How Often Should You Review Your Retirement Plan?

April 07, 2026 by MyDailyLink Staff
How Often Should You Review Your Retirement Plan?

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How Often Should You Review Your Retirement Plan?

When it comes to retirement planning, time is your greatest ally — but consistency is your secret weapon. You might have a solid plan today, but life has a way of changing your financial landscape faster than you expect. That’s why reviewing your retirement plan regularly isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Why Regular Reviews Matter

Think of your retirement plan like a garden. You don’t just plant seeds and walk away; you nurture them, prune them, and adapt to the changing seasons. The same goes for your finances. Regular reviews ensure that your investments, savings, and risk cover still match your goals and lifestyle.

A review can help you:

  • Adjust for inflation and market changes – What worked last year might not work this year.
  • Reassess income and expenses – Promotions, new debt, or medical costs can all affect your retirement targets.
  • Update your goals – Maybe early retirement or a move to the coast is now part of your plan.
  • Check your risk balance – You may want to shift toward safer investments as you get closer to retirement.

When Should You Review Your Retirement Plan?

Here’s a simple rule:
👉 Once a year, and anytime your life changes significantly.

That includes:

  • A new job or career change
  • Marriage, divorce, or having children
  • Buying or selling a home
  • Receiving an inheritance or large financial gain
  • Approaching a new life stage (like 10 years from retirement)

These milestones can have a major impact on your savings and tax position — and a review ensures your plan adjusts accordingly.

Why You Should Work With a Financial Advisor

While online tools can help track investments, there’s no substitute for professional advice. A certified financial planner brings clarity, structure, and experience — helping you make confident decisions even during uncertain times.

At DWD Financial Planners, we work closely with clients in Johannesburg South and beyond to ensure that their retirement and investment strategies evolve with them. Whether you’re updating your annuity, reviewing your preservation fund, or fine-tuning your tax strategy, we’ll help you make the most of every stage of life.

Take Charge of Your Future

A well-reviewed plan is a powerful plan. Don’t wait until you’re nearing retirement to find out your savings aren’t enough — start now. Schedule your annual review with DWD Financial Planners and make sure your financial future stays as dynamic as your life.

Plan Today.

Prosper Tomorrow.
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Financial Calculators

Find out if you are on track for retirement — and how much more you need to save. Powered by 8% p.a. growth assumptions. Estimates only; speak to DWD for a personalised projection.

Calculate exactly how much life cover your family needs if something happens to you — including income replacement, debt clearance, and education funding.

Estimate how much SARS tax you will pay on your pension or provident lump sum using the official 2024/25 retirement fund tax tables. For amounts above R3 million, contact DWD directly.

Answer 10 quick yes/no questions to identify gaps in your estate plan — and get personalised recommendations from DWD's estate planning specialists.

35
Include RA, pension/provident fund, and other long-term investments.
Include employer and employee contributions to pension, provident, and RA.

Projected Savings at Retirement

R 0
Readiness Analysis Fair
Years to retirement 25 years
Retirement income target R 0
Monthly income in retirement R 0
Funding gap / surplus —
Additional monthly needed —

Get a personalised retirement plan from DWD's independent advisors — no obligation, no cost.

Book a Free Retirement Review Call 082 783 3369
2
Include a spouse/partner, children, and any other people dependent on your income.
Include home loan, vehicle finance, credit cards, and personal loans.
Include employer group life, personal policies, and funeral cover.

Total Life Cover Recommended

R 0
Cover Breakdown Underinsured
Income replacement (10× annual) R 0
Debt clearance R 0
Education fund for dependents R 0
Estate & executor costs (est.) R 50,000
Less: existing cover R 0
Cover gap / surplus —
Est. monthly premium range —
Recommended product type —

Get an exact life cover quote from DWD — we compare multiple providers to find you the best value.

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R 500,000
Slide to select your lump sum amount up to R3 million. Contact DWD for larger amounts.
Retirement and retrenchment attract a more favourable tax rate with a higher tax-free threshold.
SARS aggregates all lifetime retirement fund withdrawals when applying the tax tables. This reduces the tax-free portion available.
SARS 2024/25 Tax Tables Applied This estimator uses the official SARS retirement fund lump sum tax tables. Tax on retirement/retrenchment: R0–R550,000 @ 0%, R550,001–R770,000 @ 18%, R770,001–R1,155,000 @ 27%, above R1,155,000 @ 36%. Speak to DWD for a precise calculation based on your full retirement history.

Estimated Net Payout (after tax)

R 500,000
Tax Breakdown 0% rate
Gross lump sum R 500,000
Tax-free portion R 500,000
SARS tax payable R 0
Net payout R 500,000
Effective tax rate 0.0%
Marginal tax rate (top bracket) 0%

DWD can help you structure your retirement lump sum to minimise SARS tax — including preservation fund strategies.

Discuss My Pension Options Call 082 783 3369
Your progress 0 of 10 answered

1. Do you have a valid, signed will that has been updated in the last 5 years?

2. Are your beneficiary nominations up to date on all policies and retirement funds?

3. Have you nominated an executor in your will to administer your estate?

4. Do you have life cover sufficient to cover estate duties, executor fees, and outstanding debts?

5. Have you considered the estate duty implications on your assets? (Estate duty applies above R3.5 million at 20%.)

6. If you have minor children, have you nominated a legal guardian in your will?

7. Have you considered a testamentary trust to protect assets left to minor or vulnerable beneficiaries?

8. Do you have a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or endowment policy as part of your wealth strategy?

9. Is a trusted family member aware of the location of your will, policies, and important financial documents?

10. Have you reviewed your estate plan with a qualified financial planner in the last 3 years?

— / 10
Answer to see your score

Answer all 10 questions to get your personalised estate planning readiness rating and a list of gaps DWD can help you address.

Gaps identified — DWD recommends:

Complete all 10 questions to unlock your free estate planning assessment.

Book a Free Estate Planning Review Call 082 783 3369

DWD Financial Planners Areas Served

Lethabong, South Africa , Sandton, South Africa , Alberton, South Africa , Bedfordview, South Africa , Germiston, South Africa , Roodepoort, South Africa , Johannesburg South, South Africa , Centurion, South Africa , Randburg, South Africa , Krugersdorp, South Africa , Midrand, South Africa , Benoni, South Africa , Kempton Park, South Africa , Soweto, South Africa , Phoenix, South Africa , Pretoria, South Africa , Bloemfontein, South Africa , Cape Town, South Africa , Pietermaritzburg, South Africa , Gillitts, South Africa , Berea, South Africa , Umhlanga, South Africa , East London, South Africa , Port Elizabeth, South Africa , Polokwane, South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start financial planning?
Ideally, you should start as soon as you begin earning an income. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow through compound interest and smart investment choices.
How often should I meet with a financial advisor?
You should meet with your financial advisor at least once a year, or whenever a major life change occurs — such as a new job, marriage, or property purchase.
Why is reviewing my retirement plan important?
Because financial markets, tax laws, and personal goals can all change over time. Regular reviews keep your plan aligned with your current lifestyle and future needs.
Can I review my retirement plan online?
You can track your investments online, but it’s best to consult with a certified financial planner for professional insights tailored to your situation.
What happens if I don’t review my plan regularly?
You could miss out on better investment opportunities, tax benefits, or risk management options — which can affect your long-term retirement income.