McLaren Hunt Financial Group

Australia’s self managed super fund (SMSF) sector is experiencing its strongest period of growth on record, driven by digital platforms, online research and the growing use of artificial intelligence. But new research shows that while SMSFs are now easier than ever to establish, the complexity of running and governing a fund remains a significant challenge for trustees.

Record SMSF growth driven by digital access - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning Record SMSF growth driven by AI and digital tools, but admin and compliance challenges persist 48,500 new SMSFs were established in the 12 months to December 2025, the highest annual number on record. Nearly 40% of newly established SMSFs reported using AI based tools to assess whether an SMSF was r...

Spring is here, and with it comes an opportunity to refresh more than just your garden. 🌼
As the new season begins, it's a great time to take stock of your financial position and ensure your plans are aligned with your goals.
Take a few minutes to explore the latest insights and see how they may help you prepare for the future.

Spring 2026 September is upon us, and spring is in the air. It’s time to shake off the winter cobwebs and... https://eread.com.au/mhfg/201779

Many Gen X Australians are now in their peak earning years and retirement is not too far away.
While many people in this age group are earning more than ever, not everyone is on track to achieve the level of financial security they would like in retirement.
This stage of life can be an important opportunity to review finances, adjust strategies, and potentially strengthen your long-term position.

Six ways Gen X can build retirement savings - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning Making the most of your peak earning years Many Gen X Australians are now in their peak earning years and retirement is not too far away. While many people in this age group are earning more than ever, not everyone is on track to achieve the level of financial security they would like in retirement....

Australia is entering one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in its history. Over the next two decades, Australians aged 60 and over are expected to transfer around $3.5 trillion in wealth1. As more Australians receive an inheritance, taking time to develop a clear plan may help turn inherited wealth into long-term financial security.

Whether your inheritance is a modest sum or worth millions, taking time to develop a clear investment strategy may help ensure the funds support your long-term financial goals.

How to maximise the impact of your inheritance - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning Australia’s $3.5 trillion wealth transfer: how to invest an inheritance wisely Australia is entering one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in its history. Over the next two decades, Australians aged 60 and over are expected to transfer around $3.5 trillion in wealth1. As more Austr...

The Australian Government has announced it is introducing new consumer protections for Support at Home participants. These are in addition to protections already in place to ensure reasonable prices and service quality for participants.
The government has also announced it will pause the implementation of price caps for Support at Home services.

New consumer protections for Support at Home services - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning The Australian Government has announced it is introducing new consumer protections for Support at Home participants. These are in addition to protections already in place to ensure reasonable prices and service quality for participants. The government has also announced it will pause the implementat...

Understand which contributions are before-tax or after-tax and how super and tax rules apply to them.

Understanding concessional and non-concessional contributions - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning Understand which contributions are before-tax or after-tax and how super and tax rules apply to them. Tax and restrictions on contributions Your superannuation is usually taxed at a lower rate than most income and investments. However, if your contributions exceed thresholds (called ‘caps’) that...

For Australian investors with a keen interest in markets – and technology shares in particular – the past 12 months haven’t exactly been straightforward.
So what’s going on here? And does this divergence mean investors should rotate into the winners and chase momentum?
The answer isn’t that simple and understanding why is key to making sense of the opportunity in front of investors.

The winners, the laggards, and the next phase of AI investing - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning Why not all tech stocks are benefiting from the AI boom For Australian investors with a keen interest in markets – and technology shares in particular – the past 12 months haven’t exactly been straightforward. On one hand, U.S. tech stocks are hitting record highs, with headlines dominated by ...

🤔 Unsure how the proposed CGT changes could impact your investments, trusts or future financial plans?
You're not alone. The right advice today can help you make informed decisions for tomorrow. Get in touch with our team to discuss your circumstances.

Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

Market movements and review video – July 2026 - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month. June delivered a mixed picture for the Australian economy as the new financial year begins. Headline inflation eased, but underlying inflationary measures rose to their highest level in almost t...

Australians scammed out of A$3,000 or less could be able to claim automatic reimbursement from banks, phone companies or tech companies, under – $3,000 starts to look like an oddly low threshold.

Australian scam victims could get rapid $3,000 refunds. - McLaren Hunt Financial Planning Australians scammed out of A$3,000 or less could be able to claim automatic reimbursement from banks, phone companies or tech companies, under – $3,000 starts to look like an oddly low threshold. Who would win under the new proposal? The federal government has just released new details of its Scam...