Despite the perception that life annuities are complex retirement products, they present a practical solution to protect against investment market volatility and increased longevity. This article looks to answer some of the questions retirees still have about life annuities. This article was published on IOL PERSONAL FINANCE
Press Releases
With-profit life annuity increases comfortably beat inflation
Retirement income specialist Just announced 2021 with-profit annuity increases that comfortably beat inflation, benefitting pensioners with a much-needed boost to their retirement income.
Will COVID-19 vaccine reverse retirement fears?
An increased need for certainty in times of uncertainty is a retirement trend that gained momentum in the wake of the pandemic. Is it possible that retirees may revert to pre-pandemic attitudes towards retirement planning? We don’t think so, and here’s why.
This article appeared in COVER, EBNET and FA NEWS
Living with Diabetes: You can secure higher income in retirement
An enhanced life annuity offers retirees with diabetes (or any life-threatening illness or poor health) the opportunity to ensure they are getting the highest possible starting income in retirement. Based on latest figures – and other statistics relating to the health of the South African population – enhanced life annuities benefit at least 40% of retirees.
This article appeared in MONEYMARKETING and EBNET
SA retirees don't want to gamble on their retirement savings
The key findings of our latest Retirement Insights were released in November 2020. The tracking study aims to better understand the South African retirement market and this year, specifically assessed the impact of COVID-19 and the regulated lockdown on retirement planning.
Benefits of Blending
With the cost of living constantly increasing, it’s very tempting to increase your drawdown rate when your anniversary rolls around. However, this can be very detrimental to your overall financial well-being. Read more on EBnet
The long and short of longevity: a woman’s perspective
Just's Twane Wessels and retirement specialists Lynda Smith (50 Plus Skills) and Jennifer Nedzamba CFP® (Netto Invest) agree that many women have not yet grasped the concept of longevity fully, and as a result have not planned adequately for retirement. In light of their shared experiences and expertise, and to help create awareness, they offer their top considerations for women approaching retirement.
Don’t rush investment decisions in times of uncertainty
It’s natural to feel a certain amount of panic during any crisis, let alone a global pandemic. But rushing into investment decisions through panic is always a bad idea, even if your nervous system is screaming at you to act. Click to read the full article by Bjorn Ladewig, Longevity Actuary at Just.
When I'm Sixty Four
When you hit retirement age, no one expects you to be your own doctor, mechanic or accountant. So why do so many of us assume that becoming a retiree automatically qualifies us to make the best decisions about the management of our retirement income?
Change your living annuity, not your drawdown rate
As part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis, National Treasury announced a change in living annuity drawdown restrictions where pensioners will be allowed to temporarily adjust their drawdown rate to as low as 0.5% or as high as 20%, even if it is not the anniversary date of the living annuity. But current market conditions present a unique opportunity to improve the sustainability of your retirement income. And this does not require you to reduce your drawdown rate. To take advantage of this opportunity, you may want to consider some choices.
Record demand for life annuity solutions – Need for security tops potential returns
MOONSTONE reports that Covid-19 has certainly changed the thinking about life annuities significantly. Guaranteed products fell from grace during the time of positive returns, with living annuities making up the bulk of sales. Now is not a bad time to reconsider the peace of mind provided by guaranteed products until, and if, sanity returns to the markets.
Life annuity sales soar amid lockdown losses
Amid the market instability brought on by COVID-19, retirement income specialist Just has reported record demand for life annuity solutions from South African pensioners looking to lock in an income for life. Sales for life annuities have doubled relative to 2019 since the COVID-19 market crash in mid-March 2020. CEO Deane Moore attributes this growth to attractive annuity rates and pensioners seeking to de-risk their retirement income in an unpredictable financial climate.
Do you need more information?
Consider seeking advice from a qualified financial adviser. Contact us to request the details of an adviser in your area or to find out more about our offering.