No swansong for entertainers - Retirement not an option

Entertainment critic Clyde McKenzie says many successful artistes are not investing in retirement schemes because they do not work in an industry that forces them into retirement.

 "As long as they are in good health, they continue to work," McKenzie quips.

But he warns that although, generally, people are living longer, healthier lives, "artistes should not be fooled by what they see as the gush of funds today".

He continued: "The reality is that in most cases, the artiste will have to take care of himself, even when he is not at the peak of his earnings, which constitutes the major portion of his life."

He adds that the financial sector generally has not been facilitating of entertainers' activities, and so often, the practice is for many of them to invest in tangible assets that they believe they have control over. He says while some entertainers start up businesses such as salons, clothing stores and restaurants, there is a tendency to invest in infrastructure.

"A lot of them invest in real estate, misguidedly, as some of these investments are not income-generating," he said.

Serious Challenge

Data from the Financial Services Commission, which regulates pension schemes, shows that up to December of last year, there were approximately 85,000 members of private schemes and superannuation funds - a minuscule figure when viewed within the context of the employed labour force, which adds up to 1.26 million people. Tourism, of which entertainment forms a part, contributed 6,084 members.

While acknowledging that Jamaica, as a whole, is facing a serious challenge regarding pension security, Emile Spence, executive with responsibility for the JN Individual Retirement Scheme (JNIRS) at the Jamaica National Building Society, offered some assurance.

He says the JNIRS is structured to not only facilitate investment for retirement, but to assist persons to plan for it.

"We provide thorough financial advice that extends beyond what returns you will make on the funds you invest with us, and we assist you with designing a plan to achieve your personal goals after retirement, including your health and wellness and how you will manage your finances when you retire," he says.

Acknowledging that many artistes and producers continue to work after they reach the legal age of retirement, Spence, who is also a Jamaican music aficionado, advises that there are opportunities for entertainers to repackage and rebrand themselves to maintain relevance and a sustainable income.

(from Jamaica Gleaner)