As South Africa marks National Savings Month, more people are working beyond retirement age. Here are five practical ways to protect your retirement savings while continuing to earn an income.
For many South Africans, turning 60 no longer means leaving the workforce for good. Some continue working because they enjoy it. Others consult, run small businesses or pursue long-held passions that generate an income. For many, however, the reality is that rising living costs mean retirement savings alone are no longer enough.
This shift is changing not only how people think about retirement, but also how they should manage their money.
People are living longer, staying healthier and remaining economically active for much longer than previous generations. Retirement is no longer always about stopping work altogether. For many South Africans, it's about having the flexibility to choose how they work while ensuring their finances continue to support them.
The trend is reflected in recent research. FNB found that nearly nine in ten South Africans under 60 expect to continue working in some capacity after reaching retirement age. Statistics South Africa's 2025 mid-year population estimates also show that life expectancy has increased significantly over the past two decades, while the 2026 Sanlam Benchmark Survey found that 60% of retirees now supplement their income through alternative sources, up from 47% just two years ago.
