As early as possible. Starting in your 20s or 30s gives your savings more time to grow through compound returns, so smaller monthly contributions can go further. If you’re starting later, a structured plan helps you understand what’s realistic and which adjustments, such as contributing more or retiring later, will make the biggest difference.

Since 1 September 2024, new retirement contributions are split into a savings component (one-third) and a retirement component (two-thirds). You can withdraw from the savings component once per tax year, with a minimum of R2,000. Withdrawals are taxed at your marginal tax rate, so it’s worth getting advice before you withdraw.

Under the two-pot system, your retirement component must stay invested until retirement. Savings built up before September 2024 (your vested component) can usually still be taken in cash, transferred to a preservation fund, or left in the fund. Cash withdrawals are taxed and reduce your retirement savings, so we help clients compare their options before deciding.

Currently, the first R550,000 of retirement lump sums is tax-free across your lifetime. Amounts above that are taxed on a sliding scale. Any earlier withdrawals you’ve taken can reduce the tax-free amount available when you retire.

A living annuity lets you choose your investments and draw an income of between 2.5% and 17.5% of its value each year, but your income isn’t guaranteed and depends on investment performance. A life annuity pays a guaranteed income for life, but you give up investment flexibility. Many retirees use one or a combination of both, depending on their needs.

Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act limits how much retirement funds can invest in riskier assets. For example, a maximum of 75% can be in shares and 45% offshore. It applies to retirement annuities, pension, provident and preservation funds, but not to living annuities.

We start with a conversation about your goals, current savings and timeline. We then build a retirement projection, recommend a strategy, and review it with you regularly so your plan stays on track as your life and the markets change.

No. We’re based at Tyger Waterfront in Bellville and meet clients in person across Cape Town and the Northern Suburbs. We also advise clients elsewhere in South Africa, including Johannesburg and Durban, through online meetings.

Our fees depend on the products and structure that suit your needs, and we explain them clearly before you commit to anything. We charge a small once-off onboarding fee to cover administrative and regulatory requirements, such as FICA verification.