Warren's path to becoming a financial adviser wasn’t necessarily a straightforward one.
Initially pursuing an accounting degree, he took a detour by joining the army. Following a medical discharge, Warren returned to tertiary studies, completing a double degree in education and science, majoring in psychology and statistics.
After 4 years working as a teacher, the appeal of running his own business eventually led him back to study financial planning. His career choice was confirmed while Warren was trying to help a friend who had fallen victim to a financial scam, igniting his passion for protecting and educating people about money.
Twenty years on, a key part of Warren’s Find Group of companies is retirement planning. He says clients will usually seek advice due to significant life changes or when they are about to retire. Common questions include “how much money will I have in retirement?” and “can I afford the lifestyle I want in retirement?”
The appeal of Member Direct
About 8 years ago, Warren discovered AustralianSuper’s self-managed investment option Member Direct, which offers more control and choice over super investments, without all the complexities of managing a self-managed super fund (SMSF).
Warren sees several benefits of Member Direct for those who want to be more hands on with their investments, including cost-effectiveness and flexibility. He believes it can be a viable alternative to an SMSF, as it may offer similar advantages without the high administration and management costs.
‘When you start looking at the costs associated with running a self-managed super fund, you've got accounting fees, auditor fees, then on top of that, the platform and investment fees. Then there are other cost considerations, evaluation costs, and additional costs if the auditor has to report to the ATO and so on,’ Warren says.
He explains that even with his management fees as an adviser, Member Direct could reduce the overall cost of managing your super compared to operating your own SMSF.
Another benefit, according to Warren, is the investment options available in Member Direct, which are made up of an approved product list taken from thousands of choices in the market.
He also likes the cash investment option (within Member Direct), which can offer a competitive interest rate similar to traditional term deposits.
‘That's another beautiful thing about Member Direct, is the cash option, currently paying 4.35%1, which is [the interest rate] normally higher than term deposits.’
However, it’s important to note that the Member Direct investment option isn’t for everyone, and there can be risks. Self-directed investors need to consider short-term share price volatility, the consequences of transacting too often, limited diversification and investing in response to emotions. It’s also strongly encouraged to seek advice from a financial adviser when selecting Member Direct and formulating an investment strategy.
Taking more control with Member Direct
As AustralianSuper’s self-directed investment option, Member Direct helps members to tap into their inner investor with more control and choice over the investment of their super or retirement income.
Members are able to invest in shares, exchange traded funds (ETFs), listed investment companies (LICs), term deposits and cash all through an easy-to-use online platform.
Member Direct also provides access to real-time trading, market information, investment tools plus independent research from UBS and Morningstar to help with making more informed investment decisions while you or your financial adviser manages your portfolio.
The growing popularity of SMSFs
Warren is well placed to talk about the growing popularity of SMSFs and how they compare to a more traditional super fund.
While SMSFs may be promoted on the premise they provide more control and greater flexibility, and could be more cost-effective, he says that’s not necessarily the case anymore. Even though opting for an SMSF is another way to take the reins of your retirement savings, the complexity of SMSFs shouldn't be underestimated.
Depending on your personal circumstances, SMSFs could be suitable for purchasing commercial property. However, in Warren’s experience – if you’re using an SMSF to purchase other assets – they can be more costly and time-consuming than what many people realise.
Property investment through SMSFs may also not be as profitable as hoped, due to changing property markets, increased costs and the challenges of meeting minimum drawdown amounts in retirement. Warren is starting to see more clients starting to question if it’s worth holding on to their properties. While many people love the notion of purchasing a property and may be able to pay it off before they retire, they don’t consider the potential cash flow implications down the track.
Comparing SMSFs to a more traditional fund
SMSFs cater to those with a robust understanding of financial and legal matters. If you have specialised financial or legal knowledge, managing your own SMSF can be rewarding. You might appreciate the opportunity to use your personal expertise.
SMSFs can also be established by an individual or family (up to 6 members) as a means of looking after their own super savings.
Yet, without the time or know-how, an SMSF might not be the best fit. You might prefer to keep your super with an industry or retail fund for their expertise.
Warren advises caution when starting an SMSF, particularly around low balances and the high costs of administration.
He also gives the example of a client who left an SMSF because they were unable to find a suitable property to invest in. The problem was having money sitting in a cash option for a couple of years while looking to buy a property, which meant potential missed opportunities with super growth during that time.
Some people choose an SMSF to invest in different asset classes. For example, SMSFs can include your own selection of real property, art, collectibles, and physical gold. However, it's crucial to remember that the SMSF’s sole purpose is to provide for retirement. It’s illegal to use an SMSF to access your super before retirement.
Addressing the appeal of investing in alternative assets, such as cryptocurrency, he notes that this is still a small percentage of SMSF investments. Most SMSFs hold traditional assets like shares, cash or term deposits.
‘And so all these people who said, “okay, it's cheaper”, they haven't even taken into account all the time they have to spend as trustees to regulate this thing, because whilst the accountant now has some duty of care, it's actually the trustees who are responsible for their own management, of their own self-managed super fund,’ Warren says.
‘And when they start to look at investments, and they've got to start to do their own research and become investment managers of their own future, the time taken is onerous. And so again, people get to retirement or into retirement, and they’re starting to go, “Okay, do we really want this?”’
Insurance is another important consideration. While AustralianSuper offers different insurance options to members2, those with an SMSF may need to deal directly with an insurance adviser. Warren highlights the importance of meeting insurance obligations under the Corporations Act and ATO requirements, noting that many SMSF trustees are under-insured or lack insurance altogether.
Working with a financial adviser
As a financial adviser, Warren emphasises the importance of income layering, with super playing a key role. He will discuss future goals, cash flow before and after retirement, risk profiles, asset allocation and investment options with his clients.
‘We model that up to age 90 to cover longevity risk, inflation risk and market risk,’ Warren says.
While some members want more control and flexibility with their super, it may be difficult to know where to begin, or the best approach for your situation. That’s why it can be beneficial to get professional financial advice, setting you on the right path for your super.
And just as you could have a financial adviser manage your SMSF portfolio, the same is true for Member Direct, which not only reduces the time commitment but also removes the guess work which may result in better asset management.
For clients that may not want the Member Direct option, Warren will explore other AustralianSuper investment options including PreMixed and other DIY options where you can still be a bit more hands-on.
For those still considering an SMSF, Warren emphasises the importance of seeking qualified advice.
Ultimately, Warren’s passion for financial planning and dedication to his clients shines through, as he helps them navigate the complexities of super investments and retirement planning. His recognition as one of Australia’s top 50 most influential advisers is a testament to his expertise and commitment to the industry.
‘I'm really passionate about financial planning. I'm really passionate about protecting clients. I'm really passionate about what's happening and where the industry is going,’ Warren says.
AustralianSuper believes guidance plays a key role in helping members to achieve their best retirement outcomes and has created an independent adviser network where members can access tailored advice through multiple channels3 – ensuring support is always in reach.
- The Member Direct Cash account rate is 4.35% pa as at 14 August 2025. Read more about the latest cash rate offered for Member Direct here. Investment returns aren’t guaranteed. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future returns.
- AustralianSuper insurance is provided by TAL Life Limited (the Insurer) ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848.
- Personal financial product advice is provided under the Australian Financial Services Licence held by a third party and not by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd. Some personal advice may attract a fee, which would be outlined before any work is completed and is subject to your agreement. With your approval, the fee for advice relating to your AustralianSuper account may be deducted from your AustralianSuper account subject to eligibility criteria.
The views expressed in this article are those of the interviewee based on their experience and expertise and not of AustralianSuper.