"If returns are lower than expected in the early years of retirement, the combination of withdrawals and underperformance can permanently damage a portfolio. Even if markets recover later, the capital base may already be too depleted to sustain…
"For employers, HR leaders, and employee benefits specialists, the real story lies in the changing nature of employment, the growing divide between formal and informal work, and the impact these dynamics have on overall workplace productivity…
"In financial planning, particularly in retirement, one such principle has shaped decision-making for decades: the retirement income rule of thumb," says Martiens Barnard, marketing actuary at Momentum Investments.
"But should you keep all your retirement savings together, or split them across more than one product? The answer depends on each person’s circumstances and where they are in their retirement journey. Here are a few things worth considering,"…
"Workplace culture and the relevance of the benefits offered also influence whether employees use these services. Simply adding more benefits does not solve the problem. Organisations need to build trust, communicate clearly and ensure that…
"People are also living longer: Over the past two decades, life expectancy has climbed by 13 years, which means many retirees will need their savings to last longer than they expected, adjusting for rising healthcare costs and cost of living,"…
"Many consumers do not fully appreciate the long-term impact of these withdrawals. Withdrawals are taxed at an individual's marginal tax rate, which can significantly reduce the value of their retirement savings compared to the tax benefits…
"Retirement plans can hit a bump in the road, not because of insufficient income levels at the start, but because we underestimate the expenses during retirement. Many cashflow models tend to overlook cost shocks that can derail even the best…
"The financial strain behind those withdrawals extends far beyond a single statistic. The 2025 Sanlam Benchmark Survey found that 44% of retirement fund members have dipped into their emergency savings simply to stay afloat," says Nzwa Shoniwa,…
“What this research points to is a trade-off in how employers are rewarding and supporting their people. Companies are still funding increases, but higher pay on its own is not always enough to offset the financial pressure employees are facing,"…
“Yes, HR teams are already investing in rewards, growth, performance, engagement, and culture. But if employees are struggling mentally, emotionally, physically, or financially, much of that effort will be diluted before it can translate into…
"Many workers in our sector are not aware that they have money owed to them. Provident fund benefits, arrear wage payment, and even death or ill-health benefits often go unclaimed simply because members are uniformed, changed contact details,…
As an, Executive Head of Brand Marketing at Momentum Qhawekazi Mdikane, thought organising her mother’s estate would be a cinch… how wrong she was.
"Digital access is n lot just about convenience; it is about strengthening the integrity of the system. When member information is accurate and systems are aligned, withdrawals are faster, more secure, and traceable. But it also places responsibility…
Insurance Biz is a New Africa Busines News Services (NABNS) publication launched in 2013 to focus on the insurance industry, investments, financial planning, employee benefits etc. It remains a great resource of news for industry professionals, and for those who seek to learn about the financial sector developments.
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