South Africans swipe more, save less as financial strain deepens
The SpendTrend25 report reveals how high interest rates and stagnant incomes are pushing consumers towards credit, loyalty rewards, and early retirement withdrawals.
#retirementsavings
Groceries, gadgets and gaps: where two-pot savings are really going
Sanlam reports that most withdrawals came from financially strained members in mid-life, with little evidence that funds were used to reduce debt. Instead, spending patterns suggest pressure to cover everyday expenses.
Retirement pot withdrawals could undermine long-term savings
Danie van Zyl of Sanlam Corporate Investments warns that allowing access to retirement components in retrenchment cases might jeopardise long-term savings and place added pressure on trustees.
Life insurers pay a record R639 billion in 2024
Sales of recurring-premium savings policies continued to improve, while lapses of risk policies declined.
Two-pot withdrawals linked to surge in used car sales
The Bureau of Market Research discloses what South Africans have done with their savings benefit withdrawals since September 2024.
Where consumers spend and where they try to save
A DebtBusters study provides interesting insights into how South Africans in different income bands prioritise their spending outside of debt repayments.
How climate change could erode your retirement savings – actuaries sound the alarm
Despite record-breaking global temperatures and escalating climate risks, most South African retirement funds lack climate policies – raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of their investments.
Alexforbes reports R7 billion in two-pot system withdrawals
It says 47% of members intend to make future claims – with 34% of those who have already claimed planning to do so again.
How to maximise your tax benefits in a two-pot era
Carla Rossouw, head of tax at Allan Gray, discusses what investors need to know about retirement fund products and the looming end-of-tax year deadline on 28 February.
Most South Africans can only afford to retire at 80, says Sanlam
Employer interventions, including automatic contribution increases and making finance advice more accessible, are required to bridge the retirement age gap.
Treasury publishes draft amendments to two-pot legislation
The Bill provides for flexibility when provident and provident preservation funds perform the seeding calculation.
Financial pressure shapes South Africans’ views on two-pot options
Survey finds that 57% are comfortable with having access to their savings, while 29% are concerned about the impact on their long-term savings.
Two pots: most Alexforbes members who have claimed will do so again
The company says 32% of its membership base have submitted claims with a value of about R6.5 billion.
Video Interview: Should the two-pot system result in new investment strategies?
Old Mutual’s Andrew Davison highlights why the two-pot system could lead to better retirement outcomes – and what trustees and advisers need to consider to make it happen.
Arrears in local government sector reach alarming levels
58% of South Africa’s municipalities – 149 out of 257 – are behind on their retirement fund contributions, highlighting a growing issue in local government finances.
Data reveals trends in members’ two-pot withdrawals
FSCA plans to issue guidance on what it considers to be a fair and transparent approach to transaction fees.
Unpaid contributions: FSCA prepares to hold non-compliant employers accountable
With over R5.2 billion in unpaid retirement fund contributions and municipalities among the worst offenders, the FSCA is poised to gain expanded powers under the COFI Bill.
