The Century Plan

What happens when the person who planned everything for you dies at 38? In this episode of A Taste of Financial Planning, we sit down with Emma Gray, founder of Rainbow Hunting, former wills and probate solicitor, and widow. Over Dennis's Japanese black cod with miso, we talk about grief, preparation, and the emotional handrails that matter when life changes overnight. We explore: What grief really feels like, physically as well as emotionally The "sadmin" no one prepares you for Why powers of attorney are not just for later life The balance between living fully now and planning responsibly for the future How financial planning can protect the people you love from chaos Emma brings both professional expertise and lived experience to a conversation that is honest, practical and deeply human. Because financial planning is never just about numbers. It is about people. About Emma Gray Emma Gray is the founder of Rainbow Hunting, a therapeutic coaching practice supporting people through grief and major life transitions. A former wills and probate solicitor, Emma combines legal knowledge, counselling training and lived experience to help clients navigate both the emotional and administrative challenges that follow loss. You can find Emma at: www.rainbowhunting.co.uk Connect & Subscribe: Enjoyed the episode? Make sure you subscribe and join us next time for more conversations that blend food, life, and smart money decisions. Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk ABOUT YELLOWTAIL Founded by Dennis Hall, Yellowtail are the trusted financial planners who advise individuals & families across the UK. Yellowtail's experts provide the clarity, control and confidence to guide you through financial planning, estate planning, pension transfers and investment management directing your journey towards a prosperous retirement and financial peace of mind.

In our second special summer episode of The Century Plan, we step outside the world of finance, but only just. Dennis Hall and Sarah Steele are joined by Toby Swallow, a former world champion powerlifter turned strength coach, who now calls himself a health pension planner. His mission? Helping people build the physical reserves they'll need for a longer, more independent life. We explore the powerful parallels between financial and physical planning, from building long-term reserves to avoiding crisis-driven decisions. Toby shares personal insights, practical steps, and a clear message: wealth alone won't protect you from frailty. Whether you're planning for retirement, already there, or working with clients who are, this episode will challenge how you think about health, wealth, and what it really means to prepare for the future. In this episode: Toby's journey from powerlifting champion to health coach What it means to build your "health pension" The connection between VO2 max, bone density, and longevity Why functional fitness matters more than aesthetics How to start building physical reserves — at any age The cost of waiting until it's too late "Just because you look fit doesn't mean you're ready for what ageing brings. We plan financially, why not physically?" 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations on long-term thinking, financial wellbeing, and living a life that matters. Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk Follow Toby on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toby-swallow/ ABOUT YELLOWTAIL Founded by Dennis Hall, Yellowtail are the trusted financial planners who advise individuals & families across the UK. Yellowtail's experts provide the clarity, control and confidence to guide you through financial planning, estate planning, pension transfers and investment management directing your journey towards a prosperous retirement and financial peace of mind.

In the first of our summer specials, we're joined by Dr. Daniel Crosby - psychologist, behavioural finance expert, and author of The Soul of Wealth. Daniel's work invites us to rethink wealth not as a number, but as something deeply connected to our values, our behaviour, and our vision of a meaningful life. We explore: Why we often know the right thing to do with money, but still don't do it The hidden power of "Enough is a decision" Why women often outperform men as investors How the PERMA model helps us plan for fulfilment, not just freedom The small wins that make delayed gratification easier Why vulnerability could be an advisor's greatest strength Whether you're building your financial future or helping others plan theirs, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and actionable ideas. Learn more about Daniel's book: The Soul of Wealth 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations on long-term thinking, financial wellbeing, and living a life that matters. Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele Guest: Daniel Crosby Ph.D Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk ABOUT YELLOWTAIL Founded by Dennis Hall, Yellowtail are the trusted financial planners who advise individuals & families across the UK. Yellowtail's experts provide the clarity, control and confidence to guide you through financial planning, estate planning, pension transfers and investment management directing your journey towards a prosperous retirement and financial peace of mind.

