Welcome to the latest edition of The Wealth Perspective

In this edition of The Wealth Perspective, Chief Investment Officer Adriaan Pask explains why it is important to start saving for retirement as soon as possible, and unpacks what investors of different ages can do to maximise retirement benefits. Head of Sales Nirdev Desai provides some practical considerations for staying on track with savings goals, and then highlights the importance of accounting for changing lifestyle needs. Head of Securities Wendy Myers looks at how shares can be used to complement retirement savings, and Legal Specialist Madelein Steenkamp outlines the impact of retirement planning on one’s estate and beneficiaries. Jan van der Merwe, Head of Actuarial and Product, investigates the differences between retirement annuities and tax-free savings accounts, and explains how the benefits of both products can be leveraged to meet your retirement savings goals. Rounding off this quarter’s edition, Head of Technical Support Mariska Comins explores the impact of increasing life expectancy on retirement savings.

Welcome to the latest edition of The Wealth Perspective

We are drawing to the end of another eventful year, and the uncertainty we have experienced has once again thrown the spotlight on the importance of having solid, structured plans in place. With the tax year-end also just over the horizon, this quarter’s edition focuses on the importance of holistic financial planning.

Focus on what you can control

One thing we can say with certainty is that we cannot be sure of what the future holds, so it’s crucial to focus on what is within your control. To give yourself the best chance of reaching your financial goals, start by clearly understanding what those goals are, the tools at your disposal to help you achieve them, and the potential speed bumps that could foreseeably derail your plans.

Understand that your needs may change

Changes in our world and in our personal lives mean that our financial needs are likely to shift as time passes. Revisiting financial plans on a regular basis is therefore key to achieving desired financial outcomes. A financial adviser is well positioned to help ensure that your plans remain aligned with your goals.

The value of time

As Adriaan discusses in his article, an early start to your savings journey is one of the key determinants of success. Starting to save early not only means you have more time to save, but also allows you to maximise the advantage of compounding returns. Regular savings contributions – even small ones – build up over time, and the added effect of compounding means that this can result in substantial benefits over the long term.

Planning ahead

As the festive season approaches, it is tempting to be caught up in excess and overspending, but it serves investors well to remember that getting into the disciplined habit of saving will stand them in good stead to secure a more comfortable financial future. These benefits can be amplified by making use of tax-efficient savings vehicles and the services of a qualified financial adviser.

A Word from our CIO - Adriaan Pask

Industry Views - Nirdev Desai

Investing and trading - Wendy Myers

Estate Matters - Madelein Steenkamp 

Quarterly Insight - Jan van der Merwe

Employee Benefits Insight - Mariska Comins

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