Darren Titmus, Author at Financial Planning QLD

Darren Titmus

Obsessed with helping people achieve their own financial freedom through practical strategies and tips that really work, Darren Titmus built Financial Planning Qld to provide strategic financial planning.

Unlocking the Potential of Age Pension and Superannuation Benefits

The Australian Aged Pension scheme provides a wonderful safety net for those with limited assets in retirement, although many remain confused by how their age pension entitlements differ from so called superannuation income streams. So let’s talk about age pension and superannuation benefits. Age pension income and asset tests The Federal Government provides an income for all Australians who reach pension paying age, currently set at age 67, who can prove they are an Australian resident and can also pass…

To stay on track, it pays to look back

Financial planning is, by its nature, forward-looking. What counts is where you are now and what you do in the coming months and years. That said, there’s good reason to pause and take a look over your shoulder to see how far you’ve come. Why? Because taking stock of what you have achieved so far can spur you on to even greater things in the future. Aside from congratulating yourself for having the sense to take advice and work to…

Superannuation insurance financial planning tips

Protect yourself through superannuation

The attractiveness of superannuation as an investment and savings vehicle is well known. Although the federal government places limits on the amount of tax-effective contributions we can make, the ability to structure insurance arrangements through superannuation remains. How does insurance through superannuation work? The types of insurances considered here are limited to those that relate to a person’s life. Specifically, it includes cover for death, total and permanent disability and temporary disability/illness (income protection). Rather than owning one of these…

Love don’t cost a thing

Technology is pervading almost every facet of our lives, including dating. There’s no doubt online dating has its advantages, but its growth has brought with it a dark side, an online dating scam. In 2021, 3.2 million Australians were using match-making apps; developers of these platforms raked in around $56 million. Little wonder crooks and scammers want a piece of the action – as Shayne found out. How they work At 24, tradie Shayne met the scammers’ demographic. After spotting…

Health insurance and personal insurance financial advice

Personal Insurance FAQs

Personal insurance is designed to provide protection from the financial consequences of death or disability. It therefore forms an important part of most financial plans. Here, in brief, is how they work. What are the different types of personal insurance? Life insurance. This pays a lump sum benefit if you die. Total and permanent disability insurance (TPD): This pays a lump sum benefit if you meet the definition of being totally and permanently disabled. It is often bundled with life…

The balancing act of blended family finances

When Jack and Sarah met through mutual friends, they hit it off immediately. Both had previously been married and, besides having a child each, found they had quite a lot in common. Dinner dates quickly morphed into family-style outings with their children, to the zoo or adventure theme parks, and soon the couple was talking about taking their relationship to the next level. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2023 over 118,439 marriages took place in Australia. Many…

An Australian man is investing by consulting his financial advisor

Investing yourself vs using an adviser

While Kim Kardashian attracts attention everywhere she goes, she recently caught the eye of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and was fined over $2 million for making one of her popular posts. So, what was the offence? Wearing a dress Marilyn Monroe once owned or wearing too much eyeliner? No, her offence was encouraging followers to invest in cryptocurrency without disclosing she had been paid almost $400,000 for doing so. Investing yourself The case highlights the problem for people…

Financial advice related to superannuation

Low income earners: Six super hacks to retire richer

While it’s easy to be discouraged by superannuation and fear you will never have enough money saved to stop working, remember even a modest superannuation balance can make a big difference in retirement. For every $100,000 saved in superannuation, you can expect these funds to generate a return of 6%, or $6,000, a year. When this is paid out as a pension, it equates to $500 a month tax-free. Of course, this is doubled if both you and your partner…

Secure your financial future at all stages of your life

Unlocking financial secrets for different phases of life

One of the keys to financial success is to adopt the right strategy at the right time. As you move through the stages of life here are some tried and tested ‘secrets’ that will help you build and protect your wealth, so you can secure your financial future. Teens and young adults Time is on your side so get saving. Through the magic of compound interest, a little bit invested now can grow into a big amount over time. Most…

The fast way to a life supported by passive income

Imagine that, without any effort on your part, enough money regularly pours into your bank account to meet (or exceed) all your living expenses. Suddenly, work becomes optional and a world of opportunities opens up. That’s the ultimate in passive income – all your financial needs met without lifting a finger. The fast way The fast way to a life supported by passive income is to win the lottery or receive a large inheritance. Invested wisely, large lump sums can…