ADCU launches fee-free defensive super investment
The Australian Defence Credit Union has reacted to the heat and steam being generated over super fund fees by the Financial Services Inquiry by pointing to its two new low-fee investment "capital guaranteed" options.The ADCU's superannuation and pension products are both based on Retirement Savings Account rules, regulated via APRA, and intended as a conservative option for members closing in on retirement. John Ford, chief executive officer of ADCU, said "We've taken on board feedback from those about to retire. They don't want to risk their retirement nest egg nor do they want to see fees erode their effective rate of return."(He noted that younger memebrs would be better served taking more risks to build up their retirement funds.)Money placed in a cash account earns at interest rates comparable with the best on offer at ADCU, while it is guaranteed by the credit union against negative returns and deposits up to $250,000 are backed by the Australian government. In a similar manner to earnings generated inside super funds, income earned on RSAs is tax free after age 60, and a secure and predictable income stream can be established by drawing-down according to a pre-set amount and frequency.