A Taste of Financial Planning

A Taste of Financial Planning brings together great food, honest chat and big life questions. Each episode, Chartered Financial Planner and enthusiastic cook Dennis Hall invites a guest to lunch. Along with co-host Sarah Steele, they explore memories of money and food, before the guest gets to ask Dennis their own questions about financial planning. No jargon. No judgement. Just good conversation over a meal Dennis has cooked himself. Whether you’re planning your future or just here for the food chat, you’re always welcome at the table.

Abraham Okusanya: Early Money, Big Decisions, and Building Something Over Time 03/23/2026

Abraham Okusanya: Early Money, Big Decisions, and Building Something Over Time We’re joined at the table by Abraham Okusanya. Abraham grew up in Nigeria before getting a scholarship to study in the UK, a turning point that changed the course of his life. Today, he runs a business responsible for managing over £13bn of client assets. But this conversation doesn’t follow a straight line from A to B. We start much earlier. With childhood memories of money, sitting around the table with family, sometimes not quite enough to go round, and what that teaches you about earning, spending and valuing it. From there, the conversation moves through very different moments in life. Pitching to investors while his wife was in hospital. Being told no, more than once. And continuing anyway. What comes through is not a neat story about success, but something much more recognisable. A conversation about uncertainty, resilience, and how our early experiences with money continue to shape the way we think and behave, even when life looks very different years later. At the Table Twice baked soufflé to start Sole with sauce Veronique and pave potatoes A conversation that moves from Nigeria to London, from early money memories to building something from scratch About Abraham Okusanya Abraham Okusanya is the founder and CEO of Timeline, a financial planning and investment technology business used by advisers across the UK. He is also the creator of Advisor 3.0, a leading conference for financial planners, and has been a prominent voice in shaping the profession over the last decade. What we cover Growing up in Nigeria and early experiences of money The impact of family and shared meals Getting a scholarship to study in the UK Building a business step by step Dealing with rejection and uncertainty How early money experiences shape decisions later in life Raising children in a very different financial world 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: Host: Contact us: 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. /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/40592075

A Taste of Financial Planning - Paul Mills - Reinventing Your Career in Midlife 03/08/2026

A Taste of Financial Planning - Paul Mills - Reinventing Your Career in Midlife What happens when you walk away from a successful career and start again in mid-life? In this episode of A Taste of Financial Planning, Dennis cooks a Turkish feast while we sit down with marketing leader and entrepreneur Paul Mills. After years in senior corporate marketing roles, Paul chose to leave the security of employment and build his own business, working with companies as a fractional marketing leader and strategic adviser. Over dinner we talk about the realities of that transition, including: • the mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur • the financial realities of building a business later in life • how your relationship with money changes in your 50s • why many founders quietly see their business as part of their long-term financial plan It’s an honest conversation about reinvention, risk and what it really takes to start again. Along the way Dennis prepares a Turkish meze feast, proving once again that some of the best financial conversations happen around a table. About Paul Mills Paul Mills is a fractional CMO and marketing adviser who works with organisations looking for experienced strategic marketing leadership without the need for a full-time hire. After many years in senior corporate roles, he founded his own advisory practice and now helps leadership teams bring clarity and commercial focus to their marketing. You can find Paul at: 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: Host: Contact us: 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. /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/40356340

A Taste of Financial Planning - Emma Gray - Grief, Preparation and Growing Life Around Loss 02/22/2026

A Taste of Financial Planning - Emma Gray - Grief, Preparation and Growing Life Around Loss 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: 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: Host: Contact us: 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. /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/40191910

A Taste of Financial Planning - Lee Spencer - The Rowing Marine 02/09/2026

A Taste of Financial Planning - Lee Spencer - The Rowing Marine Lunch with Lee Spencer: Rowing Oceans, Climbing Mountains, and Finding Purpose In the first episode of A Taste of Financial Planning, hosts Dennis Hall and Sarah Steele sit down for lunch with former Royal Marine, world record-breaking ocean rower and author, Lee Spencer. Over a Caribbean-inspired lunch and a bold glass of Syrah, Lee shares the remarkable story of how he became The Rowing Marine. From a life-changing injury to crossing the Atlantic solo, climbing Kilimanjaro with his daughter, and even testing kit for NASA. The conversation moves between resilience, purpose, loss and of course, money. Lee talks candidly about growing up in Dagenham, his family’s financial struggles, and how those experiences shaped his views on security, success and satisfaction. There’s honesty, humour and debate as Dennis and Lee discuss what money is really for: chasing wild dreams, building a legacy, or simply feeling free. On the menu Dennis served a Caribbean-inspired menu, starting with a rum-based cocktail. The main course featured beef short rib cooked sous vide for 40 hours, glazed with rum, sugar, soy and lime zest, and served with coconut plantain purée, sweet potato and steamed broccoli. Dessert: Rum, coconut and lime posset with toasted coconut flakes Wine pairing: Porseleinberg Syrah 2023 — rich, spicy and a perfect match for the bold flavours In this episode, we talk about: Growing up with money worries and how early habits form Camaraderie and discipline in the Royal Marines Record-breaking adventures and learning from adversity Whether money is for living or leaving a legacy How planning for the future helps you live more fully in the present Debt, lessons from parents, and generational attitudes to money Happiness, purpose, and the things money can’t buy Find out more about Lee here: Lee's book: Connect & Subscribe: Enjoyed the episode? Be sure to subscribe and join us next time for more conversations that blend food, life, and smart money decisions. Host: Host: Contact us: 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. /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/40041690

