddy, you truely are an excellent guide and I will recommend you to anyone attempting those monstruous exams. (By Damien, Montreal Canada)
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I liked PAK study package a lot and would like to tell you my favorable features.
Best wishes to all the candidates. (By Haoyu Xie - Beijing) |
My current position at work does not lend itself to effective preparation for exams, so it is extremely important to me to get a good study guide. I purchased the PAK Study Package as part of my preparation for the Spring 2009 AFE Exam. I can unequivocally say that it was the best study guide that I have used as I've made my way through the SOA exam system. I did not think that I would have enough study time to pass, but I was able to use what time I did have to focus on the detailed outlines provided. Also, Eddy provided guidelines that highlighted the most important areas to study and included helpful FSA exam-taking tips. I'm fairly certain I would not have passed AFE without the PAK Study Package.
It was a no-brainer to sign up for the PAK Study Package for the Fall 2009 FETE Exam. As usual, Eddy was frequently available to answer whatever questions students had. In addition, he created electronic flash cards that were very helpful. Almost every train ride to and from work in the month before the exam involved me flipping through those flash cards on my IPhone. The package also included a memorization map, a very valuable tool which tied together lists from different readings (which candidates need to be able to do on exam day).
I am not sure whether I passed my latest exam, but I am sure that Eddy gave me my best chance of passing. (By David)
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I have to say that Eddy's manual, practice questions, and notecards are the primary reason that I felt confident on this FETE exam. Even more impressive were his tips, some of which, saved me on exam day. His commitment and dedication to helping students pass is going to make this manual better and better every sitting. Don't miss out!
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After spending several months reading through the required material the SOA specified for the May 2009 AFE/ERM exam, I was beginning to worry that I would not be able to complete and fully digest the readings . With a little more than four weeks to go before the exam, I decided to augment my studying with the Study Package for the AFE/ERM exam provided by Eddy Chan. During the entire process the customer service was stellar. Specifically, Eddy provided me with some sample material in order to give some assurance regarding the product I was about to purchase.
After I realized that the Study Package contents (which include condensed summaries, sample exam questions and detailed answers) were exactly what I needed, I decided to make the investment. During the period of time when I was reading the material and studying the detailed answers, I submitted several lists of questions to Eddy. He promptly provided answers on several separate occasions. On one occasion he even answered a question that I had regarding the correctness of the contents of one of the articles the SOA had assigned.
The extra boost I got from working the Study Package was enough for a passing grade on the AFE/ERM exam.
I would strongly recommend using the Study Package as clearly presents filtered and pertinent information that is contained in the myriad of documents that the SOA provides.
With the help of Eddy Chan I can say I have successfully completed the final (and toughest) requirement for the SOA’s CERA designation.
Thanks Eddy! (By Kevin Erker, Financial Analyst at Quantitative Risk Management) |
I was fairly disappointed when I failed the AFE exam in spring of 2008. I realized that the main reason I failed was because I did not have good and sufficient material to understand, memorize and practice the various topics of this exam. There was no doubt in my mind that I would need to find something better.
I browsed the Actuarial Outpost to find the proper study manual for the AFE exam of spring 2009. There seemed to be a consensus that the PAK Savings Package was the best tool. I decided to give it a shot and quickly realized that I was not only getting a study manual, but I was also getting a study method, a study group and a coach. Studying with the PAK study manual really improved my study time efficiency and my understanding of the material. I now had the edge needed to succeed.
The exam went exceptionally well and I passed it with a 9. I am now studying the FETE with the PAK and feel confident that I will have all the necessary tools to pass it on my first attempt. (by Patrick Duplessis, Montreal)
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PAK helped me pass my AFE/ERM exam at my first sitting with a high score. In addition to the excellent-written, well-organised and comprehensive study manual, I believe there is something you can't buy with money: an impeccable instructor. (by Keli, UK)
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When Spring 2009 rolled around, I read about the praise that candidates were giving an AFE manual written by an Actuarial Outpost user with the handle "PAK." When I attempted AFE in Spring 2008, I used some study manuals that were very poorly designed and poorly written. I decided to give PAK's Study Package a shot, because it couldn't be worse than those "other" manuals. I was in for a surprise! PAK's Study Package was not only well organized, it was very easy to read and understand! For many of the readings - I felt that PAK's summary was more than enough to give me the knowledge necessary to pass!
PAK not only offers an absolutely fantastic manual, but he is one of the most hands-on instructors I have been associated with. Not only does PAK answer questions sent to him via e-mail, he regularly checks the Actuarial Outpost and answers questions posted on the forum! It's clear that PAK really wants candidates to pass this exam, and is willing to help whenever possible!
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Purchasing the AFE Supplement really paid dividends. Working and re-working the practice problems was a great way to cap off my exam preparation. Several of the problems involved creative ways of applying the course material to the case study. I highly recommend using the AFE Supplement 3-4 weeks before the exam to test your knowledge, identify areas that need further review, and help you understand how to write effective answers which will help you score the points you need on Exam Day.
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General Comments http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=232539 http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=208799&page=2 http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=178747 http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=165027 http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=152089 |