Host, Jeff Bernier, has been providing personalized financial advice to individuals and families since 1986. Jeff is passionate about sharing his knowledge and insights with others. Listen monthly to The Money & Meaning Show to hear Jeff’s take on a variety of financial topics and gain wisdom from special guests.
Check out this short clip from the latest The Money & Meaning Journey episode! For a video of the FULL EPISODE, click here.
Season 7 / Episode 3
Mapping Joy 🗺️ A Conversation on Travel, Career, and Embracing Life with Guest Rachael Levine
Host Jeff Bernier and guest Rachael Levine, partner at Peltoma Capital Partners and creator of "Tripping Millennial," delve into the enriching power of experiences over material wealth.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Rachel's journey from seeking financial stability to embracing a life filled with travel and personal growth 🌐
- The impact of an "adult gap year" on personal growth and happiness (Rachael's took her to over 36 countries!) 😊
- How Rachael says we can experience the world more deeply through sabbaticals, remote work experiences, and long term travel opportunities 🌍 acquiring experiences > acquiring things
- A debate on the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early) and the potential pitfalls of the movement 🔥
- Tips for balancing career, passion projects, and adventure 🌟
➡️➡️ Click here to view full video! ⬅️⬅️
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email: moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 7 / Episode 2
Love, Trust, and Money: Strategies for Financial Harmony with guests Doug and Heather Boneparth
Host Jeff Bernier welcomes guests Doug and Heather Boneparth to this episode! Doug and Heather delve into the key elements of fostering a healthy financial relationship between partners:
🤝 Connection: Start by initiating conversations about your money beliefs and behaviors, using resources like therapist-guided questionnaires to guide the discussion.
🗣️ Communication: Schedule dedicated times for distraction-free discussions, ensuring both partners have the space to express their thoughts and feelings about finances without interruptions.
➕ Contribution: Recognize and honor each other's contributions to the relationship, going beyond financial aspects to include personal contributions and household responsibilities.
🛠️ Collaboration: Establish transparency by understanding where money is coming from and going, utilizing tools like net worth tables and budgeting spreadsheets to facilitate productive conversations about financial decisions.
⏰ Consistency: Commit to regular check-ins, ideally on a quarterly basis, to review changes in net worth, spending habits, and overall financial goals, fostering long-term financial health and relationship strength.
➡️➡️ Click here to view full video! ⬅️⬅️
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email: moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 7 / Episode 1
Investment Insights 🗣️ A Conversation with Ben Felix, Co-Host the Rational Reminder Podcast
Join host Jeff Bernier, President of TandemGrowth Financial Advisors, and guest Ben Felix, Portfolio Manager and Head of Research at PWL Capital, for an enlightening episode of The Money & Meaning Show.
Ben Felix shares insights from renowned experts in academia and the financial industry, shedding light on the consensus that owning the market portfolio through low-cost index funds is an excellent starting point for most investors. The conversation also explores the nuances of differentiating from the market—a point of contention among experts.
Furthermore, they discuss Professor Scott Cederberg whose research focuses on the long-horizon performance of a range of asset classes and investment types and what the implications may be for retail investors, challenging conventional wisdom that stocks always outperform in the long run and advocating for global diversification.
Ben Felix shares insights from interviews with retirement experts, highlighting the importance of embracing uncertainty as investors. Jeff and Ben highlight the role of financial advisors in helping clients navigate uncertainty, creating portfolios aligned with their goals, and providing reassurance during market downturns. The discussion underscores that the art of financial planning and advisory services and how it complements the scientific analysis of asset allocation, as clients' trust and the ability to stick with a chosen strategy are crucial factors in long-term success.
#Investing #EvidenceBasedInvesting #LongTermInvesting
➡️➡️ Click here to view full video! ⬅️⬅️
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email: moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 10
The Year-End Positive Focus: Finding Optimism Amidst Challenges
In this special year-end episode of The Money & Meaning Show, host Jeff Bernier delves into the theme of positivity and optimism. Despite the challenges and negativity that often dominate the headlines and social media, Jeff presents a data-driven perspective on the progress humanity has made in various aspects of life. Drawing from historical and contemporary data, he shares insights on economic growth, poverty reduction, increased life expectancy, and more.
