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.

Savings account or term deposit. Which is the better option?

The difference between a savings account and a term deposit

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…

Mortgage application secret tips and financial advice

5 factors that may derail your mortgage application

Buying a new home is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times in our lives. But, on the other hand, a mortgage application can be a stressful process as you dive into a world of unknowns. Let’s look at five factors that may negatively affect your chance of being approved for a home loan. 1. Lying on your application Lying about your financial situation is a big no-no in the eyes of any bank. For example, not disclosing childcare costs…

The effect of rising inflation

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…

3 things you may have forgotten to plan for in retirement

Retirement can be an exciting phase in your life. But all the recent changes to superannuation bring with them lifestyle and financial issues you need to be aware of as you plan your retirement. Retirement means different things to different people. For some, it’s an opportunity to travel, to begin that project they’ve been putting off for years, or to just relax, spend time with the grandkids and dabble in their favourite hobbies. Retirement should be a time to relax…

What does it take to become a millionaire?

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…

Call centre scam protect yourself from being scammed

5 tips to protect yourself from being scammed

In 2020 Australians reported over 7,000 investment scams to Scamwatch, well up on the 5,000 reported in 2019. Scamwatch recorded investment scam losses of $65.8 million, but add in notifications made to other government agencies and the major banks and reported losses across 2020 soared to $328 million. Due to embarrassment many losses go unreported so we may never know the full extent of the damage. So the need to protect yourself from being scammed should be on your priority.…

What to do if you aren’t a financially compatible couple?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2019 there were 113,815 marriages. Sadly in the same year there were 2,162 divorces, with financial issues cited as one of the major reasons for marriage breakdown. For couples deciding to move in together, the idea of buying a home and building a future can be very exciting, and prompt a lot of discussion. Conversations around shared finances and where one another stands on money – in particular, financial goals and…

Reserve Bank of Australia setting interest rates

You might be surprised at what really drives interest rates

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the major trading banks may play the most visible role in setting interest rates, but in many cases they are being reactive rather than proactive. A wide range of external factors feed into their decision-making process, including in no small part, our collective behaviour as investors and savers, borrowers and consumers. Then there’s the rate of inflation and wages growth, foreign currency exchange, the economic health of our trading partners, and the interest…

How much do you need in your emergency savings

How much should I have in my emergency fund?

It’s the most common story financial professionals hear. Unfortunately, too many people fail to set aside emergency savings to see them through life’s hiccups. So when the inevitable happens, and an unexpected bill arrives, they are put under pressure to find the funds to pay it. In turn, this leads to maxed out credit cards or taking out expensive short term loans. And so begins the bitter downward cycle of falling behind on essential bills and other regular payments. Financial…

Are credit cards the new seniors card?

Australians were introduced to credit cards way back in 1974. Since then, we have embraced the plastic-fantastic with much enthusiasm, and why not? Credit cards meant no waiting; purchases went home immediately and were paid-off in monthly instalments – what could be better? For some 40 years, no other credit facility came close to offering a viable alternative. New Credit Schemes But around 2015, the game changed with the introduction of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes. Platforms like ZipPay…