QSCU NEWS JAN 2013 Debt Consolidation Take control of your finances in 2013! This month: Get your debt together Transferring money worldwide The value of financial advice Martin Seligman Award for Health and Wellbeing 2012
Catch-up with CEO, Scott King. Reporting on our growth and stability Within a challenging international environment, it s pleasing to note that we have again achieved solid growth in 2012. The past 12 months have seen us continue to focus on strategies to maintain our future growth and sustainability. I m particularly pleased to see the impact of our pricing and service strategy which has continued to deliver tangible benefits for our Members and seen us maintain our competitive advantage against the big banks. Financial Results In a year where home lending system growth slowed to an industry wide 4.9% our performance of 8.9% has been an outstanding result that shows an increase in new business and in Members switching to QSCU for a better deal. We continued to experience intense competition for deposits; however we have still managed to deliver competitive interest rates on both sides of our Balance Sheet. Pleasingly, this has resulted in sustainable growth in our deposits by 9.5% to $2.28 billion, providing us funding to increase our loan book by 8.9% to $1.92 billion. Our overall result of $2.49 billion in total assets places QSCU as one of the largest Financial Institutions in Australia, and keeps us well positioned for strength and growth into the future. New Products It s been a big year for the team at QSCU with the launch of two new products in January 2012. The launch of our new Visa Platinum Credit Card with Qantas Frequent Flyer Points has been well received by Members, with an offer of up to 30,000 bonus Qantas Frequent Flyer Points, complimentary travel insurance and the annual card fee waived for the first year. In January of this year we also launched a new DIY Super product, a high interest savings account specifically designed for Self Managed Super Funds. Yet another great product offering for Members providing more security and guaranteed returns for their superannuation. Our Branch Network Our new branch based in the southern suburbs of Sydney was officially opened in November 2011 and has been well received by Members in the area. We also opened a new branch in Niddrie, Melbourne. The branch has been well received by Members providing full banking services including loans, deposits, financial planning and day-today banking needs. Thank You I would like to thank you, our Members, for your support and loyalty throughout the year. I would also like to extend a well earned thank you to our Employees, Management team and Directors for their commitment and dedication to ensuring you receive a great deal more for your banking. Scott King CEO Qantas Staff Credit Union We won Best Short Term Deposit Award Non-Bank! We have some great news for Members... we are the proud winners of Money Magazines Best Short Term Deposit Award Non-Bank! The award is calculated by CANSTAR, one of Australia s leading comparison websites who research, compare and rate banking and insurance products. Our award will be published in the Best of the Best issue of Money Magazine released in December so make sure you grab a copy! Luke Tsafis, Manager Wealth Management & Superannuation says It s great to receive one of the highest recognitions in Australia for one of our key financial products. The award is a combination of our great rates, low fees, and exceptional service; it s an all round great deal. You can apply today for a term deposit through your online banking. Simply choose your term and amount you d like to invest it s that simple. For more information on our current rates and the benefits of a term deposit with QSCU visit www.qantascu.com.au or call us on 1300 747 747.
Debt Consolidation Get your debt together If you re juggling multiple credit cards, store cards and personal loans and feeling a bit overwhelmed it s time to take control. What are the benefits of consolidating your debt? You could save money our personal loan interest rates would typically be lower than the interest rate and monthly fees on many credit cards and store cards. A set repayment plan consolidating your cards and personal loans into one may help you get on top of your debt. Many credit cards and store cards only require a small repayment each month, which will take much longer to repay and could cost you more interest in the long term. One single repayment Imagine just having one repayment to manage instead of multiple! Fewer fees Having one repayment to make means that you re more likely to save on those fees you could be paying on all your other cards and loans like annual fees, monthly fees and administration fees. At QSCU our personal loans have no establishment fees, no annual fees or monthly account keeping fees. You could save a bundle! Talk to us today. Applying is easy and you can do it all online via online banking. Alternatively you can call us on 1300 747 747 to talk to one of our helpful lending specialists or drop into your nearest Member Service Centre. Personal Loan unsecured Available for debt consolidation 12.29 Comparison rate 12.29 The comparison rate is based on a loan for $30,000 (secured where stated) and a term of 5 years. Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions, fees and charges and normal lending criteria apply. Terms and conditions available on request. WARNING: Comparison rates are true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees on other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Martin Seligman Award for Health and Wellbeing 2012 QSCU announced in the top 5! The Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI) Martin Seligman Award for Health and Wellbeing recognises the outstanding initiatives and strategies promoting the health and wellbeing of employees in the workplace... and QSCU placed in the top 5 companies within Australia! Being chosen as a finalist recognises our commitment to a range of wellness benefits for all employees over the past 18 months. Our offering includes a range of activities and services that encompasses employee wellness physical health, emotional health, financial health and environmental/ community health. Some of our initiatives included; Fitness Boot Camp Weightwatchers Biggest Achiever Programme Employee Assistance Programme (offering psychological and emotional support for QSCU employees and their families) A personal Financial Plan Community Assistance leave leave for our employees to become involved with assisting their chosen charities and our community Arranging carbon offsets for our employees vehicles each year. API Leisure and Lifestyle Employee Benefits Program. Employees enjoy benefits such as discounts on health and well being programs, dining and entertainment as well as shopping. QSCU are delighted to be chosen as a finalist for this award, and will continue to develop and nurture our Health & Wellbeing program throughout 2013.