Jeff encourages listeners to adopt a rational optimism mindset and reflects on how focusing on the positive can inspire personal growth and a sense of purpose. This episode serves as a refreshing reminder to appreciate the progress we've made and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024.
Jeff Bernier: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Fund Specialist, Chartered Financial Consultant, and President of TandemGrowth Financial Advisors, LLC, based in Alpharetta, GA. Jeff has been providing personalized financial advice since 1986 and is the author of The Money & Meaning Journey.
➡️➡️ Click here to view full video! ⬅️⬅️
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email: moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 9
Year-End Tune-Up 🔧 Financial Checklist Ideas for Different Life Stages with guest Mona Fahmy
Join host Jeff Bernier and special guest Wealth Advisor Mona Fahmy as they dive into the world of year-end financial planning tailored to individuals in different life stages. Whether you're still advancing your career and focused on building wealth or navigating retirement, this episode is packed with insights regarding items to consider for your end of year financial checklist.
Learn more about what to review at year end related to open enrollment, tax efficiency, healthcare, charitable giving, cash flow, portfolio management, estate planning, and more!
#financialplanningchecklist #financialreview #openenrollment
Find Jeff's latest release, The Money & Meaning Journey, which covers many of the same topics discussed in this podcast in more depth here.
➡️➡️Click here to view full video!⬅️⬅️
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 8
Navigating the Wealth Management Landscape with Matt Reiner: From Family Business Dynamics to AI and Creative Space
Host Jeff Bernier welcomes special guest Matt Reiner, and together, they explore a diverse range of topics:
Key Discussion Points:
- 🧠 The Curse of Knowledge: Discover why Matt believes it's vital for leaders and entrepreneurs to balance their experience with adaptability and openness to new ideas within their organizations.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Business Challenges: Gain insights from Matt's personal experiences and lessons learned in the context of family businesses.
- 💼 Finding the Right Financial Advisor: Learn how to trust your instincts and build authentic relationships based on trust, comfort, and authenticity.
- 🤖 AI vs. Human Touch: Delve into the impact of AI on the financial advisory industry and why the human touch remains irreplaceable.
- 🌌 Fostering Creativity: Explore the importance of creating space for creativity, maintaining curiosity, and seeking fresh perspectives.
- Matt Reiner: CFA® Charterholder, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and partner at Capital Investment Advisors, Atlanta, Georgia. He's also the managing partner of Wela Strategies, focusing on the investment needs of the mass affluent.
- Jeff Bernier: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Fund Specialist, Chartered Financial Consultant, and President of TandemGrowth Financial Advisors, LLC, based in Alpharetta, GA. Jeff has been providing personalized financial advice since 1986 and is the author of "The Money & Meaning Journey."
Find Jeff's latest release, The Money & Meaning Journey, which covers many of the same topics discussed in this podcast in more depth here.
➡️➡️Click here to view full video!⬅️⬅️
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 7
A Deep Dive Into Investing: From Human Capital to AI with Wes Crill of Dimensional Fund Advisors
Host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS welcomes guest Wes Crill, Senior Investment Director and Vice President, Dimensional Fund Advisors, to The Money & Meaning Show podcast!
In this episode, Wes and Jeff dive deep into the world of investments! They cover a wide range of topics, including:
💰👩⚕️Understanding the difference between financial capital and human capital and how their impact and our risk profile change throughout our lives
🌟 Exploring the fundamentals of factor investing, the characteristics associated with higher expected returns, and how to determine how far to tilt
🪙 Delving into the world of fixed income, its relevance when cash is yielding nearly 5%, and discussing strategies to manage different types of risks with it
🤖 Wes's intriguing perspective on Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact (or lack thereof) on capital markets and investment strategies.
#MoneyAndMeaning #InvestmentInsights #FactorInvesting #ArtificialIntelligence #FinancialIntelligence
Dimensional Fund Advisors, founded in 1981, has a long history of applying academic research to practical investing. They offer a full range of equity and fixed income strategies designed to target higher expected returns. Learn more by clicking here.
Find Jeff's latest release, The Money & Meaning Journey, which covers many of the same topics discussed in this podcast in more depth here.
