Member Benefits

Superannuation is all about saving for a more comfortable retirement. So it makes sense to go with a fund that brings a greater breadth of experience*

Members receive great benefits as they access them through the combined buying power of their fund.

While each Industry SuperFund offers different services tailored to the individual needs of its members, the main added value services are:

A choice of value for money insurance cover

Arranging insurance cover through an Industry SuperFund can be much cheaper than buying direct. Industry SuperFunds use their buying power to ensure members receive great cover for a very cost-effective and competitive monthly premium.

Popular cover options include:

• Life insurance - Industry SuperFunds provide members with value for money life insurance. This cover can help provide for the member's partner or children and make life a little easier at a difficult time.
• Life insurance combined with Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover – in addition to the protection of life insurance, this cover can help cover the long-term expenses associated with total and permanent disablement.
• Income protection - protection against temporary loss of income due to illness or injury is available through many industry funds. This insurance cover can provide an invaluable source of income to pay bills while recovering from an illness.

Your choice of investment mix

When it comes to investing, Industry SuperFunds offer lots of flexibility. Many funds let members choose their own investment mix from a selection of managed options or specific asset classes. Or for those who would prefer to be guided by the fund, there is a balanced or core option. In most cases, you can choose to invest in one or a combination of the investment options, in the proportions you want.

Financial planning

A good financial plan can be the key to building financial security – both when it comes to saving for retirement and with everyday finances.

Members of Industry SuperFunds and their families can access affordable financial planning through Industry Fund Financial Planning (IFFP). IFFP operates on a "Fee for Servoce - No commissions" basis.

IFFP's financial planners can help with advice on most financial matters, including:

• pre-retirement planning
• transition to retirement
• everyday budgeting and debt reduction
• taxation strategies
• wealth creation & investing outside superannuation
• establishing appropriate insurance cover.
• estate planning

Your initial consultation with an IFFP financial planner is free of charge and free of any obligation. You will agree on a quoted fee before deciding to continue with a personalised financial plan. See the IFFP website for more information.

Banking services

Members of Industry SuperFunds can access a range of great value banking products designed to help with their everyday financial needs.

ME Bank ME Bank is ultimately owned by a number of industry superannuation funds and directly owned by Industry Super Holdings Pty. Ltd.. Profits earned provide a return on investment for these funds and their members.

ME Bank has been specifically created to provide everyday Australians with a wide range of innovative, low cost banking services. Including:

• discounted home loans – home loans from ME Bank offer great low rates and a choice of loan options, and are some of the most competitive home loans available on the market, with no application or ongoing account-keeping fees.
• savings accounts – ME Bank offers a choice of low cost transaction accounts, term deposits and high interest online savings accounts with competitive interest rates and no hidden catches.
• credit cards – the ME Mastercard offers competitive interest rates for regular credit card needs.
• personal loans – low cost personal loans which are helpful for smaller loan amounts.
• business loans – competitive business loans are also available through ME Bank to Industry SuperFund Employers and Australian businesses in general that are looking for help with business financing
• investment funds – investors can invest in a range of managed investment funds with as little as $80 per month.

Investors can choose from a selection of managed funds investing in shares, property, fixed interest and cash, both in Australia and overseas. ME Investment Funds can help with investments designed to achieve a range of financial goals such as:

• investing for the cost of a child’s education
• building a share portfolio
• investing in property without the hassle of tenants.

ME Bank works closely with Industry Fund Services (IFS) to provide benefits to its customers. IFS provides services and products to industry superannuation funds and unions and their members, including financial planning, funds management, pension products, managed funds, legal services and insurance.

See the Members Equity website for more information.

Low cost non-super investment products

Health insurance

Many Industry SuperFunds offer their members discounted rates on health insurance cover. What’s more, taking out health insurance through an Industry SuperFund allows fund members to access health cover with no waiting periods for some types of health benefits and extras.

Many packages also offer loyalty reward programs and benefits for special health programs and natural therapies.

Industry SuperFund members can easily transfer existing cover by simply completing and submitting a form to their new health insurance provider.

Discounted travel services

The HOSTPLUS Travelclub provides its members with access to discounted airfares, cruises and travel packages both within Australia and overseas.

These discounts help HOSTPLUS members stretch their travel dollars further and allow them to enjoy a well-earned holiday with the help of their super fund.

Investment Funds

Individuals can access a range of managed investment funds with as little as $80 per month. Investors can choose from a selection of managed funds investing in shares, property, fixed interest and cash, both in Australia and overseas. ME Investment Funds www.investwithme.com.au/ can help with investments designed to achieve a range of financial goals such as:

investing for the cost of a child's education

building a share portfolio

investing in property without the hassle of tenants

No entry or exit fees^† and no commission paid to advisers

For more information go to http://investwithme.com.au/ 

Disclaimer

^† Transaction costs apply. This information is of a general nature only. It has been prepared without reference to your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should obtain a copy of the lastest Product Disclosure Statement, assess your own financial situation or obtain financial advice before making any investment decisions based on this information.

Super Members Investments Limited (SMI) ABN 61 095 100, AFS Lic No 231230 is the responsible entity of ME Investment Funds. SMI is a division of Industry Fund Services Pty Ltd. SMI is not an authorised deposit taking institution. Any reference to Members Equity Bank , Members Equity or ME does not consitute a recommendation or guarantee by Members Equity Bank for products or services offered by SMI.

* Consider a fund's PDS and your objectives, financial situation and needs, which are not accounted for in this information before making an investment decision