Retirement should fuel freedom, not fear. A blended annuity lets you enjoy life’s rewards with steady income and control – designed to evolve with you, for a financial future that’s secure and exciting.
Retirement is meant to be rewarding. A time to relax, explore and enjoy the fruits of your labour. But those fruits – your years of hard work, savings, and planning — they need to sustain you with an income for your retirement, which could span 30 years!
The conventional retirement income product choices are a life annuity or a living annuity. Do you go for a life annuity that guarantees income for life but locks you in? Or do you opt for a living annuity that gives you control but comes with risk? When it comes to managing your money, you might feel stuck choosing between these two menu items: security or flexibility.
But what if you could DIY your own mix and decide how your fruits are blended to give you the sustenance you need?
Meet the blended annuity – your retirement sweet spot
Think of blending your retirement income like making a smoothie with the fruits of your labour. The life annuity is your base ingredient – like bananas or oats – solid, nourishing, and guaranteed to keep you full. The living annuity is your mix of berries, yogurt, or a splash of juice – adding flavour, flexibility, and the ability to adjust to your taste. Together, they create a balanced blend that’s both satisfying and adaptable to your tastes, giving you the best of stability and spontaneity in retirement.
You get the peace of mind that comes with guaranteed income, and the freedom to manage and grow your remaining savings. Together, they help you build a retirement income plan that’s both resilient and responsive.
Real life relevance
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. You can determine how your smoothie tastes.
Blending annuities can be tailored to individual needs. For example, you might allocate 60% to a life annuity to cover fixed costs and 40% to a living annuity for discretionary spending. While someone else might prefer to start with a 30/70 split and gradually shift more into guaranteed income as they age.
This dynamic approach reflects the reality of retirement in South Africa: it’s not static. Needs evolve, health changes, and priorities shift. Blended annuities can accommodate your journey.
Why blending works for South African retirees
Retirement today looks nothing like it did for our parents or grandparents. In the past, retirees often relied on a single pension or government grant, with limited options and little control.
Financial decisions were simpler, but also more rigid. Today’s retirees are living longer, staying active, and seeking more personalised lifestyles. They want to travel, support family, pursue hobbies, and remain financially independent. With this shift comes a need for more dynamic income solutions – ones that offer both stability and flexibility. That’s where blended annuities shine, meeting the modern retiree’s desire for freedom without sacrificing financial security.
A blended annuity helps you navigate your retirement reality by offering:
• Income security: Your basic needs are covered for life.
• Investment potential: You can still grow your money and adjust your drawdowns.
• Legacy planning: You can leave something behind for your loved ones.
• Adaptability: You can tweak your plan as your needs change.
The emotional payoff
Let’s be honest, emotional comfort in retirement is priceless. Knowing you’ll have enough to cover the basics, while still having room to enjoy life? That’s the kind of retirement we all deserve.
If you’re nearing retirement or already enjoying it, now’s the time to explore how a blended annuity could work for you. Speak to a financial adviser who understands your lifestyle and goals. Ask questions. Get clarity. And most importantly – make choices that feel right for you.
The information contained in this document is for information purposes only and it should not be regarded as advice as defined in the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002, or any form of advice in respect of the policy, retirement, tax, legal or other professional service whatsoever. You are encouraged to seek advice from an authorised financial adviser, or to independently decide that this policy is appropriate for you based upon your own judgment and understanding of your financial needs. Just Retirement Life (South Africa) Limited (Just) is a licensed long-term insurer and an authorised Financial Services Provider, with FSP number 46423. Just is a wholly owned subsidiary of Just Group Plc. Additional information about Just SA can be obtained from our website: www.justsa.co.za
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