Our latest episode of The Century Plan explores a key question: How much does financial planning actually cost? And just as importantly, what value do you get in return? Financial planning fees can sometimes seem unclear—hourly rates, fixed fees, percentages, subscriptions—so in this episode, we provide clarity. We explain how different charging models work, what to consider when choosing a planner, and how working with the right professional can help you make informed financial decisions that support your future. We also discuss: ✔️ The impact of fees on your long-term investments ✔️ Why an initial conversation with a planner should be free of charge ✔️ The reassurance and structure that financial planning provides As Dennis puts it: "Good financial planning helps you stay on track, even when the unexpected happens." If cost has been a concern, this episode will help you understand how to assess value and make confident decisions about your financial future.  Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk   ABOUT YELLOWTAIL Founded by Dennis Hall, Yellowtail are the trusted financial planners who advise individuals & families across the UK. Yellowtail's experts provide the clarity, control and confidence to guide you through financial planning, estate planning, pension transfers and investment management directing your journey towards a prosperous retirement and financial peace of mind.

In this episode of The Century Plan, we discuss five essential steps to improve financial situations as the new year begins. Emphasising the importance of budgeting, understanding state and workplace pensions, creating a financial life pack for loved ones, and visualising retirement goals. The conversation highlights practical tips and strategies for effective financial planning, encouraging you to take proactive steps towards securing your financial future.   Key takeaways: Budgeting is crucial for managing finances effectively. You can't manage what you don't measure. Pay yourself first by saving at the beginning of the month. Check your state pension forecast to ensure full benefits. Default pension funds may not be optimal for everyone. Active involvement in your investments is necessary for growth. Communicate financial information with loved ones for clarity. Create a financial life pack to organize important documents. Visualizing your retirement can help in planning effectively. Start small and build your financial planning habits over time. Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

Which is more important: looking after your future health or your future wealth? In this week's episode of The Century Plan, we explore why the two are deeply interconnected. Whether it's your health or your finances, working with a professional can offer invaluable guidance, support, and accountability. We're joined by nutritional therapist Claire Thomas, who shares how she helps her clients achieve better health and well-being. Here's what we cover: Understanding nutrition's role in health and longevity Common nutritional issues and misconceptions The connection between nutrition and financial planning The importance of sleep and the impact of stress Behavioural changes and mindset Whether fasting can work for you Understanding epigenetics, gene expression and lifestyle choices Genetic testing: pros and cons The importance of expert guidance Barriers to health and nutrition awareness It's such a fascinating discussion. Don't miss it. Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Guest: Claire Thomas Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

In this special episode, Dennis Hall provides his thoughts on the announcements from the Budget on the 30th October. Whilst some of the most feared things didn't happen, there were plenty of significant changes. We focus on: Capital Gains Tax Inheritance Tax Pension taxation The freeze on income tax and fiscal drag And how the changes will affect your financial plan. Listen now for a balanced and thoughtful summary of what you really need to know. Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

Co-founder of purpose led financial planners Six Degrees, Katherine Waller, joins us on this episode. We invited Katherine on to talk about our shared approach to financial planning and to delve into how she helps people get the best financial outcomes.  In this episode we explore: The importance of emotional intelligence in financial planning Vulnerability and trust in client relationships How life experiences shape our financial behaviour Overcoming financial fears and insecurities Balancing rational and emotional approaches Common obstacles in financial planning The role of purpose in financial advice Using shared interests to build relationships Our love of food and wine! We also discuss our shared passion for eliminating decision-overwhelm for clients who already have too many choices to make in their daily lives. And why advisers should be held accountable for making decisions rather than offering endless options. Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Guest: Katherine Waller Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

When the financial planner met the accountant. In this episode we invite consultant CFO, NED and board adviser, Rob Nicholls to give us an accountant's perspective on how to achieve a sustainable financial future. Do Dennis and Rob see eye to eye is there a clash of perspectives? We cover: The connection between business success and personal finance. The importance of passive investing Automating investments for long-term growth. Understanding tax implications in financial planning The role of financial education in personal finance The impact of economic changes on investment strategies Reinventing yourself in the financial landscape Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Guest: Rob Nicholls Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk  

