Welcome to the first edition of SuperNews for 2008. Everyone's attention seems to have been on the recent movements in global share markets. It is important to remember that superannuation is a long-term investment. That's why we've included more information about investing in this edition of SuperNews. Keep yourself informed, then you can make sound decisions about your super.

We will be mailing your Membership Statement in the next week or two and we are including a Member Details form so you can check your personal details. As a SuperNews recipient, you are already registered on the RBF web so you can login and view your Membership Statements at any time.

We look forward to helping you to take action to grow your super during 2008.

1. It's 2008 - time to take action!

2. Make the most out of receiving your statement

3. Informed investing

4. Will you survive?

5. Planning retirement in 2008?

6. Charity begins at home

7. Investment outlook - No country for Old Maids

1. IT'S 2008 - TIME TO TAKE ACTION!

The great aim of education is not knowledge but action (Herbert Spencer).

At RBF, we want to share our super knowledge, so you can take action.

We are committed to providing opportunities for members and their families to build a secure financial future. Our job is to help you:

• keep up-to-date about new opportunities;
• to understand them; and
• to take action!

RBF's website and newsletters can keep you informed of ways to improve your super. Our friendly and experienced staff will answer your questions by phone or during a personal appointment, so you can decide what's best for you.

During 2008 we will increase our availability to members through workplace seminars. You can take us up on the challenge by asking for an RBF speaker at your next staff meeting or professional development day. Find 10 people to attend the session then book an RBF speaker or request a seminar by emailing seminars@rbf.com.au.

The aim of our education program is to improve your knowledge, so you can take action!

2. MAKE THE MOST OF RECEIVING YOUR STATEMENT

Membership Statements for the first half of the 2007-08 financial year will be mailed to members in the next week or two. The Member Newsletter and a Member Details form will also be included in the mailout.What should you do each time you receive your membership statement?

Read the 6 simple tips on making the most of your statement.

3. INFORMED INVESTING

The more you know and understand about your investments, the better decisions you'll make. Take the time now to learn a little more so you can become an informed investor.

4. WILL YOU SURVIVE?

RBF members working at the Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS) are on full alert after record dry weather in January. Despite recent rainfall, the fire season is really upon us. All Tasmanians are being asked to take care this fire season. Are you prepared?

The Tasmanian Fire Service has produced a fantastic DVD to help people prepare their homes in the face of a bushfire. It's worth watching, particularly if you live in or near the bush.

Four steps to bushfire survival:

1. Prepare a bushfire plan
2. Prepare your property regardless of whether you plan to stay or go
3. Make your decision to either stay and defend, or leave early
4. Follow your plan.

Watch Bushfire - Prepare to Survive online.

5. PLANNING RETIREMENT IN 2008?

The factors used to calculate the RBF Life Pension will be adjusted effective 1 July 2008. Members who are eligible for a Life Pension and who may be planning to retire during 2008 should read more.

6. CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

RBF staff recently committed to walking in the Relay for Life. Like most work places we've been touched by the effects of cancer. Leading up to the event, we held numerous fund raising events and raffles and by the time we'd counted it all, RBF staff had raised almost $2,000 in just six weeks. We'd love more people to become involved next time.

7. INVESTMENT OUTLOOK - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MAIDS

Market commentary is often provided to RBF by our various investment managers. PIMCO recently provided an interesting article headed No Country for Old Maids.

"Old Maid" is a card game familiar to many of the baby boomer generation. The object of the game is to avoid receiving the maid from the other players or, should you be the one holding it, pretending not to whilst trying to pass it on to someone else!

Initially it was sub-prime mortgages that represented the old maid. "That sub-primes have garnered the headlines is only because they were the asset class that failed first." But as the US economy slows, levered structures holding commercial loans and auto and credit card receivables are the new maids.

SuperNews is an e-bulletin from the Retirement Benefits Fund, 39 Sandy Bay Road, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7000.

WE'D LIKE YOUR FEEDBACK

Do you want to know more? What topics would you like to see covered in SuperNews?

Please email us at super@rbf.com.au and give us your feedback. (Please do not reply to this email.)

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

To change your email address, simply login to the RBF website and update your Personal Details.

SUBSCRIBE TO SUPERNEWS

This email service is linked to your registration on www.rbf.com.au. It is available to anyone who registers on the RBF website.

RBF will send you an email to complete the registration process. Once registered, login then select Subscriptions and elect to receive SuperNews.