30 Years of advice – and perspective

This month we mark 30 years since I started Wallis‑Smith Financial Planning, and it’s given me a chance to reflect on how far the business – and the profession – has come.

When I began in 1996, financial advice looked very different. I was fresh out of university, passionate about investing and driven by a genuine desire to help people make sense of their finances. Like many advisers starting out, I did a bit of everything – from insurance and investments through to retirement planning – learning quickly that no two clients, or situations, are ever the same.

It didn’t take long for me to realise where my real passion lay: helping people prepare for retirement and move into it with confidence. Over time, that focus sharpened. The work wasn’t just about numbers or products – it was about giving people clarity, reducing worry, and helping them enjoy what they’d worked hard to build.

As the years went on, the business grew, alongside life itself. In 2007, after the birth of our daughter, Victoria joined the business. This marked a turning point, as we evolved into a family business, with a shared belief that good advice should be personal, practical and easy to understand.

Thirty years in this profession means you experience a lot: market booms and corrections, legislative change, new technology, and shifting expectations. But one thing has remained constant – markets will move, rules will change, uncertainty is part of investing, and the value of calm, long‑term thinking has never gone out of style. Experience doesn’t mean having all the answers, but it does give you perspective – especially when things feel unsettled.

A sincere thank you

Most importantly, I want to say thank you.

To those clients who have been with us for many years – some since the very early days – thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us over time. Being able to support you through different stages of life, changing goals, market cycles and major decisions has been a genuine privilege.

And to those who have joined us more recently, thank you for choosing to begin your journey with us. We never take that decision lightly, and we’re grateful for the confidence you’ve shown in letting us help guide your financial future.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible team behind Wallis‑Smith Financial Planning – Julie, Clautelle and Hannah. Their care, professionalism and quiet dedication are central to the work we do every day. I’m grateful to work alongside people who genuinely care about our clients and the outcomes they help create.

The relationships we share – with our clients and with each other – are what have shaped this business over the past 30 years. I’m truly grateful for the trust, conversations and connections along the way, and I look forward to continuing the journey together in the years ahead.

– Sam Wallis‑Smith