How much time do you think you spend doing nothing? A recent Duolingo poll revealed that UK adults spend an average of 26 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 doing... well, nothing! That's about 12 hours a week. Think about it—moments like: Watching TV Waiting for the kettle to boil Waiting for a delivery Scrolling aimlessly online In this season of The Century Plan podcast, we're exploring what's really holding us back. One of the most common reasons people give for not focusing on their financial planning is a lack of time. But in our latest episode, we challenge that idea and take a closer look at how we actually spend our time. Is it really about not having enough hours in the day—or something else? Join us as Dennis Hall breaks down how to make time for your financial planning and shares practical tips to help you get started, no matter how busy life feels. Listen now and discover how to take control of your financial future in just a few small steps. Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

The Century Plan is back!  After a summer of planning and preparation, we're thrilled to launch Season 4 of our podcast, where we move from theory to practice. This season, we're tackling the big question: How can we inspire people to take action on the insights we've been sharing? And more importantly, what's holding us back? In our first episode, we dive into a challenge we all face—connecting with our future selves. How can we motivate ourselves to protect our future—20, 30, or even 40 years from now—when it often feels like we're sacrificing our present? Here's what we cover: 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭: How it prevents us from taking necessary steps in our financial lives. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬: Why it's so hard and what we can do about it. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭: The difficulty of thinking long-term and overcoming the fear of present-day sacrifice. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: Strategies to beat instant gratification and stay on track. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: How envisioning our future can help us achieve our long-term goals. This episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways, plus some fascinating book recommendations you won't want to miss! Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Atomic Habits by James Clear Be Your Future Self Now by Dr Benjamin Hardy Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

In our season finale, Sarah and Dennis address some kickback received on a social media post highlighting the issues we all face as a society when it comes to funding our retirement. And why we're trying to help people avoid sleepwalking into retirement regret. We discuss why it's so important to be aware of the pitfalls and how we can take some simple steps to improve our financial future. We cover: Why retirement planning is harder now than it was 30 years ago. The Office for National Statistics' life expectancy calculator The recent significant increase in the amount of income required for a moderate retirement The pension gender gap and why it exists Retirement anxiety We're looking forward to returning in September after a summer break. If you have a question you'd like us to cover during the next season, now is the time to reach out. Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

In the penultimate episode of Season 3, Sarah and Dennis discuss the importance of reviewing premiums and checking charges on financial contracts. We receive annual alerts when our car and home insurance is due for renewal. But our life assurances and savings plans tend to run quietly in the background. The direct debit leaving the account each month without much thought. Why aren't we paying more attention? Dennis and Sarah discuss: Old with-profits bonds set up in good faith delivering shockingly poor returns Life assurance contracts with overly high premiums Pension plans invested in sub-optimal default funds Investments subject to charges which significantly reduce their long-term growth With over 35 years in financial services, Dennis has all too often come across people whose finances have been detrimentally affected due to lack of review. When was the last time you reviewed yours? Useful information   Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele  Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

In this episode of The Century Plan, Sarah and Dennis are pleased to welcome guests, Dr Tommy Perkins and Dr Ed Cantelo from the Medics Money podcast. With over 1 million downloads, the hosts of Medics Money podcast, Tommy and Ed are empowering doctors, dentists and other professionals to make better financial decisions. The team at Yellowtail Financial Planning have worked with Tommy and Ed for two years and we thought it was time to get to know the GPs behind the success story. Tommy and Ed share: How they became GPs When they decided to to help others with their finances What they think of cryptocurrency How they created their own financial plans Why they share our values around low cost index trackers Not just for doctors. This episode covers how to make a start and what we can all do to feel more in control of our money.   Useful Information Medics Money Host: Dennis Host: Sarah Email: ask@yellowtail.co.uk ABOUT YELLOWTAIL Founded by Dennis Hall, Yellowtail are the trusted financial planners who advise individuals & families across the UK. Yellowtail's experts provide the clarity, control and confidence to guide you through financial planning, estate planning, pension transfers and investment management directing your journey towards a prosperous retirement and financial peace of mind.