➡️➡️Click here to view full video!⬅️⬅️
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 6
Embracing an Investment Philosophy: Guiding Your Journey with Rationality and Resilience
In today's episode, President and Wealth Advisor Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS delves into the world of investing and explores how a well-defined investment philosophy can be your guiding light through market turmoil and triumphs. From the Great Financial Crisis to the dominance of AI-driven stocks, we journey through changing financial landscapes over our investing lifetime. Uncovering the power of a solid investment strategy may help long-term investors stay the course.
Join Jeff as he outlines key principles of a long-term investment portfolio, backed by evidence-based research. He'll also dive into the importance of diversification across asset classes and the recognition that the future might not always mirror the past.
The ultimate goal? Helping you build and preserve wealth over time, by staying true to your investment philosophy. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and strategies that may empower you to weather market fluctuations and build a prosperous financial future.
Find Jeff's latest release, The Money & Meaning Journey, which covers many of the same topics discussed in this podcast in more depth here.
Click here to view full video!
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 5
From the Navy to Consultancy: Navigating Meaning and Success in your Second Act with guest Bruce Johnsen
In today's episode, host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS welcomes special guest Bruce Johnsen, a former US Navy line officer, Vietnam veteran, and current management consultant to share his inspiring journey from the Navy to consultancy. Bruce reflects on his early days in the Navy and struggles he faced when retiring at the early age of 45. Bruce shares some interesting stories from many years of international work and goes on to offer the life lessons he has learned so far at 85 years young. Jeff and Bruce delve into an insightful discussion on Mitch Anthony's concept "work" and how the role and reason for work evolves through one's lifetime.
Find Jeff's latest release, The Money & Meaning Journey, which covers many of the same topics discussed in this podcast in more depth here.
Click here to view full video!
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 4
Unlocking the Wisdom of the Dying: 8 Regrets of the Dying and 5 Keys to Living and Dying Regret-Free with guest Dr. Allen Hunt
Join host Jeff Bernier in a profound exploration alongside best-selling author Dr. Allen Hunt as they delve into the concept of living a life without regrets. ✨ Can it truly be accomplished?
Drawing upon his moniker as the renowned "Fourth Quarter Guy" and a wealth of extensive research on aging, dying, and regrets, Dr. Hunt delves into the 8 common regrets that haunt the dying. From these findings, he unearths 5 fundamental keys that pave the way towards living and departing without regrets. 🔑🌟 No matter what quarter of life you are in, prepare to be inspired as they share invaluable insights on how you can incorporate these keys into your life and financial plan! 💡
Find Allen's latest release, No Regrets: A Fable About Living Your 4th Quarter Intentionally here.
Find Jeff's latest release, The Money & Meaning Journey, which covers many of the same topics discussed in this podcast in more depth here.
Click here to view full video!
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 3
Build a Portfolio that Assumes the Market is "Right" with guest Cameron Passmore, CIM®, FMA, FCSI, Executive Chairman and Portfolio Manager, PWL Capital
In the episode, host Jeff Bernier welcomes guest Cameron Passmore, CIM®, FMA, FCSI, Executive Chairman and Portfolio Manager at PWL Capital in Canada. Cameron shares his firm's strong belief in evidence-based investing and why they believe so strongly in the philosophy.
Jeff and Cameron discuss the importance of an advisor's role in going deep with clients who often aren't thinking broadly enough or deeply enough when it comes to formulating goals.
The episode concludes with the topic of portfolio construction - why it's crucial to know your definition of risk, the importance of a plan and sticking with it, and what the industry loves to sell you but Cameron believes isn't needed.
Check out PWL's white paper on non-financial considerations they've deemed worthy of consideration in financial decisions: Finding and Funding a Good Life
Find Jeff's latest release, The Money & Meaning Journey, which covers many of the same topics discussed in this podcast in more depth here.
Click here to view full video!
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 2
Maximizing Social Security Benefits: Special guest Alicia Lipscomb shares her expertise to help navigate the program
Navigating Social Security can be tricky and confusing. That's why we invited special guest Alicia Lipscomb to The Money & Meaning Show to share her expertise on maximizing Social Security benefits.
Alicia has been with the Social Security Administration for over 22 years, and she will help you understand the ins-and-outs of Social Security so that you can make sure you are getting the most out of your benefits. In this podcast, she'll go over strategies to maximize payments, tips for spousal benefits, and much more.
Click here to view full video!
