Welcome to the Santam Insure Your Future Money Bootcamp with Maya Fisher-French and Mapalo Makhu. This series is designed to guide you through essential financial topics, helping you make informed decisions for a secure future.

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of retirement planning with Johann Steyn, a certified financial planner at Rainmaker Bluestar by Sanlam. As one approaches retirement, the need for strategic financial planning becomes critical – not only to understand your financial position, but also to maximize your tax options. Johann shares insights on how to prepare for retirement, whether you're five years away or just a year before. He emphasises the importance of setting realistic expectations, understanding legislative options, and the purchasing power of your money.

One of the critical discussions revolves around having a retirement budget and the importance of eliminating debt before retiring. Johann advises on the significance of understanding your expenses and what you would need to do if you planned on retiring early. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding lump sums vs income and the reality of life expectancy.

The episode further explores the different retirement products available, such as living annuities and life annuities, discussing when each is appropriate. Johann highlights the benefits and risks associated with these products, including market volatility and the potential for a hybrid approach. The importance of maintaining a medical scheme in retirement is also discussed, considering the high inflation rate of medical expenses.

In the podcast we also discuss the role of tax-free savings accounts as a supplement for retirement, offering insights into how they can be strategically used to provide tax-free income later in life.

Join us for a comprehensive discussion on retirement planning, ensuring you have the knowledge to maintain your dignity and independence in your golden years.