Planning for Peace of Mind: How the Mthembu Family Built a Confident Retirement with DWD Financial Planners

Planning for Peace of Mind: How the Mthembu Family Built a Confident Retirement with DWD Financial Planners

For many South African families, retirement is a time filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The dream of financial independence often meets the reality of rising living costs and unpredictable markets. For the Mthembu family from Johannesburg South, that reality hit home when Sipho and Lerato realized their retirement savings might not last as long as they had planned.

That’s when they turned to DWD Financial Planners in Winchester Hills.

“We wanted to retire with peace of mind, knowing we wouldn’t have to depend on our children,” Lerato shared. “DWD helped us see our entire financial picture differently.”

Through a personalized consultation, the DWD team reviewed the Mthembus’ pensions, savings, and investment goals. They developed a tailored strategy that balanced income needs with long-term growth—combining a Retirement Annuity, a Living Annuity, and Tax-Free Savings Accounts to optimize both returns and flexibility.

The plan also included Estate Planning and Life Cover—giving the couple confidence that their family would remain financially secure no matter what the future holds.

“DWD didn’t just sell us a product,” Sipho explained. “They helped us build a future we could believe in.”

Today, the Mthembus enjoy a comfortable and independent retirement lifestyle—traveling, supporting their grandchildren, and living each day with confidence that their finances are secure and sustainable.

At DWD Financial Planners, every success story begins with understanding your dreams and aligning your finances with your life’s goals. Whether you’re just starting your career or approaching retirement, it’s never too early—or too late—to plan with purpose.

📞 Start your financial journey today.
Visit dwdfinancialplanners.co.za or contact 082 783 3369 for a personalized consultation.

Plan Today.

Prosper Tomorrow.
Explore Our Services

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 does a financial planner do?
A financial planner helps you create a structured strategy for managing money, savings, investments, and retirement goals.
Why is retirement planning important?
It ensures you maintain your lifestyle and independence after you stop working.
What is a living annuity?
A living annuity provides flexible income during retirement, letting you choose how much to withdraw each year.
Can DWD help with tax planning?
Yes. DWD offers tax-efficient strategies that help clients minimize liabilities and grow wealth.
How do I get started?
Simply contact DWD Financial Planners to book a consultation—your first step toward a confident financial future.