If you have not already done so, please check out Jeff's new book! The Money & Meaning Journey book
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 6 / Episode 1
How to Achieve "Funded Contentment" in Your Life with guest Brian Portnoy
In today's episode, Jeff welcomes bestselling author and founder of Shaping Wealth Brian Portnoy, Ph.D., CFA to discuss the difference between being "rich" and being "wealthy". Brian is an expert at simplifying the complex world of money. In the episode, Brian touches on a concept from his book The Geometry of Wealth: How to shape a life of money and meaning, that the true meaning of wealth is "funded contentment", the ability to underwrite a meaningful life.
As humans, we can get stuck on the hedonic treadmill when no matter what we pursue in life, even when we achieve our goals, we are always left wanting the next thing. Why won't money and stuff alone make you happy? Brian lays out a 3-step iterative process that everyone can follow to help align or calibrate the life you want to live with your balance sheet and portfolio.
Click here to view full video!
If you have not already done so, please check out Jeff's new book! The Money & Meaning Journey book
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 5 / Episode 11
How to Create Significance in Your Second Half with guest Dick Gygi, Founding Partner of FUEL
Are you in the middle or late stages of your career and struggling with "what's next"?
In today's episode, host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS welcomes special guest Dick Gygi. Dick has an impressive resume having served as a President of a number of consumer products companies for over 40 years, most recently as the President of PlusMark, a subsidiary of American Greetings. But, what's more impressive is all that he has been able to accomplish since retiring in 2001.In the episode, Dick shares life stories that have greatly impacted who he is and led him to create significance in his second half. Dick served as a Master Coach with the Halftime Institute and continues to advise entrepreneurs through FUEL for Good, LLC. He shares some of the advice he gives when coaching mid to late career professionals on how to create meaning in retirement.
Click here to view full video!
If you have not already done so, please check out Jeff's new book! The Money & Meaning Journey book
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 5 / Episode 10
Why Should I Care About the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? with special guest Chase Carey, concierge broker with Carey Benefits
In 2022, during the period between October 15 and December 7, Medicare open enrollment, also known as the annual election period, occurs. The many Medicare options and decisions can often cause confusion among those approaching 65.
In today's episode, host Jeff Bernier welcomes Chase Carey, concierge broker with Carey Benefits. Jeff and Chase discuss many of the common questions around Medicare enrollment and coverage. Listen in and check out Chase's free download Busy Executive Guide to Medicare - 2022 which summarizes some of the key points and benefits of Medicare!
Click here to view full video!
If you have not already done so, please check out Jeff's new book! The Money & Meaning Journey book
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
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Season 5 / Episode 9
How Should I Prepare for Open Enrollment? with Special Guests from BIS Benefits President Ray Bachman and Account Manager John Schmidt
Host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS welcomes BIS Benefits, a Georgia company serving businesses for over 24 years to help develop benefit plans, President Ray Bachman and Account Manager John Schmidt.
Ray and John share what you should think about as you choose options and choose how to fund them during open enrollment. In addition, they talk about costly mistakes they've seen made and how you can prevent them (reviewing beneficiary designations, long-term disability coverage for high-earners, making sure your doctors are in network).
Click here to view full video!
We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
Season 5 / Episode 8
Are you ready for the "Big Four" transitions of aging?
In today's episode, host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS is joined by Carolyn McClanahan, M.D., CFP® to discuss a sometimes difficult topic: preparing financially, emotionally, and physically for aging.
Her unique background offers a different perspective. Carolyn began her career as a physician but later made a career change when she and her husband were unable to find a financial planner to provide them the advice and guidance needed to create a great life.
Carolyn and Jeff dive into the big four decisions that need to be made in preparation for aging. The cost of long-term care and insurance, healthcare, and housing can be quite expensive but Carolyn shares some examples of how avoiding these decisions could be even costlier.
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We'd love to hear your ideas on topics you'd like covered in future episodes! Please feel free to email moneyandmeaning@tandemgrowth.com.
Season 5 / Episode 7
"Hey Alexa, is the 60/40 portfolio dead?"
In today's episode, host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS discusses a potpourri of topics related to bonds and the current market environment:
- the role of bonds in portfolios
- possibility of higher correlations between stocks and bonds
- shares views on a currently popular question: Is the 60/40 portfolio dead?