QSCU Board Meet our Board! This month we introduce you to the Members of our 2012 Board Corporate Governance Committee. The role of the corporate governance committee Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and managed. It influences how company objectives are set and achieved, how risk is monitored and assessed, and how performance is optimised. The purpose of the Corporate Governance Committee is to assist the Board of Directors to develop, review and implement policies on Corporate Governance, including Board and Committee structure and composition, Director competencies, induction, renewal and training, Board and Committee meetings, election/appointment of Directors and evaluation of Board and Director performance. Our Chairman, Mark Boesen, is Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee and he serves with 2 other member Directors: Henry Goodman Director FCPA, AFAMI Henry has been a Director of QSCU since 1989 and is a former Deputy Chairman of the Board. He has 23 years experience as a Director and over 45 years experience in accounting, taxation and business management. Sarah Collins Director BEc, LLB, MAMI Sarah has been a Director of QSCU since 2001. She has 15 years experience as a Director and over 20 years legal experience. Results of QSCU s 2012 AGM Our 53rd Annual General Meeting was held on the 28 November 2012, and was well attended by our Members and partners. Congratulations to our re-elected Directors: Mark Boesen Gary Halliday Jeff Etherington Each January our Board reviews its Committees. In our next edition we will confirm the Board Committees for 2013. New branch opened! On the 3rd December, we relocated our Melbourne Cargo Centre branch at Tullamarine airport to our new location in Niddrie. This new location is more central to our Members residing in Melbourne, being 20 minutes drive from the city and 10 minutes from the airport. The new branch will provide full banking services for all your lending, investment, financial planning and day-to-day banking needs. We re sure the new branch will be very well received by Members, their friends and family. Come in and see us! Treadwell Rd Left to Right: Leonie Canavan - Senior Lending Specialist, Kellie O Neill - Member Service Consultant, Mary Gelevski - Member Service Consultant. Keilor Road, Niddrie 397 Hotham Rd 7-Eleven Niddrie Hoffmans Rd
Telegraphic Transfers QSCU is your one stop shop for transferring money worldwide! We ve teamed up with Western Union and Travelex so that our Members can easily send money to family and friends from almost anywhere in the world. Telegraphic Transfer Sending money directly to an overseas bank account is easier than ever. QSCU can arrange an electronic transfer to an overseas bank account via Telegraphic Transfer. You can send money securely to over 200 countries and 130 different currencies using preferential foreign exchange rates. QSCU will pay any beneficiary deduction fee on your behalf. 2012 Western Union Holdings Inc. All rights reserved. Western Union Business Solutions is an operating division of The Western Union Company. Western Union acquired Custom House Currency Exchange (Australia) Pty Ltd in 2009 and Travelex GBP Australia Pty Ltd in 2011. Custom House Currency Exchange (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 95 086 278 659 AFSL 238290 or Travelex GBP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 24 150 129 749 AFSL 404092 (collectively Western Union Business Solutions or WUBS ) is the issuer of the financial products referred to in this article. Travelex is a registered trademark of Travellers Exchange Corporation Limited and is used by Travelex Global Business Payments Limited and its affiliates under license. QSCU receives a rebate equal to 50% of the difference between the price paid by WUBS for the Foreign Currency exchange to its trading partners and the price charged by WUBS for the foreign currency exchange. Please refer to QSCU s Financial Services Guide (FSG) for more information. This article has been prepared solely for informational purposes and does not in any way create any binding obligations on either party. Relations between you and WUBS shall be governed by the applicable terms and conditions provided to you before you trade. Inward Telegraphic Transfers Westpac Bank Details have changed DOMESTIC Please note - If you require funds to be sent to a QSCU account on the same day from another Australian financial institution, our Westpac Bank details have changed please contact us for the new bank account details. New! International payments via Western Union There are now over 35 currencies to choose from when sending payments to Australia. By sending money to your QSCU account you can be guaranteed to receive the full amount sent with no hidden processing fees at a preferential exchange rate. If you require funds to be received from overseas simply visit our website to obtain the bank details required. Our NEW look ATM and Branch Locator! We have made it easier for you to find your closest ATM and Branch. Simply click on Locate us tile on our website and choose either ATM or Branch and type in your suburb or postcode. Our new Locator is also available on our iphone app, so you can find your closest ATM or Branch on the go. www.qantascu.com.au
