Darren Titmus

With over 4.4 million Australians living with a disability, most families either have a family member with a disability or know of a family supporting a disabled loved one. Financial planning for a family member with a disability is a real challenge. In 2018, the Australian Bureau of Statistics found 4.5 per cent, or approximately 211,200 children, aged between 0 to 14 years, have a profound or severe disability, placing enormous stress on parents as they care for, and also financially…

Today we’re going to talk about managing your money. There’s a quote that says, “Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it”. True if you’ve got that sort of money. For the rest of us, our spending is usually clothing, gadgets and cars – the kinds of things that make us happy. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data suggests that consumer spending is influenced by job security and…

Becoming a parent is an exciting time of adjustment and upheaval; how could such a little person create so many changes – and sleepless nights? But lack of sleep shouldn’t be caused by financial worries and reduced household income. With a little financial planning for parenthood, you will feel at peace in your new circumstances. Impact on finances When Judy a florist, and Gary an IT manager, decided to start a family, like everyone, they worried about the impact on their finances.  They…

Depositing cash in a savings account or a term deposit are the most common ways to invest your money. But, how do you know which is right for you?  First, let us explain their main differences and impact on your money. What is a savings account? A savings account is a deposit account held at a bank or other financial institution that earns interest. Benefits Easy access to your money at any time, while the remaining balance earns interest. You can save…

The word ‘inflation’ doesn’t only dominate business news headlines, the word finds its way into general news reports, as well as the effect of rising inflation. So, what is inflation and how does it affect you?  In simple terms, inflation signifies a rise in the price of goods and services, meaning you pay more for every purchase you make.  Does the US influence Australia’s inflation rate? It is not a surprise that countries in today’s world are more connected than…

Pssst! Want to be a millionaire? It may seem an impossible dream, but depending on your circumstances joining the ranks of the millionaires may be easier than you think.  There are three key components to a successful savings strategy. The first is some surplus cash; an amount of money you can regularly set aside in your quest to become a millionaire. Second, an investment return. This can be in the form of share dividends, interest income, rent from properties or…