With so many articles out there about these topics, Jeff attempts to simplify and summarize for listeners and provides his takeaways.
Click here to view full video!
Season 5 / Episode 6
Why is Cyber Crime on the Rise and How Can You Protect Yourself?
Host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS welcomes guest Steven Ryder, President and Founder of True North Networks, LLC, a firm providing IT Support such as technical help-desk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses since 2002.
In the episode, Steve simplifies some of the terms often heard in the news related to cyber security such as ransomware and brute force attack. He shares specific tips and tricks he recommends and uses himself to better protect yourself and your technology among these rising cyber threats. Are you using multi-factor authentication wherever available and these other tips Steve shares? Listen in to find out!
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Season 5 / Episode 5
What Can You Do to Maintain Perspective Amid Volatile Times?
In today's episode, host Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS focuses on providing perspective during these uneasy times of inflation, rising rates, and volatility. Over a lifetime of investing, it is his belief that investor behavior is the dominant determinant in the long-term success or failure of an investment strategy.
Jeff shares his thoughts and other academics' expertise in the episode to guide listeners in how to invest rationally and not emotionally by reiterating the importance of a financial plan. To learn more about TandemGrowth's investment philosophy, visit us here. Our recent blog post highlights this same topic and can be read here.
Click here to view full video!
Season 5 / Episode 4
Special Needs Planning: Navigating the public benefits maze with special guests attorneys Heather Nadler and Laura Akins Smith from Nadler Biernath LLC
For parents and grandparents of children with a disability, planning for their needs can often be frustrating and overwhelming. On today's episode, Jeff welcomes special guests attorneys Heather Nadler and Laura Akins Smith from Nadler Biernath LLC Special Needs and Elder Law.
Under the umbrella of estate planning falls a specialty called special needs planning. Heather and Laura talk through complexities of long-term planning for children who have special needs. They explain some benefits that may be available before the age of 18 as well as benefits like Social Security and Medicaid. Their firm encourages and helps families to develop a Life Care Plan - to put all that is in the caregiver's head onto paper.
Click here to view full video!
Season 5 / Episode 3
What Can a Financial Planner Do For You? with special guest Wealth Advisor Mona Fahmy, MBA, CFS, AIF®
Some believe the feeling of financial confidence or the benefits of a financial planner can only apply to the later phases of life. In today's episode, Jeff welcomes Wealth Advisor Mona Fahmy, MBA, CFS, AIF® to the show. Mona discusses the process of engaging a financial planner, what to expect, and common financial struggles she sees.
They touch on the many ways a financial advisor can help a person in all stages of life but specifically those in their 40s who are feeling strained in balancing a successful career, a growing family, and financial goals. Jeff describes the metamorphosis he often sees of a client on their journey once they have a plan and understand their choices to a sense of freedom.
Click here to view full video!
Season 5 / Episode 2
Evolution of Investment Management: Go Where the Financial Science Leads? with special guest Eduardo Repetto, Ph.D.
Join Jeff Bernier as he welcomes special guest, Chief Investment Officer of Avantis Investors®, Eduardo Repetto, Ph.D. to the show!
As Chief Investment Officer, Eduardo is responsible for directing the research, design and implementation of Avantis Investors® investment strategies, providing oversight of the investment team and the firm's marketing initiatives, and interacting with clients.
In today's episode, Jeff and Eduardo discuss the evolution of investment management including some limitations of the great innovation called indexing as well as the outdated definition many have of the term "value."
Season 5 / Episode 1
What Is An Estate Plan and Do You Need One?
When it comes to estate planning, many feel overwhelmed or wonder if they need a plan. In this month's episode, Jeff welcomes Estate Planning Attorney Tony Turner to summarize the three to four legal documents everyone should have in place.
They discuss why each of these documents is so important as well as give suggestions for how you can reduce your taxable estate during your life. Tony shares the common mistakes he sees people make when it comes to estate planning and recent changes to the law that may impact your plan.
Season 4 / Episode 11
Welcome to Flight 2022! Are you prepared to take off into the New Year?
“A checklist cannot fly a plane. Instead, they provide reminders of only the most critical and important steps." -Atul Gawande, The Checklist Manifesto
For pilots, the pre-flight checklist is 100% mandatory. To be sure everything is in working order before takeoff, pilot and co-pilot work through a checklist verifying each step has been completed. From a financial perspective, a detailed pre-flight checklist is just as important. On today's Money & Meaning Show, listen in as Jeff details 5 key items you should check and crosscheck before takeoff on December 31!