QSCU Lounge Meet Mary Gelevski Member Service Consultant at our new Niddrie Branch How long have you been with QSCU? 17 years and 7 months. Who belongs to your family? My Husband Bob and my 2 daughters, Nicole 25 and Alexandra 21 and our beautiful Maltese Schitsu Teej who is 2. What s the best part of your job? The best part of my job is meeting and greeting our Members with a smile. After being with the Credit Union for all these years I know our Members very well. It is great to be able to offer our range of products and services and know they are getting a great deal. The highlight of my time here was winning the customer service excellence award in 2009. I have also had the privilege of representing the credit union at the Avalon Air Show in 2011. What s your favourite getaway destination? Hawaii. Favourite recipe? Sarma (Cabbage Rolls). Its an old traditional Macedonian recipe that we love having in winter. Mary s Sarma (Cabbage Rolls) 500 g beef mince 500 g pork mince 1 egg 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp salt Freshly ground black pepper 1½ tbsp paprika, extra ½ cup water 2 tbsp rice 100 g bacon 10 pickled cabbage leaves, drained 3 tbsp vegetable oil 3 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp paprika 2 cups water 1 tsp Vegeta Chopped flat leaf parsley, to garnish Method: 1. In a large bowl combine the minced meats, bacon, egg, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2/3 of the onion, salt and cracked pepper. Rinse the rice and leave about 2 tbsp water in it. Add to the mince mixture. Set aside. 2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft. Add 1½ tbsp paprika and the water and set aside. 3. Pour the fried onion mix into an ovenproof dish and add a little more water to make it 5mm deep, if needed. 4. Form the meat mixture into patties (about ¾ cup) and place into the centre of the cabbage leaf. Roll up the top and bottom and tuck in the sides. 5. Arrange the rolls into the baking dish tightly. Preheat oven 180 C. 6. In a frying pan heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat and stir in the flour and paprika to form a roux. Add 2 cups water and the Vegeta and stir for a couple of minutes over low heat. Check for seasoning. 7. Pour this over the assembled Cabbage rolls, press everything down gently and cover tightly with foil. 8. Bake in the oven for 2-3 hours or until golden around the sides. Just make sure the Cabbage Rolls are always at a very low simmer. 9. When ready sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lots of bread. QSCU Super on it s way! There has been a big interest in this product since we first gave you a sneak peak last issue, unfortunately though we re still in the testing phase of ensuring QSCU Super is fully compatible within Online Banking. We anticipate that the product will be ready for launch within the coming months, we ll post more details of our expected launch date on our website as they come to hand. If you d like more information on the product or would like us to register your interest, please contact us on 1300 747 747 or email us at financialservices@qantascu.com.au.
Financial Tips The Value of Financial Advice Everyone has different places that they want to go in life to own a home, invest for retirement, send the kids to university or simply feel secure. A financial plan, prepared by a qualified Financial Planner, is a road map that gives you clear directions to help you achieve your goals. Your financial road map - keeping you on course when things change Your financial plan helps ensure that your finances remain aligned to your goals when changes occur. Good financial advice is more important in tough times. Within the current uneasy economic environment, expert financial advice is more valuable than ever. What can my Financial Planner do for me? Legislative changes a Financial Planner can help explain how changes made to legislation could affect your finances and how you can maximise your opportunities. Personal changes everything from pay-rises to windfalls or redundancy; your Financial Planner can show you strategies to help you optimise your finances at every stage. Provide advice and direction based on your individual needs - on personal superannuation, allocated pensions, RSA accounts, spouse contributions, self-managed superannuation funds, managed funds, Insurance (life, disability and income protection) and a wide choice of investment options from Australia s leading fund managers. When is a good time to seek financial advice? Getting financial advice from a qualified Financial Planner could benefit you in many ways for a range of financial changes or situations, including; I ve recently been made redundant - offer advice on how to invest any redundancy payment or how to cope financially while you find a new job. Nearing retirement - suggest strategies for making the most of your Superannuation. Retirement is still a long way off - show you how to potentially increase your eventual retirement payout without sacrificing your lifestyle now. I don t know what s happening with my Superannuation - track down your Superannuation from different jobs and consolidate it. I ve just become my own boss - discuss strategies to protect your income and maximise your Superannuation. I ve just received a surprise windfall - suggest ways to invest any surplus funds for maximum gain. I want to look at estate planning - look at your assets and opportunities. Why choose financial planning through QSCU? You trust us with your everyday banking - and in partnership with ClearView we are able to provide you with the opportunity to enjoy the same personal, top quality service for your investments, insurance and Superannuation. It s nice to know too that the first meeting with your ClearView Financial Planner is complimentary and there s no obligation or pressure to proceed. For more information or to talk to one of our ClearView Financial Planners today, contact us on 1300 787 787 or drop into a branch to make an appointment. FREE Seminar Redundancy & Retirement planning Next month, QSCU in conjunction with ClearView will be holding a complimentary Redundancy & Retirement planning seminar in Sydney. Sydney: Tuesday 12 Feb 2013 Session starts at 6pm sharp Sydney Airport Centre, 15 Bourke Road, Mascot To reserve your place call us on 1300 787 787 or visit qantascu.com.au Places are limited - reserve your seat today! All Financial Planners are Authorised Representatives and provide advice under the authority of ClearView Financial Advice Pty Limited, ABN 89 133 593 012, AFSL No. 331 367. QSCU receives a commission for referrals to ClearView. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before investing in a product which can be obtained by contacting ClearView on 132 977. Please refer to the QSCU Financial Services Guide (FSG) and ClearView s Financial Services Guide for more information. The information on this page is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for personal advice. This website page has been produced without taking into consideration your personal financial circumstances, objectives or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your financial situation and seek personal advice before acting on any information from this article.
Everyone is so busy these days but QSCU makes banking easy. Alistair McKirdy QSCU Member since 2011 Great rates! We ve selected a range of our great products and rates - for more please see our website at www.qantascu.com.au Home Loans & Personal Loans Step Ahead Home Loans Loan Amount Rate Comparison Rate 1 Term Personal Loans Variable Comparison 1,2 $150,000 to $249,999.99 5.63%p.a. 5.63%p.a. 25 years $250,000 to $499,999.99 5.53%p.a. 5.53%p.a. 25 years Special Secured Personal Loan 7.74%p.a. 7.74%p.a. Unsecured Personal Loan 12.29%p.a. 12.29%p.a. $500,000 to $749,999.99 5.53%p.a. 5.53%p.a. 25 years $750,000 to $999,999.99 5.48%p.a. 5.48%p.a. 25 years $1 million & over 5.43%p.a. 5.43%p.a. 25 years Savings & Investments Retirement Savings Accounts (for Super & Pensions) Balance Gross p.a. (before tax) Net p.a. (after tax) $1m and over 3.25% 2.7625% $500,000 to $999,999.99 3.25% 2.7625% $250,000 to $499,999.99 3.00% 2.5500% $50,000 to $249,999.99 3.00% 2.5500% Below $50,000 2.00% 1.7000% Allocated pensions $1,000,000 and over 3.50% 3.50% $500,000 to $999,999.99 3.25% 3.25% Term Deposit Rates 3 Term Rate Minimum amount 3 months 4.50%p.a. $10,000 6 months 4.50%p.a. $10,000 12 months 4.50%p.a. $10,000 Qwealth Term Deposits 5 Term Rate Minimum amount 3 months 4.60%p.a. $10,000 6 months 4.60%p.a. $10,000 12 months 4.60%p.a. $10,000 Below $500,000 3.00% 3.00% DIY Super Saver 4 Base Interest Rate Bonus Rate Up to 3.25%p.a. 1.25%p.a. 4.50%p.a. Important information: All interest rates current as at 17 December 2012. Normal lending criteria and fees and charges apply. Terms and conditions apply and are available upon request. 1. Warning: Comparison rates apply only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees and cost savings such as fee waivers are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. A monthly repayment frequency has been used to calculate the comparison rates. See our comparison rate schedule on our website. 2. Personal Loan comparison rates assume a loan of $30,000 over 5 years. 3. Conditions apply. Interest monthly or at maturity. 4. Bonus rate applied when investment is $10,000 or more and no withdrawals are made in a month. For Self-managed Superannuation Funds only. 5. Only available in Qwealth Superannuation Master Trust. Interest at maturity only. Financial products referred to in QSCU News are offered, issued and administered by Qantas Staff Credit Union Limited, ABN 53 087 650 557 AFSL/Australian Credit License 238 305, unless noted otherwise. Qantas Staff Credit Union Limited is a credit provider and credit licensee under national consumer credit laws. This newsletter contains general advice and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives,financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any advice you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. You should read and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before opening an account. Apply online at www.qantascu.com.au or call us on 1300 747 747 QCU2314