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Boosting your financial future in a market downturn

April 2009

Government support measures

In an effort to protect Australians and the national economy from some of the impacts of the ongoing financial market downturn, the Government is injecting $42 billion into the economy through its Economic Security Strategy.

The strategy will result in most Australians receiving at least one deposit in their bank accounts.

Some of the payments to be made into individual bank accounts from April 2009 include¹:

$900 for those with a taxable income up to and including $80,000;
$600 for those with a taxable income between $80,001 and $90,000; and
$250 for those with a taxable income between $90,001 and $100,000.

A super top-up

While the bonus payment allocated to you will generally depend on your eligibility² and annual income, the amount you ultimately receive from the Government could be significantly increased when directed into super.

For example, if you invest your bonus payment into super, if eligible, the Government will deposit an additional amount into your fund – up to $1,267 per $900 bonus payment deposited – via the co-contribution scheme³ – that’s a super bonus of up to $2,167.

Please note, in the 2009 Federal Budget the Government announced proposed temporary changes to the Government co-contribution scheme. These changes could mean that from 1 July 2009, instead of eligible individuals receiving up to $1.50 from the Government for every personal after-tax dollar made into super, they'll only receive one dollar, up to a maximum of $1,000 per financial year. The current maximum is $1,500.

Investing in super remains one of the most tax-effective investment strategies. And, by investing in super today, you potentially enter the market at the downward phase of the investment cycle and maximise returns in the long-term. Making new investments when prices are reduced and then riding through the economic cycle's low phase can be key to optimising your future financial position.

It's easy

Contributing your bonus payment into your super is easy! To make a one-off after-tax contribution, simply complete Your after-tax voluntary contribution form and return it together with your cheque to the address indicated on the form. Alternatively, we offer BPay.

Additional ways to boost your super!

Salary sacrifice is an arrangement made between you and your employer which involves contributing a certain amount of your pre-tax regular salary, bonuses or allowances into your super. To learn how to automate your salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions from your salary contact your HR or Payroll representative.

Further information

For more information about voluntary contributions contact a Member Services Consultant on 1300 55 7586 any business day, 8.00am to 6.00pm Melbourne time.

Disclaimer 3

¹ Fact Sheet: 2009 Updated Economic and Fiscal Outlook, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, 13/02/2009.
² A bonus payment of up to $900 will be available from April 2009 to eligible Australian-resident taxpayers who paid tax in the 2007/08 financial year; consideration will be given to available tax offsets and imputation credits. It is estimated that 8.7 million taxpayers will receive the bonus.
³ You may be eligible for the government co-contribution scheme if you:

make a personal super contribution by 30 June into a complying super fund or retirement savings account;
have a total annual income less than $60,342;
receive 10% or more of their total income from eligible employment, running a business or a combination of both;
are less than 71 years old at the end of the financial year;
do not hold a temporary resident visa at any time during the year; and
lodge an income tax return at the end of the applicable financial year.

Important note
An interest in the Plum Superannuation Fund ABN 20 339 905 340, the Foster’s Group Superannuation Fund ABN 60 171 679 448, Mars Australia Savings Plan ABN 94 286 873 438, Nufarm Employees Superannuation Trust ABN 59 619 787 509, Pilkington (Australia) Superannuation Scheme ABN 83 020 354 801, Lend Lease Superannuation Fund ABN 50 237 822 837, or Vanguard Personal Superannuation Plan ABN 81 550 468 553 (Fund) is issued by PFS Nominees Pty Ltd ABN 16 082 026 480 AFSL 243357, CCSL Limited ABN 51 104 967 964 AFSL 287084, Mars Australia Superannuation Pty Limited ABN 35 008 452 640 AFSL 294732, Nufarm Employees Superannuation Pty ABN 27 065 475 443, PASS Pty Limited ABN 27 064 778 481, Tower Investments Pty Limited ABN 22 000 570 892, or Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd ABN 72 072 881 086 AFSL 227263 (Trustee) respectively. The Fund administrator is Plum Financial Services Limited ABN 35 081 812 731 AFSL 243356 (Administrator). This material has been prepared by the Administrator and it contains information that is general in nature. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate having regard to your personal circumstances and seek professional advice. The Administrator recommends that you consider the Fund’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you make any decisions about your superannuation. To obtain a copy of the Fund’s PDS, please contact a Member Services Consultant on 1300 55 7586. Neither the Administrator, any other company in the National Australia Group of companies, nor the Trustee accepts liability whatsoever for any decision that is made on the basis of or in reliance of the information contained in this material. Please note that the information contained in this material is current as at April 2009. Any changes in the law or policy subsequent to this date have not been incorporated. © 2009 Plum Financial Services Limited ABN 35 081 812 731 AFSL 243356 (Administrator).

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