Darren Titmus

We’ve all heard about the “lost billions” sitting in idle superannuation funds around Australia but are you aware of what’s happening to hundreds of millions of dollars sitting in “inactive” bank accounts? Heard of, unclaimed money? Read on, you may be very surprised. Did you know that the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) collects total balances from bank accounts that have remained untouched for seven years? It also collects money left in unclaimed investments and life insurance policies. There…

Credit cards certainly make life easier – they are simple to use, accepted almost everywhere, and help you to buy what you want, when you want, particularly online. So much so that living close to the credit limit has become the norm for many people and spending can quickly get out of hand, turning into credit card debt. To make sure your credit card works in your best interests, use these tips to stay on top of your debt. Routine…

Still living at home? It might be an inexpensive lifestyle but if you’re not using this time to start planning your future and financial independence, you’re not doing yourself any favours. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2011 29% of people aged 18-34 were living at home because it’s cheaper; but statistics show that many were no better-off financially, with most in this age group having credit card debt and little, or no, savings. If you’re not interested…

If there is a good chance you will receive a tax refund this year or by being thrifty you have accumulated some extra cash in your everyday account, try to contain the temptation to splurge or celebrate. One of my financial tips, make your cash work harder for you. Here are some places you can stash extra cash that will pay off in the long run. Reduce your debts. As boring as it might sound, this is the best way…

When developing a budget, it’s easy to think that you have no control over costs for essential items such as electricity, particularly when every bill seems to be higher than the last. It begs the question, are there any electricity saving tips that work? Well if you look closely at your energy usage at home and make a few small changes to reduce your consumption, you will be able to use that extra cash in more enjoyable ways than paying…

It goes without saying holidays do cost money, and a little holiday financial advice can really help out. We all need something to look forward to and for many members of Generation X the lure of discount airfares and package deals are irresistible; others have luxury holidays high on the agenda. And why not? We all love a holiday and what’s more, happiness, apparently, is not just in the holiday itself, but in the planning of it too. Research conducted…

If you’re the eldest sibling in the family, or deemed to be the “most responsible”; if you’re seen to be a good friend by someone; or a fine upstanding citizen by others, chances are you will be asked to be an executor of someone’s Will.  After you’ve enjoyed the warm feeling of being wanted, just pause for a moment and take stock of what it really means to assume this most important role. You need to be aware that when…

Thousands of Australians receive a tax refund every year. Some refunds won’t even cover the cost of a pizza to celebrate, however many are quite substantial. If you’re one of the lucky ones, what will you do with your tax windfall? If you go out and spend it, all you’re doing is giving part of it back to the government in the form of GST. Sure it’s nice to splurge once in a while but there are other places you…

We will provide you with financial planning which includes assistance and guidance on: Budgeting – reviewing your finances and identifying opportunities to manage debt and save money. Risk management – guiding you on protecting your family and your assets in the event of illness, injury, disability or death. Government benefits and allowances – determining your eligibility for government assistance for various benefits from pensions to co-contribution allowances and ensuring you receive the correct entitlements. Retirement planning – helping you find answers…