Season 4 / Episode 10
How to Become More Empowered and Rational as an Investor--with special guest Dr. Daniel Crosby
“Humans are wired to act; markets tend to reward inaction.” ― Daniel Crosby, The Behavioral Investor
On today's episode of Money & Meaning, psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Daniel Crosby discusses the four consistent types of behavioral risk (ego, emotion, conservatism, and attention) and how they impact investment decision-making. He points to goals-based investing as one way to bring about positive behavior. Listen in to Jeff and Daniel describe additional techniques you can use to become a more rational investor!
Season 4 / Episode 9
Why Do You Need An Investment Philosophy?
"The important thing about an investment philosophy is that you have one you can stick with." David Booth, Co-Founder, Dimensional Fund Advisors
What is an investment philosophy and why does it matter? In this month's episode, Jeff tackles the fundamentals of a solid investment philosophy: faith in the capital markets, patience, and a disciplined approach. He shares practical considerations to develop your own investing process using the 6 pillars of TandemGrowth's investment philosophy. Click here for the 6 pillars of the investment journey to financial freedom.
Season 4 / Episode 8
Purpose-Driven Burnout: Who Needs a Day Off When You're Not Really Working?
It has been said "if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life."
In this month's episode, Jeff discusses how this advice is not always true - how passion can become a double-edged sword. As he works with clients to uncover what matters most to them, it's important to recognize if passion has led to burnout.
Are you feeling the signs of burnout? Listen in to the episode to find out why certain sectors, more specifically purpose-driven work, put employees at increased risk of burnout, how to recognize it, and what you can do to address it.
Season 4 / Episode 7
Evidence-Based Investing: What Is It?
Join Jeff he as welcomes back special guest Jake DeKinder, CFA, Head of Client Communication with Dimensional Fund Advisors. They provide a primer on the concept of "evidence-based investing" and discuss how Dimensional evolves and constantly tests its own assumptions as many wonder "is the world different now?".
What are Dimensional's views on potential tax increases, ETFs vs mutual funds, asset allocation, and implementation?
Season 4 / Episode 6
3 Top Questions from Investors Answered
Is it time to panic about inflation? In this low yield, rising rate environment, should I even own bonds? As a long-term investor, should I invest in cryptocurrency?
As we enter the halfway point of 2021, TandemGrowth recognizes three themes in recent investor questions: inflation, interest rates, and crypto. Join Jeff as he welcomes special guest Jake DeKinder, CFA, Head of Client Communication with Dimensional Fund Advisors. Jake touches on how they address these topics with their investors as well as how you can think about these topics as they relate to your portfolio.
Season 4 / Episode 5
What You Need to Know About Recent Tax Changes and How Tax Planning Can Impact Your Financial Plan
Join Jeff as he welcomes special guest Kevin Korhorn, CFP®, ChFC, AIF®, owner of Korhorn Financial Group, Inc., to explain some of the recent changes related to the tax code. Kevin and Jeff will share specific techniques and strategies they suggest as financial planners to their clients. Kevin argues that now more than ever working with a holistic financial planner is crucial as it relates to understanding your personal financial circumstances, developing techniques and strategies around tax planning, and helping execute them alongside your tax professional.
How can you qualify for the premium tax credit to cover health insurance premiums between the ages of 60 and 65? Can you make after-tax contributions to a 401k? What is a qualified charitable distribution and could it save you taxes on an otherwise taxable distribution from your IRA?
Listen in to find out how recent tax code changes could impact your financial plan!
Season 4 / Episode 4
A Hero's Journey: Do you have what it takes to RETIRE?
How do I retire? When can I retire? What do I want to do in retirement? Could lower expected returns or a potential bear market impact my ability to retire? Could I outlive my money?
If these are questions you've recently been asking yourself, you may just be our "hero". In this month's episode, Jeff takes us on a journey of a hero, a mid- to late-career executive, using the universal elements of storytelling from Joseph Campbell and Donald Miller.
Will our hero find a guide to develop a plan for his or her problem? Listen in to find out!
