
The Century Plan
Retirement planning from start to finish.
A heads-up from Chartered Financial Planner, Dennis Hall, on why your money needs to work harder, for longer.
Latest episodes

Nov 28, 2023 • 32min
Do Your Loved Ones Know About Your Finances? - Don't Leave It Too Late To Communicate
Don't leave it too late.... To have the conversation. Do your loved ones know about your finances? Have you considered how they will live when you are no longer around to provide for them? Do they know how and where to access your money, investments, and financial affairs? Have you written a will to safeguard your wishes? Dennis and Sarah don't shy away from talking about what is often a taboo subject. During this episode, we hear real-life case studies about how people have been impacted by not having conversations before tragedy strikes. If you care for the people around you, start the conversation. 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

Nov 14, 2023 • 17min
Balanced Portfolios Are Sub-Optimal - Stop Focusing On Volatility!
Controversial opinion alert! Balanced portfolios are sub-optimal. Well, it may be controversial for some, but in this episode, Dennis explains how cashflow planning and evidenced-based investing shine a light on the shortfalls of a balanced approach. Risk profile questionnaires have been widely used since the late 90s, as a tool to establish our attitude to risk. But they're not a regulatory requirement. And they tend to focus on our reaction to volatility which, in turn, drives us towards the "safer" option. But why are they sub-optimal? Why should we be questioning their validity? And what should we be discussing with our financial planner for a more rounded approach? 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

Oct 31, 2023 • 52min
Who Are You Going To Call? - The Value of Advice with guest David Jones of Dimensional Fund Advisers
David Jones, Head of UK & Ireland Advisor Group and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, discusses the value of advice in financial planning and the importance of the relationship. Topics include the formula for the value of advice, the significance of financial planning, organizing important information during lockdown, and the need for financial education.

Oct 17, 2023 • 22min
Reacting to Market Volatility or Keeping The Faith? Why You Should Hold Your Nerve
In this episode, Sarah and Dennis discuss whether we should react to market volatility. In times of economic downturn, it can be hard to keep the faith and stick to your long-term financial plan. Should we be holding our nerve? How should we react to high interest rates, even higher inflation, geo-political issues and media doom-mongering. Why wouldn't we rush to move our money to a guaranteed rate savings account? Dennis delves into the current economic situation and explains how data, history, and his personal experience of previous crashes, continue to support the long-term view. 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

Oct 2, 2023 • 54min
Hypnotherapy & Neurolinguistic Programming - The Retirement Cafe with guest Justin King
In this special guest episode, Sarah and Dennis are joined by Justin King. Justin is a registered Life Planner and coach and one of the UK's most qualified independent financial advisers. Justin hosts The Retirement Café Podcast and during this episode of The Century Plan, we hear how over 180 episodes evolved into The Retirement Café book. Justin also shares insights into the tools and techniques he uses to support and help his clients plan for the retirement they desire. These include reframing thoughts through hypnotherapy and NLP techniques. Justins book is currently available on Amazon here. Useful Information Guest: Justin King Website Book 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: Twitter

Sep 19, 2023 • 20min
Using Visual Tools To Enhance Understanding - How It Works In Financial Planning
In episode 5, Sarah and Dennis discuss Visual Tools and how they can reinforce and enhance our understanding. Can a picture paint a thousand words? Do you know your learning style? Maybe it's auditory and that's why you're listening to this podcast. Or it's kinesthetic and you learn best through movement, touch, or experience. Or, maybe it's visual, and diagrams or images help reinforce your understanding. Visual aids, or lived experiences, are some of the best tools we can use in the financial planning process. Tune in to find out why. 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

Aug 15, 2023 • 14min
What's The Risk With Risk Profiling? - Why The Questionnaires Have Limitations
In episode 4, Sarah and Dennis loop back around to cover the risks of profiling. We hear Dennis explain why he doesn't like risk profiling questionnaires, the downsides, and the limitations. We also revisit cashflow modelling, Monte Carlo modelling and how to view your portfolio for the long term. Tune in to hear what to expect if you've been asked to fill in a risk profiling questionnaire. 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

Jul 25, 2023 • 52min
Sustainable Withdrawal Rates And Evidence-Based Investing with guest Abraham Okusanya
In this episode, Sarah and Dennis are joined by guest, Abraham Okusanya. Abraham is the founder of investment and retirement research consultancy, FinalytiQ and creator of Timeline.co He's the host of podcasts, Retirementals and The Investing Show. and author of the book "Beyond The 4% Rule: The science of retirement portfolios that last a lifetime" We'll hear how Dennis and Abraham met, how their business lives have crossed through the years, and how they share similar views and approaches to financial planning. Discussions include, Sustainable withdrawal rates. Risk Profiling Managing volatility Optimal rebalancing Tune in to hear how Sarah keeps Dennis and Abraham on the right side of technical during this special show. 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

Jul 11, 2023 • 17min
Financial Planning With Tools, Not Rules - The Importance Of The Human Relationship
Sarah and Dennis introduce us to tools and questions used during the financial planning process. We learn how Dennis has a multilayered role as a financial planner, life coach, marriage guidance counsellor, and relationship reuniting facilitator. But why is Dennis compared to Davina Mccall? Financial planning is not just data and modelling. It's also about human relationships and shared experiences. What would your retirement look like? How do you want to live your retirement years? Have you thought about your future lifestyle? What kind of legacy would you like to leave? What is your number? Tune in to learn about Kinder questions and how they are used to plan your future. 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 on-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

Jun 27, 2023 • 22min
Cashflow Modelling - How It Helps Determine Whether Your Financial Goals Are Realistic
In this episode, we're introduced to Cashflow Modelling. What is cashflow modelling? How can cashflow modelling help us? What information do I need for cashflow modelling? Can I change my plans with cashflow modelling? What happens if it all goes wrong? 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 on-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
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