Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make.
But the big question remains:
How much do I actually need to retire comfortably in South Africa?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your number depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how long you expect your retirement to last.
This is where a Retirement Calculator becomes your most useful tool.
Understand the Real Cost of Retirement
Your retirement years could span 20 to 30 years or more. That’s a long time to rely on savings, investments, or passive income. The cost of living will continue to rise, and so will the need for careful planning.
A good retirement plan isn’t just about having enough money — it’s about making sure it lasts.
What the Retirement Calculator Does
By entering just a few details, you can project your future retirement income and see if your savings are on track:
- Your current age and retirement age
- Total savings from pension, provident, RA, and preservation funds
- Desired monthly income in today’s terms
- Expected contributions before retirement
- Preferred investment return model (Conservative, Moderate or Aggressive)
With this information, the calculator helps you:
- Forecast how long your retirement savings may last
- Adjust for inflation and expected returns
- Visualise future income vs capital depletion
- Spot shortfalls before they happen
How Much Monthly Income Is “Enough”?
According to local research, many South Africans aim to replace 70–80% of their final salary in retirement. But this depends on your needs.
A comfortable retirement income should:
- Cover essentials like food, housing, medical aid and transport
- Allow room for leisure, hobbies, and occasional travel
- Provide flexibility for rising costs, emergencies, or healthcare surprises
What If You’re Falling Short?
The calculator helps you model different options to close the gap:
- Delay retirement by a few years
- Increase monthly contributions now
- Reduce income drawdown slightly in retirement
- Rebalance your investment strategy
These small changes can make a big difference to your long-term sustainability.
Retirement Planning Is Personal
No two retirements look the same. Your retirement plan should reflect:
- Your family situation
- Your health and lifestyle
- Your risk tolerance and return goals
- Your desire to leave behind a legacy
The Retirement Calculator is designed to give you a clear picture — not just a number, but a story of what your future could look like.
