The SMART Retirement Plan is an Approved Retirement Scheme sponsored by NCB Insurance Company Limited (NCBIC) exclusively for members who wish to contribute towards retirement income.The Scheme is operated under the guidelines provided by The Pensions (Superannuation Funds and Retirement Schemes) Act 2004.Three categories of persons are eligible for membership.

Employed persons who are not members of an approved retirement scheme or approved superannuation fund, or

Self employed persons who are not currently contributing to an approved retirement scheme, or

Persons who wish to transfer their benefits from an approved superannuation fund or retirement scheme upon termination of employment.

Members must be a Jamaican resident between ages 18 and 69 years old.Members are allowed to incrementally build retirement income and receive tax deferred benefits as do persons who contribute to superannuation funds

Up to 20% of your remuneration or chargeable income (before tax) may be saved in the SMART Retirement Plan.

Investment income earned through the years of a members participation in the SMART Retirement Plan are tax free

Lump sum payments (up to 25% of accumulated value) made at retirement to members will be tax free

Lump sum paid on death of the member to a named beneficiary is tax freUp to 20% of your remuneration or chargeable income (before tax) may be saved in the SMART Retirement Plan.

Investment income earned through the years of a members participation in the SMART Retirement Plan are tax free

Lump sum payments (up to 25% of accumulated value) made at retirement to members will be tax free

Lump sum paid on death of the member to a named beneficiary is tax freContributions may be made monthly, quarterly, semi annually or annually.Each member must make at least one contribution per year.Payments can be made using Salary Deductions, Pre-Authorized Payment, NCB e-Link (internet), NCB IVR (payment via telephone), over-the-counter payments at NCB branches and any other payment methods introduced from time to time.NCBIC SMART, a taste of the good life

NCB Insurance Company (NCBIC) officially launched its new individual retirement product the "SMART Retirement Plan" at a launch event at the LIME Golf Academy recently. The SMART Retirement Plan is a personalized pension plan that provides contributors with a monthly income on retirement and contributions are accumulated tax-free.NCB Group Managing Director, Patrick Hylton stated, "The NCB Group has a long history of pension fund management through its subsidiary West Indies Trust Company Limited (WITCO) which was transferred to NCB Insurance Company in 2007, making NCBIC the industry leader among Pension Fund Managers in Jamaica with over 40 years of service in the industry. NCBIC is the largest segregated pension funds manager in Jamaica with dedicated client relationship officers who are experts in pension regulations and pension administration."The SMART (Secure Money At Retirement) Retirement Plan is open to Jamaican residents between the ages 18-69 years who are not contributing to any other approved pension plan. This is ideal for the self employed, employees of small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals who were terminated from an approved plan.SMART offers tax free benefits such as lump sum payments of up to 25% of the accumulated value paid to members upon retirement. There is also a tax exemption for investment income earned through the years of participation. The Plan provides immediate pension benefits in the event of permanent disability before retirement. Should a member of the plan die before retirement, the plan refunds the total accumulated value to your named beneficiary.Contributing to the fund is simple, as NCB Insurance Company provides flexible payment options which allow you to pay your contributions monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. Payments can be made by salary deduction, pre-authorised payments, via telephone, at any branch of the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) or via the internet through NCB eLink.NCBIC ensured that attendees experienced some of the grandeur that awaits them at retirement if they start SMART planning. Guests were taken to the corners of the world with displays from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Antarctica. They were treated to relaxation therapy by spa experts from the renowned Adam and Eve Day Spa who were on hand to offer back, neck and shoulder massage therapy. The more adventurous rolled up their shelves and perfected their golf swing at the complimentary driving range while all enjoyed the fine dining from Cuisine Art by Jeanette Hutchinson.SME Execs in attendance were delighted with the offerings. "This evening was a refreshing experience; one that puts into perspective the life we should all aspire to enjoy during retirement," remarked Nordia Murray-Lewars, Financial Controller at Crichton Automotives Limited.Make the SMART choice, speak to an NCB Insurance Advisor at any NCB Branch or call 1-888-MY-NEEDS (69-63337), they will work with you make the SMART planning decisions that will help you prepare for life.