Season 4 / Episode 3
How to Create Meaning in Retirement
Like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz, have you lost your heart? Are you struggling to find meaning in your career or retirement?
Listen in as Jeff welcomes special guest Mark Danzey with Wisepath Mediation and Coaching. They discuss how declared values and defined goals help create accountability leading to meaning and purpose in life. These answers are within us but often times take a trusted person, coach, or advisor asking the right questions and help discovering, "what's possible?".
Learn how you can start right now to create clarity around your passion and purpose so you don't suffer from a lack of direction and missed opportunities!
Season 4 / Episode 2
Ever wonder what is discussed in Investment Committee meetings?
A behind the scenes glimpse of investment planning topics you might hear covered while listening in to an Investment Committee meeting. Join Jeff as he welcomes special guest David Hulstrom, MBA, CFP®, CFA, ChFC®, CAIA, CPWA®, CIMA®, co-founder and chief investment officer of Financial Architects. David is a thought leader in the wealth management industry and serves as a consultant to many firms' investment committees.
Included in the discussion are topics such as expected returns, risk tolerance, diversification, equity risk premium, forecasting, factors, frame of reference risk, what to keep in mind when constructing a retirement income portfolio, and why you should "save like a pessimist and invest like an optimist" as Morgan Housel says.
Season 4 / Episode 1
Have you found yourself overwhelmed with the idea of GOALS?
Is it easy for you to get so focused on the future that you fail to live in the present? Listen in as Jeff discusses a topic often on people's minds in the month of January - goal setting. He provides some tips from experience as well as knowledge he has gained from experts on the subject of goals.
Have you defined and committed to your 20 Mile March? Do you have a daily success ritual? In addition, Jeff explains what it means that TandemGrowth provides goal focused, planning driven wealth management and the importance of that distinction.
Season 3 / Episode 12
Which common myths surrounding Medicaid are untrue
Have you found yourself confused with the complexity and ever-changing state and federal regulations related to planning around Medicaid, eldercare, long-term care, or Veteran's Aid & Attendance?
Join Jeff and Mike as they welcome elder law attorney, Dan Munster, who has been practicing law in Georgia for 27 years. Dan tries to simplify the eligibility rules surrounding these complex issues and debunk some of the myths about Medicaid.
Season 3 / Episode 11
What Does a Mortgage Loan Officer Think About Debt and if Now is a Good Time to Refinance
With rates at historic lows, many are wondering if they should consider refinancing or buying a home. Join Jeff and Mike as they welcome Ed Wheeler, a seasoned mortgage loan officer, to discuss the history of the mortgage industry, how to compare rates, costs, and terms, and if now is a good time to refinance.
If you're interested in reading more about this topic, consider revisiting Jeff's July blog post Don't Waste the Crisis: Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
Season 3 / Episode 10:
Why Politics and Investing Don't Mix
"If you mix politics and investing you're making a big mistake." -Warren Buffett
There's a lot of NOISE around the election this year. With all that's going on this year, Jeff still remains a rational optimist. Listen in to hear why as Jeff and Mike discuss the election and the markets while addressing frequently asked questions from clients.
Season 3 / Episode 9:
Why Risk Management should be a part of a Holistic Wealth Management Plan--with special guest Tyler Smith, a specialist in income protection
A Risk Management Plan can free you to enjoy your journey by feeling confident that you protected your income, assets and loved ones from possible future risks. We insure against things that can go wrong so that we have the luxury to invest for things that we hope "go right”. Depending on your age and career status, your future income may be your largest asset which should be protected. Join Jeff and Mike as they discuss income protection planning with Tyler Smith, a specialist in designing insurance solutions for disability income protection.
Season 3 / Episode 8:
Everything I Learned About Investing I Learned in Court
What can we learn from investors who have had bad experiences working with an advisor? Jeff and Mike are joined by Robert C. Port, an Atlanta litigation attorney, who will share what he has learned while representing clients in matters related to investment advice. They discuss an unlikely collaboration, the benefits of a fiduciary relationship, and an investment philosophy that evolved from experiences in court.
Season 3 / Episode 7:
Investment Update for Midyear 2020
Is it different this time? Unprecedented, historical, tumultuous, and chaotic are all words that could describe what’s happened to the stock market and investment universe in 2020. And we’re only halfway through the year! Jeff and Mike discuss what is shaping the investment landscape today and whether today’s unusual situation actually does make this stock market different than before.
