How One South African Family Secured Their Future: Inspired by DWD Financial Planners & Old Mutual’s Legacy of Financial Success

How One South African Family Secured Their Future: Inspired by DWD Financial Planners & Old Mutual’s Legacy of Financial Success

South Africa has a long history of financial transformation and resilience, with companies like Old Mutual shaping the way families build, grow, and protect generational wealth. Inspired by these stories of empowerment, we’re highlighting a remarkable financial journey — and how DWD Financial Planners continues this legacy by guiding individuals and families toward long-term stability and confidence.

Just like Old Mutual has spent decades helping South Africans take charge of their financial wellbeing, our team at DWD Financial Planners is committed to providing the tools, guidance, and structure people need to make life-changing progress.


A Family’s Turning Point: From Financial Stress to Stability

In 2018, the Mokoena family from Mondeor faced what many South African households experience: rising costs, scattered savings, no retirement plan, and uncertainty about their future. After years of postponing financial decisions, a sudden medical emergency forced them to confront a difficult truth — they needed a real plan.

Inspired by Old Mutual’s public success stories, the family approached DWD Financial Planners seeking clarity, structure, and trusted advice.

Their Transformation Journey

With the help of a dedicated DWD financial advisor, the Mokoenas implemented a structured, step-by-step plan, including:

✔ A Retirement Annuity
Ensuring long-term financial independence even with intermittent income streams.

✔ A Tax-Free Savings Account
Designed to help their two children build future education funds — without tax penalties.

✔ Life & Disability Cover
Providing security after the medical emergency exposed financial vulnerabilities.

✔ A Wealth-Building Investment Strategy
Shifting from low-growth savings to diversified long-term investments tailored to their risk capacity.

✔ Comprehensive Estate & Tax Planning
Giving them confidence that their assets would be protected and distributed correctly.


The Outcome: A Confident Financial Future

Three years later, the Mokoenas have:

  • A fully-funded emergency savings plan
  • Consistent contributions to retirement and investment accounts
  • Adequate risk cover for both parents
  • A structured plan for their children’s future
  • Peace of mind — and a clear path toward generational wealth

Stories like these remind us of the impact proper planning can have. Old Mutual built its reputation on empowering South Africans to secure their futures.
At DWD Financial Planners, we continue this mission with personalized, human-focused financial guidance — because every family deserves a chance to thrive.

If you're ready to secure your future with confidence, DWD Financial Planners is here to walk the journey with you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired this financial success story?
The transformation is inspired by Old Mutual’s long-standing legacy of empowering South African families.
How did DWD Financial Planners help the Mokoena family?
Through retirement planning, investments, risk cover, and estate structuring tailored to their needs.
Why are financial success stories important?
They show what is possible when proper planning meets expert guidance.
Can DWD help families with similar challenges?
Yes, we offer personalised strategies for retirement, investments, tax, and risk cover.
How can I start my financial planning journey?
Contact DWD Financial Planners for a consultation and customised financial roadmap.