It’s one of the biggest financial questions you’ll ever face, yet so many of us approach it with a shrug or a vague guess. But planning for retirement isn’t about hoping for the best. It’s about knowing your number and creating a clear path to reach it.

What is your retirement number?

Your retirement number is the amount of money you’ll need saved by the time you stop working to support the lifestyle you want for the rest of your life. It’s personal. It’s unique. And it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Some people dream of downsizing and gardening. Others want to travel the world, take up new hobbies, or spoil the grandkids. Your goals—and your expenses—shape your number.

Key factors that influence your number

To calculate how much you’ll need, think about:

• How long you’ll be retired – With longer life expectancy, retirement could last 25–30 years.
• Your monthly living expenses – Include everything from groceries to medical aid.
• Inflation – Prices will rise over time, so R10,000 today won’t buy the same in 20 years.
• Other income sources – Will you have a rental property, inheritance, or side hustle income?

The rule of thumb: 75% of final salary

A common guide is to aim for 75% of your final salary as a monthly income during retirement. So, if you’re earning R40,000 before you retire, you’ll need about R30,000 per month to maintain your lifestyle. That translates into needing roughly 15–20 times your annual expenses saved up by retirement.

Not sure where you stand? We can help.

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We can help you:

• Work out your ideal retirement number
• Assess whether you’re on track
• Create a personalised strategy to fill any gaps

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.

Confidence starts with clarity

Retirement should be something to look forward to—not stress about. Knowing your number gives you control, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re decades away or just a few years out, it’s never too early (or too late) to check in on your progress.

Ready to calculate your retirement number?

Talk to us. We’ll help you figure out what your enough looks like—and how to get there, step by step.