To mathematicians the numbers 5, 15 and 75 may have no fascinating correlation or geometric relationship. They are not the Golden Ratio, nor did they help solve Fermat’s Last Theorem. But to retirement specialists, they provide the starting point for calculating how much you really need in your retirement. The “5” relates to the generally accepted “safe” percentage SA retirees can draw down from their retirement capital on an annual basis to receive a sustainable, inflation-adjusted retirement income for life. The “15” refers to the percentage of salary it is recommended you should save for retirement each month. It is also the number by which your current annual income is multiplied to give the required amount of capital needed at retirement. Lastly, “75” is the percentage of your salary that should be received in retirement to maintain your standard of living. No-one really knew how much you needed for retirement until 1994 when American financial planner William Bengen crunched t...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.