The Ultimate Guide to Retirement Planning at Every Age

By Lyonel Soekoe | For ASI Wealth

Retirement isn’t a number — it’s a mindset. For too many South Africans, it’s also a looming unknown. But whether you’re just starting out or nearing the finish line, one truth remains: the earlier and more intentionally you plan, the more control you’ll have over your future.

At ASI Wealth, we see retirement as a journey — and your life stage defines how you should prepare. Here’s how to get ahead, no matter your age.

In Your 20s: Start Small. Think Long-Term.

Don’t wait to “earn more” — start now. Small contributions benefit from compound interest over time.

Key Moves:

• Open a Retirement Annuity (RA) — start with what you can afford.
• Learn the basics: budgeting, saving, investing, debt management.
• Avoid high-interest debt like credit cards and payday loans.
• Join your employer’s pension or provident fund — and stay invested when you change jobs.

In Your 30s: Get Intentional. Build a Strategy.

You’re earning more. It’s time your finances did too.

This decade is about alignment — between your income, responsibilities and goals.

Key Moves:

• Increase retirement savings to 15–20% of your income.
• Use Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) to supplement your RA.
• Consolidate old retirement funds and track their growth.
• Secure life and disability cover to protect your loved ones.
• Draft a Will — your estate plan starts now.

In Your 40s: Course Correct and Diversify.

You’re halfway to retirement. Are you on track?

This is your chance to fix gaps and fine-tune your financial engine.

Key Moves:

• Reassess your retirement targets with a financial advisor.
• Diversify: think property, ETFs, and offshore exposure.
• Max out your tax-deductible contributions (up to 27.5% of income).
• Review insurance to reflect your lifestyle and dependents.
• Adjust your portfolio for growth and security.

In Your 50s: Refine and Forecast.

Retirement is closer than it seems.

Now is the time to get real about timelines and numbers.

Key Moves:

• Do a retirement readiness check — will your savings last 25+ years?
• Shift your investment risk as needed: growth vs preservation.
• Decide between living annuities and guaranteed annuities.
• Plan for medical expenses — consider gap cover.
• Work toward being debt-free, especially bond-free.

In Your 60s+: Preserve and Protect.

This isn’t the end. It’s a new chapter.

The focus shifts from growing wealth to managing it wisely.

Key Moves:

• Build a sustainable drawdown strategy with a financial planner.
• Keep emergency funds liquid and accessible.
• Update your estate plan, including trusts and tax strategies.
• Stay active — financially, mentally, physically.

Final Thought: The Best Time to Start Was Yesterday. The Next Best Time Is Now.

South Africans have powerful tools at their disposal — RAs, TFSAs, property, pensions. But tools are only as good as the plan behind them.

At ASI Wealth, we help you turn insight into action, uncertainty into strategy. Whether you’re 25 or 65, start saving with intention — because your future deserves more than guesswork.

“Do not save what is left after spending but spend what is left after saving.” – Warren Buffett

This mindset is the first step to financial freedom.

Share this guide with someone who needs it.

Book a session with an ASI Wealth advisor today — and take control of your tomorrow.