A story about resilience and self-rescue
When Margaret lost almost everything, she faced a stark choice: give in to fear or fight back. Her journey from a financial crisis to lifelong security is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and smart decision-making. Discover how she turned crisis into calm – and found peace of mind for good.
Early Lessons in Money and Caution
Margaret* grew up in a conservative household where extravagance was a foreign concept and frugality was a way of life. Her father, a man of discipline and caution, instilled in her the importance of being careful with money. It was a lesson she carried with her into adulthood – though life had other plans.
She married a man who was her opposite in many ways. He was bold, adventurous, and unafraid of financial risk. He took full control of their finances, managing the household budget and investments while Margaret focused on raising their three children and contributing what she could to the family income. Despite her efforts, money was always tight. There was never quite enough to feel secure.
When Financial Security Fell Apart
As the years passed and her husband entered retirement, Margaret began to ask more questions about their financial future. She wanted to understand their position, to plan, to prepare. But her husband always brushed her concerns aside with vague reassurances. “Don’t worry,” he would say. “We’ll be fine. One day we’ll inherit money from my family.”
That day never came.
Instead, they were blindsided by poor financial decisions and the influence of dubious advice. Almost everything they had was lost. They found themselves relying on borrowed money – from banks, from friends and family – omething Margaret had always vowed never to do. The shame and stress were overwhelming.
Loss, Responsibility, and Reinvention
Then came the devastating news: her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer and given a year to live. In an instant, Margaret’s world shifted. She was thrust into a role she had never prepared for: solely responsible for the household, the finances, the medical care, and the emotional weight of it all.
When her husband passed away, Margaret was left with a modest living annuity and their home. She knew she had to act quickly and decisively. The fear of running out of money loomed large, but she was determined not to let it define her future.
Taking Control: Finding the Right Financial Guidance
She began by sticking to a sustainable drawdown strategy, carefully managing her expenses and slowly rebuilding her financial footing. It was a start, but the anxiety never fully left her. She needed more than just a plan; she needed peace of mind.
That’s when she found a trusted financial adviser who introduced her to Just. After reviewing her personal circumstances and goals, Margaret made a bold decision: she converted her living annuity and the proceeds from the sale of her house into a Just Life Annuity. It was a move that guaranteed her a secure retirement income – a guaranteed income for life – no more guesswork, no more sleepless nights.
Overcoming Fear and Finding Peace
When she shared her decision with friends and family, she was surprised by their reactions. Many were sceptical of life annuities, even those who claimed to be risk averse. Margaret found their hesitation puzzling. For someone like her – someone who valued security and predictability – it was the perfect solution.
Today, Margaret lives with a sense of calm she hadn’t felt in years. She no longer fears the future. Her income is steady, her needs are met, and her mind is at ease. She has financial peace of mind. She often reflects on her journey—not with bitterness, but with pride. She had faced adversity, taken control, and rescued herself from financial despair.
“At Last, I Have Financial Peace of Mind”
In her words, “With my no-risk personality, it suits me very well to have a guaranteed income till I die. At last, I have financial peace of mind, and I can live my life with inner peace.”
*Based on a true story. Names have been changed to protect identities.
Article by Just SA, the retirement income specialists
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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