Business · South Africa
Key Inflation and Return Tips for Retirement Planning
Moneyweb · 2026/02/06
Summary
When planning for retirement, understanding inflation and expected returns is very important. Inflation reduces the value of your money over time, so your retirement savings need to grow enough to keep up with rising costs. Choosing the right return assumptions helps you estimate how much your investments will grow each year. It is also crucial to consider the drawdown rate, which is how much money you withdraw from your retirement fund annually. Even if your investments earn high returns of 10-12%, withdrawing too much too soon can quickly drain your savings. Keeping withdrawal rates at a safe level ensures your money lasts longer during retirement, helping you avoid running out of funds.
OnABudget takeaway: For consumers and retirees, it’s vital to keep your yearly withdrawal rate low to make sure your savings last. Small business owners and investors should be realistic about inflation and returns when planning for the long term.