McLaren Hunt Financial Group

04/06/2026

As we step into the first month of winter and approach the end of the financial year, attention is turning to the resilience of the economy and households.
Australian share markets were volatile. The ASX 200 moved within a relatively narrow range through the month, slipping slightly overall despite periods of strength linked to resources and AI‑related stocks.
Consumer sentiment improved modestly although households remain deeply pessimistic because of high interest rates and cost‑of‑living pressures. This pessimism is extending to the property market which is showing signs of a broad-based softening.

As we step into the first month of winter and approach the end of the financial year, attention... https://eread.com.au/mhfg/197882

02/06/2026

If you run a small business, it is easy to assume cyberattacks are mainly a problem for large organisations. In reality, small businesses are increasingly targeted because attackers know security is often lighter, while business and customer data, may still be valuable.

Data security is no longer optional. It is part of running a professional, modern business.

If you run a small business, it is easy to assume cyberattacks are mainly a problem for large organisations. In reality, small businesses are increasingly targeted because attackers know security is often lighter, while business and customer data, may still be valuable. Data security is no longer op...

29/05/2026

And that’s a wrap – our last snapshot session on upskilling agribusiness for the future held at the Warrnambool Golf Club. The last session was on bank reviews and applications and how you can influence your interest rates and outcomes. Thank you to our panel Chris Jeffries from CBA and Katie O’Toole from Rabobank.
Special thanks to everyone involved throughout the 5 sessions
WestVic Dairy Dairy Australia Rabobank Commonwealth Bank PaySauce Agriculture Victoria Figured

26/05/2026

A consumer lease lets you rent an item, like a laptop, TV or fridge, for a set amount of time. You make regular rental payments, typically weekly or fortnightly, until the lease ends. The rental payments usually look small, but they add up quickly. You’ll pay more than the sale price of the item and, when the lease ends, you won’t own it.

Lots of stores offer consumer leases that allow you to rent an item like a laptop, TV or fridge. How a consumer lease works A consumer lease lets you rent an item, like a laptop, TV or fridge, for a set amount of time. You make regular rental payments, typically weekly or fortnightly, until the .......

25/05/2026

Introduced in 2018, the home downsizer scheme allows eligible Australians aged 55 and older to contribute up to $300,000 from the sale of their home into superannuation, outside of normal annual contribution caps.
The decline in downsizer contributions largely reflects the reality that downsizing is complex, deeply personal and shaped by pension rules, housing supply and risk aversion.
For more information on home downsizer contributions including eligibility, contribution limits, and how to make a contribution, feel free to contact us.

Tax Office data shows fewer people used its super scheme in 2024-25 Introduced in 2018, the home downsizer scheme allows eligible Australians aged 55 and older to contribute up to $300,000 from the sale of their home into superannuation, outside of normal annual contribution caps. The idea was simpl...

22/05/2026

“Free” delivery is just a clever psychological illusion. The cost is rarely eliminated; it is simply redistributed into higher product prices or reframed as a loyalty perk.
Don’t let the allure of “free” shipping trick you into paying for more than you intended.

You’re scrolling through an online retailer, like Amazon, Shein or eBay, and spot a shirt on sale for $40. You add it to your cart, but at checkout, a $10 shipping fee suddenly appears. Frustrated, you close the tab. But what if that same shirt was priced at $50 with “free” shipping? The likel...

18/05/2026

With less than 2 months to go until Payday Super begins, there are a lot of questions from employers, and a few common myths too.

Let’s clear up a few of the biggest misconceptions.

With just 2 months to go until Payday Super begins, there are a lot of questions from employers, and a few common myths too. Let’s clear up a few of the biggest misconceptions. Myth: “There’s nothing to do until 1 July 2026” Let’s address this one early. While Payday Super starts on 1 July...

15/05/2026

Important Notice
We wish to make you aware of misleading letters and emails claiming to be from (or linked to) ASIC requesting payment for early Company Review renewal/Business Name renewal. These third-party providers are charging significantly higher fees than paying ASIC directly.

What to do:
• Do not respond
• Do not provide information
• Do not make payment

If you’re unsure whether any correspondence is legitimate, please contact our office before taking any action.

08/05/2026

Last week during our Upskilling Agribusiness snapshot session we talked about superannuation, share farming, succession planning – setting yourself up for the future. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Our next and final session is Tuesday 12th May – Warrnambool Golf Club 11am- 1pm discussing Bank reviews and applications and how you can influence your interest rates and outcomes.

Register at the link below!
https://events.humanitix.com/upskilling-agribusinesses-for-the-future

06/05/2026

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