Uncles advice proves fruitful
For some members, when you retire, all you will want to do is travel the world and live a life of leisure with no worries in sight.
This is of course not a reality in many cases.
Meet Siteri Laginikoro
For most, being able to sustain yourself after 55 years is critical, ensuring that you are independent and are self-reliant. Meet Siteri Laginikoro, a 63-year-old Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) pensioner from Somosomo in Taveuni. Ms Laginikoro had opted for Joint Pension when she turned 55 in 2013 and whilst attending the FNPF Retirement Expo in Taveuni in June, she attributed her decision to join the FNPF pension scheme to her uncles.
“I am very thankful to my uncles for encouraging me to join the FNPF pension scheme who were both FNPF pensioners at that time.
“I took their advice and I’m reaping the rewards of a good decision,” Ms Laginikoro said. “Back then, my uncles were already on pension. One is still alive now, is on pension and he is 80 years old.”
The 80-year-old uncle she was referring to was Anasa Qio who also visited the expo earlier to submit his renewal certificate. Ms Laginikoro was employed by Wacipoki Limited for over 20 years. When she reached 55 years she took pension and joined again as a reentered member. Once her employer ceased operations she converted to Voluntary membership and religiously contributed. I visited the expo because I wanted to check how much I had saved so far and I was gladly surprised with my current balance.” Ms Laginikoro runs a canteen business and pays her voluntary contributions via MPaisa monthly.
“I am getting old but I am at ease knowing that I continue to save through FNPF with the monthly contribution I make through voluntary membership.
“A lot of my friends who opted for lump sum have died. Stress is when you have no money. I am thankful to FNPF and I’ve also been encouraging those that I know to join the Voluntary scheme, because even I know how beneficial it is. Vinaka FNPF,” Ms Laginikoro said.