Charting a Path to Financial Independence: Sam Hunt's Journey as an Independent Adviser

What separates Warr Hunt’s approach from your competitors?

At Warr Hunt, we specialise in advising doctors and lawyers — professionals who are often time-poor and face unique financial challenges. Over the years, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the complexities these groups face, which allows us to provide tailored advice that really resonates with their needs.

What sets us apart is our commitment to building long-term, trust-based relationships through personalised advice. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we take the time to understand each client’s individual goals, lifestyle, and concerns, ensuring that the advice we offer is always in their best interest. We also focus on clarity, helping clients feel confident and informed about their financial decisions.

Our approach is also unique because, like many of our clients, we operate on a fee-based structure. This ensures transparency and alignment of interests, so clients know we’re working for them. Additionally, we follow a disciplined investment philosophy that focuses on capturing the returns of capital markets, avoiding the pitfalls of speculation and market timing.

As one of the few truly independent firms in Australia, we take pride in offering unbiased, transparent advice. Our independence, combined with a deep focus on the distinct needs of our clients, is what sets Warr Hunt apart.

How did you start down this career path?

My journey into financial planning began with a clear goal: taking control of my own financial future. Straight out of university, I was accepted into a competitive graduate program with a leading financial services company. It was an incredible experience that exposed me to every facet of the profession - banking, superannuation, investment, and more.

After a number of years working in various roles within the financial services industry, I realised that my true passion lay in helping others achieve their financial goals, not just my own. So, I made the bold decision to go into business. Around the same time, I started my family, and today, I have the privilege (and responsibility!) of raising five children. This has only deepened my commitment to securing a stable financial future for both my family and my clients. I thrive on the intellectual challenge of this work, but what drives me most is helping my clients achieve what matters most to them.

What inspires you in your role and why?

What inspires me in my role is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in three key areas. Firstly, I find immense satisfaction in growing and developing the members of our team. Watching them evolve in their skills and confidence while working towards shared goals is incredibly rewarding. Secondly, I’m deeply motivated to help our clients achieve what matters most to them, whether it’s securing their financial future or reaching personal milestones. Seeing their success fuels my passion for what we do. Lastly, giving back to the community in a meaningful way is a core value at Warr Hunt. Whether through volunteering or supporting local initiatives, I believe in using our success to have a positive impact on the broader community. Together, these three pillars keep me inspired every day.

How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?

At Warr Hunt, staying ahead means embracing continuous evolution. We’re committed to adapting to the ever-changing landscape of financial products, technologies, and regulatory requirements.

Beyond technology, we place a strong emphasis on ongoing education, both for our team and clients. By staying informed and up-to-date with industry developments, we ensure that the advice we provide is always relevant and forward-thinking in today’s fast-moving environment. This focus on innovation allows us to anticipate changes, not just react to them, keeping our clients well-positioned for success.

What is the toughest challenge you've faced in business? How did you overcome it?

The toughest challenge I’ve faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic when we had to close our physical office during the mandated lockdowns. Like many businesses, we had to adapt quickly to a remote working environment. Keeping our staff motivated and engaged while working remotely was a challenge, as we all adjusted to new ways of working. At the same time, many of our clients were facing significant financial challenges as their businesses were forced to shut down.

To overcome this, we focused on regular communication and support. We made it a priority to keep in close contact with both our team and clients. For our staff, this meant regular check-ins, virtual meetings, and ensuring they felt supported during a difficult time. For our clients, we provided ongoing financial advice to help them navigate the challenges their businesses were facing. By staying connected and adaptable, we were able to maintain a strong level of service and support throughout the pandemic, helping our clients weather the storm.

What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, my focus is on continuing to grow Warr Hunt as the go-to financial advisory service for self-employed professionals, especially those in the legal and medical professions. We’re committed to expanding our digital presence, making it easier for clients to access advice and services from anywhere, at any time.

Developing our team is another key priority. I want to nurture and empower our staff, transforming them into future leaders and potential owners of the business. By investing in their growth, we’re ensuring the long-term success of Warr Hunt.

Learn more at https://www.warrhunt.com.au/