Retiring early can seem too difficult for most, but there are many ways to increase your savings and reach retirement long before you reach 55 or 60.

The typical age of retirement in South Africa is 65. However, many people are more ambitious when it comes to when they want to retire. If you’re part of this ambitious group, you most probably have some questions and concerns, like:

• How much do I need to start saving at my current age until my expected retirement age?
• Do I/will I have enough money to retire early and live a good quality of life?
• Will my investments keep performing well into the future or should I consider more diversification options?
• What type of retirement can I expect. Will it be limited in any way?
• Where do I want to retire?

If these types of questions resonate with you, you’re not alone. Many South Africans are concerned about the same things as you, and they want to find answers based on their own unique lifestyle and financial situation.

One needs to ensure your money is working for you, both now and in your retirement years.

At GAP Wealth, I believe that the most effective way to ensure a comfortable retirement in South Africa, where your money is protected from inflation, a weakening rand, a staggering economy, economic and political uncertainty, and other restrictions, is to invest internationally/offshore.

What Is Offshore Investing and Why Consider It For Your Retirement Goals?

Offshore investing, also called international or global investing, refers to legally placing your money in assets in a location other than your home country. It follows the same core principles as local investing, but with more options and opportunities. For example, If an investor notices a business investment opportunity outside South Africa or their home country and wishes to capitalise on it, offshore investing is a legal means of seeing it through.

When one considers that the South African stock market represents less than 1% of the world economy, investing overseas makes a lot of sense. The current climate of economic and political uncertainty means that wealthier South Africans are moving significant amounts of money out of the country, and they’re using offshore investments as their vehicle to do it. Every year, more Individuals and businesses are turning to this as a more flexible option over regular and local investing.