A pet can be one of the best decisions you make in retirement — companionship, a reason to get up and move, and someone who's always glad to see you. But it's worth thinking it through before you bring one home.

Consider your own energy and mobility against the animal's needs — a young, high-energy dog might not suit a quieter lifestyle, while an older, calmer rescue could be a perfect match. Think honestly about the years ahead too: some pets can live 15 years or more, so it's worth considering who would care for them if your own circumstances changed. Budget for the ongoing costs — food, vet care, and the occasional emergency — not just the once-off adoption fee.

And consider adopting rather than buying. Shelters across South Africa are full of gentle, already-socialised animals looking for a quiet home — often a far better match for a slower-paced household than a boisterous puppy.

There's a particular kind of magic to watching your team play on foreign soil — the away crowd, the different stadium, the trip built entirely around one unforgettable match. Retirement, with its flexible calendar, is exactly the right time to finally say yes to that trip you always talked about.

Whether it's rugby, cricket, or another sport entirely, a properly planned hospitality package takes the stress out of travelling abroad — transfers, seating, and the day itself all sorted for you, so all that's left is enjoying it.

One small but important tip: whenever you travel abroad, take your ScanMeSaveMe tag with you. In an unfamiliar country, having your emergency contacts and medical details a single tap away gives you — and the people travelling with you — real peace of mind.

Most recipes are written for families of four — which can mean a fridge full of leftovers, or the temptation to skip cooking altogether. A few small habits make a big difference: halve recipes rather than cooking the full batch and freezing the rest, keep a stock of versatile basics (rice, frozen veg, tinned beans) that scale easily, and don't be afraid to cook once and eat twice — a roast chicken on Sunday becomes a soup by Tuesday.

And on the nights you simply don't feel like cooking, that's allowed too — a ready-made, home-style meal can be exactly what's needed.

Most of us know we should have a will — far fewer of us have actually sat down and written one. Beyond the will itself, it's worth thinking about how your valuable assets specifically are handled: property, vehicles, jewellery, or a collection built up over a lifetime. Naming things clearly, and choosing an executor you trust, avoids leaving your family guessing during an already difficult time.

If you're not sure where to start, getting plain-language guidance on your options first — before you sit down with an attorney — can make the whole process feel far less daunting.

See our full Wills & Estate Planning section for more on this.

Many of us rely on someone else's driving these days — a tour bus on an outing, a community or commuter shuttle, or a carer taking you to a doctor's appointment. It's easy to assume that being a passenger means the responsibility (and the risk) belongs to someone else. But if there's an accident, your outcome depends entirely on how quickly the right medical care reaches you — regardless of who was driving.

This is exactly the gap private accident medical response cover is designed for: immediate access to private emergency care for any road user, activated the moment it's needed, without medical exams, co-payments, or waiting periods to worry about first.

Taking a pet along on a trip — even just a weekend away — needs a bit of planning. Vaccination records and a health certificate are worth carrying for any trip involving a border crossing, and it's wise to confirm your accommodation is genuinely pet-friendly before you arrive, not after.

For car trips, plan regular stops for water and a stretch, and never leave a pet in a parked car, even briefly, on a warm day. If flying, book well ahead — airlines have limited space for animals and specific carrier requirements.

A little preparation means the trip stays a pleasure for both of you, not a stress.