For Beverly Maraing, retirement is not something to leave to chance. It is something she has been preparing for throughout her working life because she understands what financial security can mean, not only for herself, but for the people she loves.

She learned that lesson long before she became a Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) Member.

In 1989, Beverly was a Grade 6 student when her father, the late Russell Warabe, a ‘Didiman’ based in Kimbe, West New Britain, passed away unexpectedly.

Her mother, the late Donia Warabe, was suddenly left to raise the family without employment or a regular source of income.

As the eldest child, Beverly remembers sitting with her mother and discussing how best to manage the benefit her father had left behind.

"Instead of taking Dad's benefit as a lump sum, we agreed that Mum should receive fortnightly pension payments. She wasn't working, so that income became our family's lifeline."

Those fortnightly payments did far more than cover household expenses. They kept food on the table, supported the children's education and gave Beverly's mother the ability to continue caring for her family after losing her husband.

For 35 years, until her mother passed away in 2024, the pension supported the family through some of their most challenging years.
"By then, all of us children had grown up and were able to take care of ourselves," Beverly recalls. "I truly believe those pension payments sustained our family when we needed them most."

That experience shaped the way Beverly views superannuation today.

"I believe and trust NSL because I experienced the benefits as a child through my father's pension. My brothers and sisters and I all benefited from it."

Now, 30 years into her career with PNG Customs in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Beverly is focused on creating that same sense of security for her own future.

She has already achieved many of the goals she set for herself. She invested in the education of her four children until they graduated from university and became independent, and she achieved her dream of owning her own home before turning 40.

Today, her focus is on another important milestone, retirement.

"I want to retire early and enjoy my retirement," she says. "I've worked hard throughout my life, and I want to enjoy the rewards of that hard work."

A university assignment during her studies at Divine Word University’s Flexible Open Distance Learning Centre changed the way Beverly viewed her retirement savings.

While researching the superannuation industry and NSL, she discovered an option she had not previously considered, making additional contributions towards her retirement savings. Until then, Beverly admits she had not fully understood how superannuation worked.

"I just knew money was deducted from my salary every fortnight. But when I researched it properly, everything changed."
One lesson stood out above everything else.

"Your age and the number of years you work do not determine how much you retire with. What makes the biggest difference is how much you contribute."

That understanding transformed the way she approached her financial future. Through Voluntary Contributions, Members have the opportunity to contribute additional savings from their salary into their superannuation account, building on their compulsory contributions. Over time, these additional savings can help Members grow their retirement benefits and improve their financial security when they retire.

For Beverly, it was an opportunity to take greater ownership of her future. Today, she continues to make voluntary contributions alongside her compulsory superannuation savings.

It has required commitment and discipline. Beverly reviewed her household budget, redirected money from other savings arrangements and made conscious lifestyle choices so she could prioritise her long-term goal.

"When I set a goal, I go for it," she says. "There were sacrifices, but I knew what I was building."

Her commitment has also influenced the conversations she has with her family, children and younger colleagues. Whenever new recruits join PNG Customs, Beverly encourages them to think differently about retirement.

"My advice is to start with whatever you can afford. It doesn't have to be a big amount. As your salary increases over the years, increase your voluntary contribution too. One day you'll look back and be thankful that you started."

She compares the decision to make voluntary contributions to building a house.

"You don't build a house all at once. You start by planting the first post. Once that first post is standing, it motivates you to keep building. Saving additional money towards your retirement is similar."

Looking back, Beverly says her only regret is not starting earlier.

"If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell myself to start making voluntary contributions from my very first pay."

She also encourages Members to take time to understand their superannuation.

"This is your hard-earned money and your future. It will become one of your biggest sources of financial security when you retire. Make it your business to understand it."

For Members who believe saving extra is impossible, Beverly offers encouragement from her faith.

"The Bible says, 'All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.' If I can do it, so can you."

As she continues building what she proudly calls her "retirement nest", Beverly's next goal is to purchase a titled property and retire debt-free.
She has also taken the important step of keeping her beneficiary nominations updated, ensuring her wishes are clear and her loved ones are considered as part of her future planning.

"I want everything to already be in place and give my family clarity and peace of mind."

Beverly has learned that superannuation is not simply about saving for retirement but also about protecting the people you love, creating choices in retirement and ensuring families have security when life takes an unexpected turn.

Her own life is proof of that. As a child, she experienced the protection that her father's superannuation provided after his passing. Today, through her own commitment to building additional retirement savings, she is creating that same sense of security for herself and her family.

Her message to every NSL Member is simple, "Don't wait for tomorrow. Yesterday is gone. Start today. Even if it is only a small amount, begin now. Your future self, and your family, will thank you.