Retirement income planning

We all tend to live in an ‘either-or’ world where we think we need to choose between two, often opposing, things or outcomes. Peanut butter or jam? Red or white wine? For simple things, this way of making decisions can work. But for more complex issues, such as investing your retirement savings, the either-or equation is too simplistic. Pricing Actuary Ryan Hultzer explains how retirement income annuities have evolved and no longer requires an either-or decision.

With lacklustre local stock returns, questions about the creditworthiness of government debt and record-high offshore markets, those close to retirement may be left with daunting choices. Amanda Visser spoke to retirement specialists on behalf of FINWEEK about the options. [Subscription required]

With guaranteed or life annuities regaining traction with investors, there is still a misconception that they are a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Product Actuary Twane Wessels explains how annuities have evolved. 

Bjorn Ladewig, Longevity Actuary chats to Michael Avery on Classic Business about how your approach to retirement should be the same regardless of market conditions. Bjorn provides an explanation on some of the practical solutions available to protect your retirement income for life, and maintain some flexibility [audio].

The Money Show’s Bruce Whitfield interviewed Bruce Cameron, retired editor of Personal Finance about his new co-authored book “Secure Your Retirement”. The book unpacks the challenges facing pensioners, and explains how to avoid the pitfalls that cause pensioners to run out of money [audio].

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. 

Product Actuary Twané Wessels says that women underestimate their longevity, with research highlighting a disparity of 5-7 years between actual versus expected life expectancy. What’s more, despite the probability of living longer and outliving their male counterparts, fewer females tend to do adequate financial planning to ensure a comfortable and sustainable retirement.

Just SA’s Bjorn Ladewig discusses choosing an annuity product at retirement with Simon Brown on MONEYWEBNOW [Audio at 13m30s] 

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.

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.