The latest 2024 FNB Retirement Insights Survey unveiled the sad reality that almost 50% of the respondents don’t have a retirement plan.
This lack of preparation for retirement is not just a personal financial risk, it is a potential crisis that could send shockwaves through their families and negatively impact future generations.
That is because, without adequate retirement savings, individuals may rely heavily on their children and other family members for financial support, creating a severe strain that can prevent the ability of the next generation from preparing properly for their own retirement.
Samukelo Zwane, head of product at FNB Wealth and Investments, says, “This domino effect of financial burden is a growing concern in South Africa, but it is not an inevitable fate.
“There are concrete steps that anyone, regardless of age or current financial status, can take to mitigate this risk and work towards a more secure retirement.
“By acting now, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a financial burden on your loved ones in your golden years.
He suggests five steps to take today to safeguard your future and protect your family’s financial well-being:
1. Work out your retirement ‘magic numbers’
The first step towards a secure retirement is understanding exactly when you want to retire and how much money you will need to maintain your desired lifestyle. This involves carefully considering when you want to retire and what you would like to be doing in your twilight years.
Working out your ‘magic number’ is crucial. It is not just about maintaining your current standard of living, but also accounting for potentially increased healthcare costs and other retirement-specific expenses.”
2. Grow your money wisely
Once you determined your financial goals, focus on growing your wealth. Ilse Smuts, business development head at FNB Cash Investments advises to aim for a balanced combination of short- and long-term savings and investment accounts.
For short- to medium-term goals, consider options like notice deposit accounts which enable more disciplined savings or fixed deposit accounts, which offer guaranteed returns and allow you to set the terms for accessing your money.
3. Develop a long-term healthcare plan
As we age, healthcare costs increase significantly. Planning for these potential costs is essential to avoid burdening your family. Consider whether you have the resources to remain financially independent and pay for long-term medical costs and care if needed.
This might involve downsizing your home and living costs in retirement, setting aside a specific savings fund or ensuring you can afford to continue your medical aid premiums for healthcare expenses after retirement.
4. Establish and grow an emergency savings account
Unexpected expenses can quickly derail even the best-laid retirement plans. According to Smuts, starting an emergency savings account as soon as you can, and then consistently contributing to it, can provide a crucial financial buffer.
She highlights the importance of balancing growth with access for an account like this, emphasising that you may have to sacrifice a little of the interest you would get on an account like a fixed deposit to have immediate access to your money. Savings Accounts offer a flexible solution with immediate access to your funds, and it still provides a competitive interest rate so you can still grow your money over time.
5. Create a debt elimination strategy
Entering retirement debt-free is one of the most effective ways to ensure financial independence and avoid burdening your family. Zwane says carrying debt into retirement can significantly reduce your disposable income and put an unnecessary strain on your finances. We strongly advise debt repayment as part of any retirement plan.
He recommends listing all your debts and their interest rates, then focusing on paying off high-interest debts first while maintaining minimum payments on others. You can also consider speaking to your bank about consolidating debts into a single loan with a low interest rate.
“The key to avoiding becoming a financial burden on your family in retirement is to take proactive steps towards financial independence, starting now.
“No matter what age you are or where you are in your career today, every step you take towards financial security later in your life is an investment in your future and your family’s peace of mind,” concludes Smuts.
