Question about FAC

[mikey]

Do most companies pay for your spouse to attend the FAC? Just the meals or travel too?

My wife thinks it is a big deal and wants to attend. But with two young children we are looking at a either a huge expense if we bring them along or a moderate expense if we can find someone to watch them at home.

I told her I would rather spend the money on a party with our friends and family.

[jameseliza]

My company [large insurance company] only pays for me. I would have to pay extra for flights and food for my family. For this reason and others, my husband is not going to FAC with me.

[Shelly]

My company only pays for my expenses as well.

[Marian]

Warning - Mini rant.

When I was just getting started in the actuarial field (many many years ago, early 1980s), it was a very big deal to get your FSA. I worked for a large insurance company, and everyone in the company knew when someone got their FSA, and I mean EVERYBODY, and it was treated as a VERY BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT. I remember the bonus was enough to buy a car - maybe not the most expensive car on the market, but not the cheapest either, but certainly enough for a new standard mid-size family car.

In those days, a company would have paid all expenses for a spouse to attend the FAC (if it had existed), but probably not the cost of the children.

This was the days before there were so many MBAs. Also, more belt tightening a few years ago probably put a damper on bonuses.

Just wondering if others have noticed this, or am I just remembering wrong?

[Duration]

CSPers: Can we expect the FAC registration to be sent to us automatically?

[campbell]

I think that's how it works. I'm sending an email, just in case.

[JonnyGreenwood]

CSPers: Can we expect the FAC registration to be sent to us automatically?

I'm not so sure about that. This page:

http://www.soa.org/education/course-catalog/edu-dates-and-locations-for-fac.aspx

says: "If you are completing your requirements for the F.S.A. designation with a component other than PD, please contact fac@soa.org"

I plan to send an email on Monday.

BTW, congrats to everyone who passed!!!

[Duration]

Got this reply from FAC FAC:

"Candidates will receive registration materials next week for the next available FAC after they have successfully completed all requirements for Fellowship. We do maintain registration open, space permitting, past the posted registration deadline until every available space is taken."

Does anyone know the registration materials are sent by email or paper mail?

[persephone_ashes]

Got this reply from FAC FAC:

"Candidates will receive registration materials next week for the next available FAC after they have successfully completed all requirements for Fellowship. We do maintain registration open, space permitting, past the posted registration deadline until every available space is taken."

Does anyone know the registration materials are sent by email or paper mail?

I think i read somewhere that a packet would be sent 2 weeks prior to the FAC.

oh i found it, its in the registration information thing under expectation of participants:

"In preparation for the FAC, a guide describing how to prepare for the case studies and the Code of Professional Conduct will be sent to you. Be sure to read these carefully. In addition, other readings, which may be of interest to you, on professionalism, will be included in teh pre-program materials. The package will be mailed approximately two weeks prior to the session."

[MG]

Do most companies pay for your spouse to attend the FAC? Just the meals or travel too?

My wife thinks it is a big deal and wants to attend. But with two young children we are looking at a either a huge expense if we bring them along or a moderate expense if we can find someone to watch them at home.

I told her I would rather spend the money on a party with our friends and family.

My company pays for the spouse to attend the first professional meeting after the FSA designation is earned, which I take to mean does not include the FAC.

Quite honestly, I agree with you. The only thing your wife would be attending is the banquet - she would have to find other things to keep her occupied while you're at the sessions for a couple days. And the banquet is not really that amazing - you just eat and receive your certificate, just like any other awards banquet. I think you would be way better off to spend the money on a fun party after you get back.

[Les]

And the banquet is not really that amazing - you just eat and receive your certificate, just like any other awards banquet. I think you would be way better off to spend the money on a fun party after you get back.

I disagree, my husband and I had a blast at the banquet. We were sitting with some really fun people though...most of whom we met up with through the AO. Open bar beforehand, champagne and wine through dinner and another open bar afterwards. It was a great date night, but we were lucky enough to have someone in town who could watch our daughter while we enjoyed ourselves. We went out with a bunch of people afterwards and didn't get back to the hotel till around 2am. Can't tell you that last time I saw 2am.

Oh, and I'm still going to spend money on a fun party for all my friends back here at home

[Marian]

I have to agree with Les. It it a momentus occasion, and it would be great if your spouse were there to share it with you.