Holly Mackay: Making Financial Advice More Human 08/04/2025

Health is Wealth: The Other Side of Retirement Planning 07/01/2025

Health is Wealth: The Other Side of Retirement Planning 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: Host: Contact us: Follow Toby on LinkedIn: 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. /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/37209515

The Soul of Wealth with Daniel Crosby Ph.D 06/09/2025

What's Holding You Back? 03/18/2025

Is Financial Planning Actually Worth It?? 03/03/2025

Understanding Cost, Demonstrating Value 02/11/2025

Five Steps To Support Your Financial Future 01/14/2025

Nutritional Therapy and Financial Planning 11/25/2024

Autumn Budget Breakdown 11/05/2024

Purpose-Led Financial Planning - With Katherine Waller of Six Degrees 10/15/2024

When The Financial Planner Met The Accountant 10/01/2024

Do You Have Time For Financial Planning? 09/17/2024

Connecting With Your Future Self 09/16/2024

Sleepwalking into Retirement Regret (And How To Avoid It) 07/09/2024

Don't Pay Too Much - Why You Need To Review Your Contracts 06/18/2024

The Century Plan x Medics Money. With Guests Dr Tommy Perkins and Dr Ed Cantelo 05/28/2024

Our Ageing Population - How It Affects Our Retirement - with guest Professor Sarah Harper CBE. 05/02/2024

When Retirement Funds Need To Deliver - How To Take Your Income. 04/16/2024

How Does The Budget Affect My Pension? - Do You Need To Act? 03/26/2024

Human Behaviour & Financial Planning - With New York Times Columnist Carl Richards 03/12/2024

Human Behaviour & Financial Planning - With New York Times Columnist Carl Richards 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 Books: Host: 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 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 /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/30328923

What Should You Be Paying for Financial Planning - What Is Fair and Who Do You Choose? 02/27/2024

What Should You Be Paying for Financial Planning - What Is Fair and Who Do You Choose? 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 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 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 /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/30118053

How Much Does Retirement Cost - How Do You Work Out If You Have Enough? 02/06/2024

If You Live to 90 - Will You Have Enough Money? 01/23/2024

If You Live to 90 - Will You Have Enough Money? As The Century Plan returns for its third season, Sarah and Dennis revisit its purpose. Episode 1 of Season 3 opens with Dennis and Sarah taking a deeper dive into the challenges we all face from longevity risk. And they highlight the marked difference between the size of pension pot needed to support you if you live to 80 or if you live past 90 years. Can we afford to live to age 100? What is longevity risk? How much money will we need for a moderate standard of living in retirement? What is the difference between a financial planner and a financial adviser? When will we need their help? As ever, Dennis and Sarah take a conversational and anecdotal approach to the complex business of financial planning. Useful information Host: 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 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: /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/29589623

Do Your Loved Ones Know About Your Finances? - Don't Leave It Too Late To Communicate 11/28/2023

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 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 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 /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/28814688

Balanced Portfolios Are Sub-Optimal - Stop Focusing On Volatility! 11/14/2023

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 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 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 /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/28623073

Who Are You Going To Call? - The Value of Advice with guest David Jones of Dimensional Fund Advisers 10/31/2023

Who Are You Going To Call? - The Value of Advice with guest David Jones of Dimensional Fund Advisers In our latest episode we sit down with guest . Just back from a cooking course in Italy, Dennis hands over to Sarah who asks David about the value of advice and the importance of the relationship in Financial Planning. David Jones, is Head of UK & Ireland Advisor Group and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors. Before joining Dimensional, David was managing director of his own financial planning firm specialising in retirement planning and investment advice for corporate and private clients. David holds an MA in military studies and a BA in American studies form the University of Manchester. He also holds Master Licenced Trainer designations in mind mapping, memory skills, speed reading and applied innovation. Who should we call when the worst happens? Why do we shy away from conversations about money? And why is this potentially damaging? What is the formula for the value of advice? Useful information Guest: Host: 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 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 /episode/index/show/the-century-plan/id/28467887

A Taste of Financial Planning

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