In this episode of The Century Plan, Dennis and Sarah are pleased to welcome their guest, Professor Sarah Harper CBE.   Sarah is a world-renowned scientist and Clore Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford. She's a fellow at University College and Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing and she was appointed CBE for services to demography in 2018. Sarah's written books including How Population Change Will Transform Our World, Ageing Societies, Risk and Resilience and Global Ageing.  During this episode, Sarah Harper shares her insights on how society needs to adapt to us living for longer and the way our increased life expectancy is changing the world and our retirements. We cover: What drives our increased life expectancy. The ageing workforce. Ageism in the workplace. How AI aids the shift in our workplace demographic. Flexible working for employees in their 60s and 70s. How the media is creating intergenerational conflict. Whether the current state pension age is suitable. Useful information   Guest: Professor Sarah Harper   How Population Change will Transform our World - Sarah Harper Host: Dennis Hall Host: Sarah Steele Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

In this episode of The Century Plan, Dennis and Sarah unpick some questions they are frequently asked at Yellowtail Financial Planning around retirement income. How do you derive an income from your retirement savings, and is selecting high dividend and income streams optimal over the long term? Do you need to change your investment approach when you reach retirement? Should you be looking to maximise income at the expense of growth? What does evidence based investing say you should do in order to optimise your income in retirement strategy?   Useful information Host: Dennis Hall Dennis is a Chartered Financial Planner whose career spans 35 years, mostly in central London. After working for larger organisations (including a spell in Moscow) he founded Yellowtail in 2006 and later relocated the office to Exeter. Dennis's particular expertise lies in Lifestyle Financial Planning, helping busy successful people transitioning from working for a living to financial independence, allowing them to choose whether they work, retire, or something in-between. Dennis regularly writes for the trade press and the finance sectors of national newspapers and also has written a book on getting your financial affairs in order called "Who Will it Hurt When I Die"   Host: Sarah Steele Sarah joined Yellowtail in 2017 having worked previously at Coutts Bank in Central London. Her role focused on clients in the sports and entertainment industry and, more recently, in private healthcare. In 2022, Sarah became Yellowtail's second Director and now looks after all the non-regulated aspects of the business. Sarah is particularly interested in the psychology of money and the interactions clients have with their financial planner. These interactions form the basis of many of the questions Sarah puts to Dennis on The Century Plan.   Contact us: ask@yellowtail.co.uk

In this episode of The Century Plan, we discuss the pension changes brought about by the 2023 Spring Budget which are coming in to effect this year. It may be a short-shelf-life episode if we see a change in Government following an election. Sarah and Dennis discuss how the Budget in 2023 has played out and is affecting pensions. We hear how Government decisions and changes in Government can impact financial options. We learn how we can prepare for this and how this awareness can help with planning.   Useful information Host: Dennis Hall Dennis is a Chartered Financial Planner whose career spans 35 years, mostly in central London. After working for larger organisations (including a spell in Moscow) he founded Yellowtail in 2006 and later relocated the office to Exeter. Dennis's particular expertise lies in Lifestyle Financial Planning, helping busy successful people transitioning from working for a living to financial independence, allowing them to choose whether they work, retire, or something in-between. Dennis regularly writes for the trade press and the finance sectors of national newspapers and also has written a book on getting your financial affairs in order called "Who Will it Hurt When I Die" Host: Sarah Steele Sarah joined Yellowtail in 2017 having worked previously at Coutts Bank in Central London. Her role focused on clients in the sports and entertainment industry and, more recently, in private healthcare. In 2022, Sarah became Yellowtail's second Director and now looks after all the non-regulated aspects of the business. Sarah is particularly interested in the psychology of money and the interactions clients have with their financial planner. These interactions form the basis of many of the questions Sarah puts to Dennis on The Century Plan. Contact us: sarah@yellowtail.co.uk

