For over a decade, investors have grown used to the idea that markets always recover quickly and that staying invested is the only plan you ever need. But history tells a different story. As major structural risks converge globally, the possibility of a deep, prolonged secular bear market is rising — and ignoring it could have serious consequences. In this article, we explore what secular bear markets really are, why typical industry advice may fall short, and why preparing a Plan B (and even a Plan C) might be the most important financial decision you make for the decade ahead.

Wondering which balanced funds are delivering the best results for retirees in 2025? We unpack the top-performing funds in South Africa — from agile boutique managers to cost-effective index trackers — and explore why managing volatility is just as important as chasing returns. In a world of rising uncertainty, staying informed could make all the difference to your long-term retirement outcomes..

“How much is enough to retire?” It’s one of the most common questions we’re asked. Can I retire with R5 million in South Africa today? What about R10 million? Is there a ‘magic number’ that guarantees a comfortable retirement?