B2B Central

Retirement

05 Jul 2021

Get real about retirement: The changing role of beneficiaries

By Staff Writer

Historically, the ability to leave capital to dependents was a primary consideration of retirement planning. However, new research shows that this is becoming gradually less important. Of foremost concern to retirees is that their retirement money should last (at least) as long as they do and cover their monthly expenses.

01 Jul 2021

Retirement planning is not a once-off event

By Staff Writer

As a wealth manager, I have observed that there are two typical clients. Some dread retirement, while others look forward to it. Those who dread it are the ones who are often not sure if they have made sufficient provision for comfortable post-employment life. Those who are looking forward to it are those who are confident of their retirement plans and are looking forward to not living the nine-to-five rat race.
01 Jul 2021

Retirement benefits: Selecting an appropriate default investment strategy

By Staff Writer

Employers face many complex decisions when choosing retirement fund solutions for their employees. But selecting an appropriate default investment strategy is probably the most critical, because an overwhelming number of fund members end up invested in it.
23 Jun 2021

How can you check for your fund’s readiness to invest in infrastructure?

By Staff Writer

Investment infrastructure is discussed broadly in the pension fund industry. But how can you check for your fund’s readiness to invest in infrastructure? Is this form of investment suitable for your fund? Malizole Mdlekeza, Pensions & Investments Actuary, Managing Director of MDM Actuaries and Chairman of the Actuarial Society of South Africa’s Alternative Investments Forum, walks you through a high-level decision-making process.
22 Jun 2021

Sanlam Benchmark Survey shows impact of COVID-19 on retirement

By Staff Writer

Sanlam today released the results of its 40th Benchmark Survey. The research showed the deep impact that COVID-19 had on the retirement industry, with 27% of stand-alone retirement funds and 41% of umbrella funds’ employers having suspended retirement fund contributions last year. This resulted in an average suspension across all fund types of 4.5 months.
15 Jun 2021

How shared value can solve retirement problems

By Staff Writer

South Africa’s retirement savings industry has failed to solve the problem that motivates for its existence. According to National Treasury, only 6% of South Africans have enough savings for retirement.
15 Jun 2021

Standalone retirement funds indicate they will invest on average 6.6% in infrastructure investments

By Staff Writer

Ageing and inadequate infrastructure remain a major obstacle preventing South Africa from realising its economic growth potential. Proposed regulatory changes will allow retirement funds to increase their investment in infrastructural projects - but are funds planning to do so?

09 Jun 2021

Sanlam Benchmark 2021: The devastating impact of COVID-19 on retirement

By Staff Writer

Research to be released on 22 June will show how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the employee benefits industry and retirement prospects of South Africans. For 40 years, the Sanlam Benchmark findings have helped the retirement industry navigate the complexities of the sector and guide members through the challenges they experience in planning for retirement.
07 Jun 2021

Today’s retirement landscape: The South African outlook

By Staff Writer

Machines are becoming very smart. As they quickly take over many of the tasks previously performed by people, the unfolding workplace revolution is creating incredible efficiencies. But it is also threatening to worsen inequality as the work that provides for the incomes generated by large parts of society becomes less secure. For many, it is becoming essential to continually reskill and relearn.
07 Jun 2021

How to plan adequately for retirement from your 20s-40s

By Staff Writer

Starting to save as early as possible (no matter what your age) is the best way to achieve your retirement goals. There is no substitute for this reality. The longer you’re invested in the market, the more your accumulated savings will benefit from compound interest. If you start saving at age 25, you’ll need to put aside half as much in total, compared to if you only start at age 35.
04 Jun 2021

What to think about if you’re offered early retirement

By Staff Writer

The negative economic impacts of COVID19 are being felt by many employers and reducing operational costs has become a critical priority – the primary of these being reducing their salary bill. Hence, a strategy is to offer employees who are a few years away from retirement, the opportunity to retire early.
01 Jun 2021

Longevity favours the rich, but poor also benefit in new generation life annuities

By Staff Writer

Most conventional life annuities are priced against just two factors that influence longevity – age and sex. Yet there is a host of other factors that should be considered in arriving at a fair price for each person. This is one of the reasons that life annuities fell out of favour for over a decade. “People from lower income brackets started to question their value, and they were right,” says Deane Moore, CEO of retirement income specialists Just SA.