How the Khumalo Family Turned Uncertainty Into a Confident Retirement Plan

How the Khumalo Family Turned Uncertainty Into a Confident Retirement Plan

When Thabo and Nomsa Khumalo from Alberton, Johannesburg South, first visited DWD Financial Planners, they carried a mix of hope and hesitation. After years of working hard and raising their children, they weren’t sure whether their financial future was on track — or if retirement would truly allow them to live the life they had dreamed of.

During their first consultation, our financial advisor took time to understand not only their finances but their lifestyle goals: travel, helping their children with university costs, and enjoying a peaceful retirement near the coast. What we discovered was that, while they had diligently saved, their investments were spread across multiple funds with overlapping fees and limited growth potential.

Through DWD’s Retirement Annuity, Wealth Management, and Tax Planning solutions, the Khumalos gained a clearer picture of their assets. We consolidated their investments, adjusted their risk profile, and structured a strategy to balance security with sustainable growth.

“DWD helped us make sense of our finances,” Thabo shares. “They didn’t just give us advice — they gave us confidence.”

Three years later, their retirement plan is on track, their investments are performing better, and they now enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their future is secure and well-structured.

At DWD Financial Planners, we believe success isn’t defined by how much you earn — but by how confidently you plan for what comes next.

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.

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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

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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

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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.

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 was the Khumalos’ biggest financial concern?
They were unsure whether their savings and investments would be enough for retirement.
How did DWD Financial Planners help?
By consolidating investments, creating a structured plan, and optimizing tax benefits.
How long before they saw results?
Within three years, their retirement plan was performing better and aligned with their goals.
What sets DWD apart from other financial planners?
Our advisors combine personal attention with expert, independent financial planning.
Can DWD help families like the Khumalos?
Yes — DWD works with individuals and families to secure their future through smart financial strategies.