Wednesday 13 March 2013

REFUEL WITH CHOCOLATE MILK!


When it's time to quench your thirst after a long, tough workout, there are so many options out there from water to sports drinks, however new studies have shown that there is one more potential workout recovery drink to add to the list: chocolate milk. When Compared to plain milk, water, or sports drinks, it has double the carbohydrate and protein content, perfect for replenishing tired muscles. Its high water content replaces
fluids lost as sweat, preventing dehydration. Plus it packs a nutritional bonus of calcium, and includes just a little sodium and sugar; additives that help recovering athletes retain water and regain energy.

A drink like chocolate milk is most beneficial to a cyclist, swimmer, or long-distance runner. These sports stress high endurance levels and constant, sustained movement. Competing athletes need high levels of calories, carbs, and protein to sustain that level of performance. Of course we are referring to low-fat milk.

Below is a fun recipe to treat yourself;
Chocolate Milk Shake Recipe:
3 scoops vanilla ice cream
Chocolate syrup
1/2 cup of milk

Directions:
In blender combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and serve.


Source 

Monday 4 March 2013

WHO OWNS PENSION SURPLUS?


Often times in the separation of interest from a Pension Plan the question will be asked – “Who owns the surplus”? There are two types of pension plans: defined benefits; where the pension benefit due to the member is defined by the plan’s rules and is often expressed as a percentage of an average salary for every year of service, and defined contribution; where the pension benefit is based on the accumulation of your contribution, the employer contribution and the investment returns.

How the surplus is distributed is often driven by the type of pension plan. In a defined benefit plan it is customary for the surplus to remain in the fund to guarantee a pension to its members during their retirement life. The conditions of their pension will be outlined in the Trust Deed and Rules of the plan, which would also define the pension benefit to be paid to members. It is important to note that the Trustees of a defined benefit plan have the responsibility of ensuring the fund remains profitable as the pension declared to their members at retirement has to be paid under all circumstances.

In contrast, under a defined contribution plan all the investment returns belong to its members, hence surplus declared by the plan’s actuary triennially are allocated to active, deferred members and pensioners with an amount being retained for unforeseen events. Members’ pensions are normally determined by their contribution made to the fund through the purchase of annuities (set amount to be paid annually) hence the plan has no obligation to guarantee pensionable amounts. The key contention with surplus normally arises when a pension fund is being wound up. Often the distinction as to existing members is put to question. As to what point a person’s entitlement after leaving the fund should be considered is still an issue which has caused several lengthy debates. It is important that while you are an active member of a pension plan you pay key attention to the operations of the fund as often time debating treatment of surplus after you have
exited the plan may not be favourable.

It continues to be our responsibility as individuals to ensure our retirement benefits are maximized and in doing so we need to ensure returns from surpluses are capitalized whether it is a defined benefit or a defined contribution pension plan that we find ourselves in.

Lonette Leslie-Reid,
Senior Accountant- Operations

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