For most people in their late thirties to forties, retirement feels far away until it doesn’t. By that stage, the kids, the bond, and rising costs compete for every rand, and savings often lag behind where they should be. The good news is that mid-career catch-up is entirely possible with clear priorities and small, steady adjustments.

Start by checking your total retirement balance and what it will grow to if you keep saving at the current rate. Most South Africans are on track to replace only about one-third of their working income after retirement. In other words, someone earning R30 000 a month today may only have enough to live on R10 000 a month when they stop working. That gap shows what needs fixing.

Next, automate your top-ups. Add even R500 a month to a retirement annuity or tax-free savings account, and increase that amount slightly each year. Compound growth means the money you invest in your forties can still double several times before age 65.

Cut silent losses. Consolidate old retirement funds, review management fees, and move to low-cost unit trusts or exchange-traded funds that track the broad market. Remember: tax-free savings accounts allow up to R36 000 per year, while retirement annuities let you deduct up to 27.5% of your income from tax.

Finally, make a one-year plan to free up that cash; redirect debt repayments, trim luxuries, or delay a car upgrade. Small choices now can still transform your future independence.