Darren Titmus

All types of investment have some element of risk, but some assets are more likely to fluctuate in value in the short term than others. Markets can experience significant volatility at times, reflected in frequent and sometimes large changes in portfolio values as we have witnessed in the past few years. Ask yourself these questions How sensitive are you to risk and swings in returns over the long term? And which assets in your portfolio have more exposure to market…

Many Australians are not aware of estate planning and how inheritance works. Here is one of many stories that I come across. It was the overwhelming silence that hit Judy, the first time she visited her family home after her mother’s passing, and with that thought, the slow, deepening realisation that she was going to have to cope with a lot more than the heart-breaking grief. As she sat alone, surrounded by the possessions her mother had accumulated during her…

Another year is about to be over – how was it for you? Did your financial plan work for you? Did you achieve everything you’d hoped? Are you better or worse off financially than you were this time last year? With a new year approaching, what can you do to make the most of every moment? We’ve put together a short guide to get you started and plan for the year ahead, a quarter at a time. January to March…

Most of us will live in two or three family homes during our lives. You might find that over this time, needs change, as does your capacity to meet those needs. So the question to renovate or buy a new home comes to mind. When the time comes for a change, what is the better option? Buying a new home or to spend money on the existing home and renovate. By renovating you save the hassle and stress of moving…

Year in and year out, what is the one present we give ourselves on Christmas? Debt. The traditional Christmas carol starts ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.   Nowadays the carol could be rewritten ‘Twas the week before Christmas, the cash registers ring Shop till you drop, don’t miss…

The new financial year provides an opportunity for a fresh start for your finances. Make this the financial year you get on top of yours… for good!   We’ve broken it down into six bite-sized, manageable steps for you to tackle over six months, because real change takes time!  The below is a suggested path to a New Financial You, however, you can choose your preferred order and pace. July: Goal Setting What is it that you want? I mean REALLY…