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Until the interest rate situation changes in South Africa, I would strongly reconsider any cash exposure.

And does it make sense to buy another RA after one retires as I will be paying tax on my income from part-time work?

If your wife still has a local bank account, the proceeds can be transferred to the SA account then sent offshore.

It is unlikely, unless the unit trust investments exceeded certain thresholds – but going forward, it is important that they understand what types of incomes the different asset classes attract.

Should I focus solely on settling my home loan, or on doing that while contributing to another investment?

I contribute to a provident fund, retirement annuity, and a tax-free savings account monthly. Is there anything else I should consider to ensure the best outcome for my retirement?

They don't – provided that they are automatically reinvested by the product provider.

If I leave it overseas, how will I be taxed on it?

Firstly, interest will be charged on the overdue amount, then services may be disconnected or discontinued, then legal proceedings may be instituted. It is ultimately preferable to avoid getting into arrears.

If not, what sort of shortfall am I facing and how much extra would I need to put away each month?

In the absence of a written agreement, the courts will have very little to rely on when making a determination.

The key fundamental is to make sure you understand your goals, and to map them to an investment strategy within different product vehicles.

Retirement planning isn't something that can be done once; it's an individual investment discipline that considers the relevant facts on an ongoing basis.

The deciding factor will be whether your income is above or below the 42.4% marginal tax rate threshold.

And is it safe to overestimate the first submission?

And will the balance fall away when I pass on?

Primarily because the Pension Funds Act requires that the death benefit be paid to your financial dependants.

It's the youngest age at which a retirement fund member can legally retire according to the Pension Funds Act.

And how can I get the creditors to go back to the original agreement?

A direct nomination will go directly to you and generally it is best this way from a cost and efficiency point of view.

A third option exists that may be the perfect solution.

Paying off debt will mean that you have more money to invest in the future.

In choosing where to invest, you need to consider factors such as inflation, current interest rates, your investment timeframe, and your risk appetite.

There's no perfect solution, but here are some options....

If I emigrate, I’m considering cashing out my pension as part of the discretionary R1 million allowance.

There is no perfect solution, but here are a few ideas to think about.

In the executor's draft for my late father's estate settlement, are the 3.5% fees from the total assets or the net assets?

And what are the risks?

Structuring a retirement income product is one of the most important investment decisions you'll make.

When deciding, you need to consider the risk to the capital over time, accessibility to capital during the investment term and the tax implications of the investment.

Your investment term will determine your investment options and potential return.

Your decision to withdraw from your RA should not be based solely on the drop in your investment value or the returns promised by a fixed deposit.

New pension law about the one-third lump sum is a hindrance if I decide to leave SA.

Advantages and disadvantages of taking this approach.

Having a long-term view and being overweight in offshore funds is probably best.

You can transfer your retirement annuity to a Lisp-based retirement annuity with the same provider.

The sooner you pay off the bond on your primary residence the better.

Or are there better investments I could make?

There are various options, and many factors to consider when dealing with the transfer of assets.

If I proceed with financial emigration to Mauritius, will I still be personally liable for capital gains tax on the shares I hold in a company?