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Last month we spoke of the positive influence of a united voice. How do such virtuous goals turn into real life cases?
Through the Anglican National Super Plan the investment of your Superannuation account is managed to ensure that the ideals and values by which we attempt to live are carried forward into the investment environment so that the organisations selected to manage your funds do so ethically and socially responsibly.
How?
An ethical charter outlining our ideals is provided to all investment managers outlining the requirements for all investments. These have some very compelling outcomes.
In Australia a major retailer chain has now purchased a line of hotels which make them a significant owner of poker machine licenses - our ethical charter prohibits investments in gambling - the Investment managers withdrew all investments in the chain.
A major world motor vehicle manufacturer was using a third party supply chain contractor for the supply of pig iron and was suspected of using “forced labor” (slave labour).
The fund manager and the ethical investment association engaged the manufacturer who agreed to review all third party supply chain arrangements and sign the industry code of conduct in respect of International Labour Organisation standards working conditions and exclusions on child labour.
Similarly the world wide IT industry providers are being encouraged through engagement by our investment representatives to adopt international codes of conduct. The organisations involved are some of the largest in the world market.
Again, your fund plays a part in the engagement of Worldwide Pharmaceutical companies to develop programmes and policies that will ensure Medical and Health services are available to all people and every country.
Other areas of scrutiny cover occupational health and safety policy and practices which is materially improving work place accident rates and saving lives both locally and overseas.
If you are interested in more information please contact the ANS plan business relationship manager on the number below.
Our investment principals in partnership with AMP are linked to other like minded organisations and individuals through active membership of the Responsible Investment Association of Australia.
Furthermore, through other associations worldwide our investment managers have access to a likeminded fraternity of investment houses which represent $1.5 trillion dollars of socially responsible investments. We have a voice which is being clearly heard.
The SRI symbol, launched in September 2005, was developed by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia to promote consistent, standardised disclosure and education about SRI, and to help investors make informed choices about ethical investing.
The SRI symbol is a trademark of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA). The SRI symbol signifies that a product or service offers an investment strategy that takes into account labour standards and/or environmental, social or ethical considerations when selecting, retaining or realising investments. The SRI symbol also signifies that AMP Capital has adopted SIRE disclosure practices required under the SRI symbol Certification Program for Fund Managers.
Anglican National Superannuation is the Super fund set up for all Anglican organisations. See your payroll office for details on how to join.
Will you be able to afford to retire
Retirement can seem irrelevant when people are in their 30s or 40s. There are so many other things to do with the weekly pay check - going overseas, buying a house, raising a family or simply paying the bills.
But the reality is, most people’s fall back position - the Age Pension - wont be nearly enough to fund the lifestyle they’d like when they retire.
When it comes to retirement, wishful thinking is a poor substitute for careful planning.
Most people hope for comfy golden years, with a healthy superannuation balance to see them through. For many, the reality is that they will be reliant on Federal Government assistance.
AMP research shows that less than one third of future retirees expect the Government to fund their golden years, but currently as many as three out of four retirees rely on either a Government pension or allowance.
This highlights the enormous gap between what people expect to do in retirement and the lifestyle they expect to enjoy, versus the stark reality of what their retirement will actually be like.
Superannuation remains one of the most tax effective ways to save money for retirement.
To ensure their super is in tiptop shape for retirement, the first thing people should do is think about how much they need to live the lifestyle they want in retirement.
Most people will need 65 per cent of their pre-retirement income to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement. So for a person who earns $60,000 a year, they will need $39,000, a year when they retire.
As an ANS member you can work out how much you will need in retirement by logging on to [url=http://www.amp.com.au/anglicannationalsuper]http://www.amp.com.au/anglicannationalsuper[/url] and accessing the “My super simulator”.
ANS members have access to the AMP’s ‘My super simulator” that allows people to address the question, “How much do I need to retire?”
By answering five simple questions, people can see projected superannuation savings in three different investment market scenarios that are benchmarked against the accepted standard for an adequate retirement income.
A series of levers sit alongside the projections so that people can easily test the effects of salary sacrificing, making personal contributions, changing their investment mix, or their target retirement dates. “My super simulator” includes a voice-over to guide people through this process.
Working out how much is needed to retire is the first step people can take to afford the retirement they plan to have, instead of the retirement they wish they could have.
Although it might be a long time before someone will be living off their retirement income, the sooner people start building their nest-egg, the better they will be when the time comes.
So another important action for people is to start early and put money away as soon as possible. This can make a significant difference to a person’s retirement income. Small savings when people are younger can mean a big difference later on.
It’s time for people to stop and ask themselves if their current retirement planning is setting them up for the type of life they want to lead in retirement. If the answer is no, the burning question is, what are they going to do about it?
To find out how to make the most out of your superannuation call 1300 364 984, talk or visit us online at Anglican National Super web site