In this episode of The Century Plan Sarah and Dennis are pleased to welcome their guest Carl Richards.   Carl is a US-based certified financial planner, joining the podcast from Park City Utah. Carl is the creator of the Sketch Guy column, which appeared weekly for a decade in the New York times. He's an international author and speaker, and his work has influenced financial planners across the globe.   During this episode, Carl shares his insights, knowledge, and experiences as a financial planner.  We learn about how Carl became a columnist and author with books including, The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money and The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way To Be Smart About Your Money. We learn more about the artwork at Yellowtail which includes favourite pieces from Carl's sketch collection.     Useful information Guest: Carl Richards Website: Books: The Behaviour Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way To Be Smart About Your Money.   Host: Dennis Hall Dennis is a Chartered Financial Planner whose career spans 35 years, mostly in central London. After working for larger organisations (including a spell in Moscow) he founded Yellowtail in 2006 and later relocated the office to Exeter. Dennis's particular expertise lies in Lifestyle Financial Planning, helping busy successful people transitioning from working for a living to financial independence, allowing them to choose whether they work, retire, or something in-between. Dennis regularly writes for the trade press and the finance sectors of national newspapers and also has written a book on getting your financial affairs in order called "Who Will it Hurt When I Die" Host: Sarah Steele Sarah joined Yellowtail in 2017 having worked previously at Coutts Bank in Central London. Her role focused on clients in the sports and entertainment industry and, more recently, in private healthcare. In 2022, Sarah became Yellowtail's second Director and now looks after all the non-regulated aspects of the business. Sarah is particularly interested in the psychology of money and the interactions clients have with their financial planner. These interactions form the basis of many of the questions Sarah puts to Dennis on The Century Plan.   Contact us: sarah@yellowtail.co.uk

In this episode of The Century Plan, Sarah asks Dennis "How Much Does it Cost to Work With a Financial Planner?". What is fair? How are different fees structured? What should you expect? Dennis has some interesting thoughts on hourly rates and explains how he works at Yellowtail Financial Planning. We explore in detail the structure of how fees are charged and why transparency is paramount to a long lasting relationship. How do hourly rates work in financial planning?  What is a fixed price for financial services? Why do some people charge a percentage of assets under management? What is a fair ongoing management cost?   Useful information Host: Dennis Hall Dennis is a Chartered Financial Planner whose career spans 35 years, mostly in central London. After working for larger organisations (including a spell in Moscow) he founded Yellowtail in 2006 and later relocated the office to Exeter. Dennis's particular expertise lies in Lifestyle Financial Planning, helping busy successful people transitioning from working for a living to financial independence, allowing them to choose whether they work, retire, or something in-between. Dennis regularly writes for the trade press and the finance sectors of national newspapers and also has written a book on getting your financial affairs in order called "Who Will it Hurt When I Die" Host: Sarah Steele Sarah joined Yellowtail in 2017 having worked previously at Coutts Bank in Central London. Her role focused on clients in the sports and entertainment industry and, more recently, in private healthcare. In 2022, Sarah became Yellowtail's second Director and now looks after all the non-regulated aspects of the business. Sarah is particularly interested in the psychology of money and the interactions clients have with their financial planner. These interactions form the basis of many of the questions Sarah puts to Dennis on The Century Plan. Contact us: sarah@yellowtail.co.uk

In Episode 2 of Season 3 we reach one of the most common questions.... How Much Do I Need To Retire? It's not a one-size-fits-all all situation. Sarah and Dennis talk over considerations and formulas that can be used to help gain a figure. What kind of retirement are you planning? How much does that cost? How much do you have in assets? Do you know how your workplace pension is invested? How and when can you afford to start adding to your pension pot? How much is your state pension? Did you register to gain credits while a stay at home parent?    Useful information Host: Dennis Hall Dennis is a Chartered Financial Planner whose career spans 35 years, mostly in central London. After working for larger organisations (including a spell in Moscow) he founded Yellowtail in 2006 and later relocated the office to Exeter. Dennis's particular expertise lies in Lifestyle Financial Planning, helping busy successful people transitioning from working for a living to financial independence, allowing them to choose whether they work, retire, or something in-between. Dennis regularly writes for the trade press and the finance sectors of national newspapers and also has written a book on getting your financial affairs in order called "Who Will it Hurt When I Die" Host: Sarah Steele Sarah joined Yellowtail in 2017 having worked previously at Coutts Bank in Central London. Her role focused on clients in the sports and entertainment industry and, more recently, in private healthcare. In 2022, Sarah became Yellowtail's second Director and now looks after all the non-regulated aspects of the business. Sarah is particularly interested in the psychology of money and the interactions clients have with their financial planner. These interactions form the basis of many of the questions Sarah puts to Dennis on The Century Plan.   Contact us: sarah@yellowtail.co.uk