
Planning for retirement is improving, but reality is proving costlier
FNB’s survey shows more South Africans are preparing for retirement, while retirees’ experiences disclose the financial pressures that many did not anticipate.

FNB’s survey shows more South Africans are preparing for retirement, while retirees’ experiences disclose the financial pressures that many did not anticipate.

Sanlam’s latest Benchmark suggests economic shocks, disrupted careers, and health risks are reshaping how clients across age groups make financial decisions.

Misaligned statutory deadlines for employee retirement fund contributions raise practical compliance questions, particularly for employers with non-monthly payroll cycles.

Old Mutual findings and industry commentary show gambling is reshaping spending, eroding savings, and drawing policy attention, with implications for employers and advisers.

A settlement facilitated by the FAIS Ombud highlights that full disclosure of product terms does not, on its own, satisfy suitability obligations under the Code of Conduct.

Many employees know how much they are contributing but not whether it will deliver a sustainable income.

Consumers must understand product terms and ensure documentation accurately reflects agreed guarantees and beneficiaries.

Old Mutual’s Michelle Acton tells IRFA delegates that Australia’s superannuation system provides a roadmap for boosting coverage and retirement outcomes.

Discovery Invest’s new retirement offering combines a living annuity’s market exposure and income flexibility with a lifetime guarantee that kicks in from age 80.

Discovery’s analysis shows that women retire with 21% fewer assets than men – driven by a 24% pay gap, unequal caregiving burdens, and conservative fund choices.

FNB survey also finds that most under-60s expect to work beyond their retirement age, with only 10% planning a full stop.

Aligning your retirement date with the tax year can smooth income withdrawals and avoid unintended bracket creep.

Synchronising employment agreements with the rules of occupational retirement funds promotes legal certainty, secures employee benefits, and smooths succession planning.

: Retirees, should be especially vigilant against three common scams: phishing and its more targeted version, spearfishing; deepfakes; and the Grandparent scam, which uses voice cloning.

Financial advisers can guide their clients on how to manage the knock-on effect of rising costs without compromising their long-term financial wellness.

Pensioners are sacrificing the certainty of a lifetime guaranteed income in the hope that some capital will remain for a loved one when they die.

Sanlam’s modelling looks at the impact of the system’s conflicting aims: higher preservation rates and access to savings.