Season 3 / Episode 6:
Navigating the complexities of Medicare—with special guest Melinda Caughill
If you or someone you care about is turning 65, listen in! Even with closures due to COVID, deadlines still exist for Medicare enrollment. Join Jeff as he welcomes special guest, Melinda Caughill, to answer many questions related to the ins and outs of Medicare and what has and has not changed in the Medicare landscape. Melinda is a Medicare expert and co-founder of 65 Incorporated and i65 Medicare guidance software.
Season 3 / Episode 5:
How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life
Do you have time poverty? If so, you're not alone. Our society and our minds conspire against us when it comes to time and happiness. On today's episode of Money & Meaning, join Jeff as he welcomes Dr. Ashley Whillans, associate professor at Harvard University, to discuss her book Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life.
Season 3 / Episode 4:
Take the opportunity to carve out time for Deep Work
This podcast was recorded back in late February before the Coronavirus upset our world. While some of our comments about an April tax filing deadline are certainly no longer relevant, the value of taking time to “Go Deep” is still relevant. On today's episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike discuss Cal Newport's book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Maybe our current “shelter in place” lifestyle will afford us an opportunity to carve out time for less distractions and more focus to accomplish Deep Work.
Season 3 / Episode 3:
The impact of the SECURE Act on your retirement savings
When the SECURE Act was signed into law last December, it delivered the most sweeping changes to retirement planning we’ve seen in decades—some of which will have major repercussions for years to come. On today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike discuss the changes that impact pre-retirees and retirees the most (including the elimination of the “stretch” provision for IRAs) and share how to use the SECURE Act to your advantage to protect your retirement savings and support multi-generational planning.
Season 3 / Episode 2:
Tax-advantaged gifting strategies—with special guests Boyd Bailey and Rachel Watson
Giving is often fundamental for those traveling the path from success to significance. On today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike welcome special guests Boyd Bailey and Rachel Watson of the non-profit National Christian Foundation to discuss tax-advantaged gifting strategies. Whether you are seeking a strategy to support your normal pattern of giving, or you are looking for new ways to support your personal generosity, vehicles like Donor-Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and Single Charity Funds can help you make the most of every gift.
Season 3 / Episode 1:
A New Year’s buffet: Make 2020 your best year yet!
As we kick off the New Year, it’s a great time to get intentional about creating a meaningful future. On today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike offer a buffet of insights and information to help you start the year out strong. Focusing on key goals that drive improvements across your life; operating from a place of humility and gratitude; and working with a coach that offers technical, operational, and relational excellence are at the forefront of this wealth management smorgasbord.
Season 2 / Episode 12:
How and when to claim Social Security—with special guest Alicia Lipscomb
One of the biggest financial decisions in your 60s is when and how to claim Social Security. Postponing your claim until age 70 can significantly increase your benefit amount, and yet more than half of eligible recipients file at age 62—decreasing their potential monthly income by as much as 57%. On today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Alicia Lipscomb (aka “The Social Security Lady”) sheds light on strategies to increase your lifetime benefits, as well as how to claim spousal benefits (even if you’re no longer married) and benefits for widows and dependents.
Season 2 / Episode 11:
End-of-Year Planning: What’s on your checklist?
By its nature, holistic wealth management encompasses a lengthy list of components. As year-end approaches, working through a carefully constructed checklist is one of the best ways to ensure every piece of your own financial puzzle is fully optimized. On today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Mike and Jeff walk through the most critical items on the list, what has to be tackled when, and how to manage time-sensitive tasks that must be completed by December 31.
Season 2 / Episode 10:
Minds, Markets & Money—with special guest Dr. Daniel Crosby
Does it surprise you to know that how an investor behaves can have a much greater impact on the success or failure of an investment strategy than an investment strategy itself? On today’s episode of Money & Meaning, psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Daniel Crosby discusses the psychological and biological factors that can thwart wise investment decisions, and why doing less is often better then doing more in the world of investing.
Season 2 / Episode 9:
The Path to Purpose—with special guest Rick Thompson
Often, the path to building a meaningful second half of life is rooted in challenges from the past. On today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Rick Thompson, co-founder of Atlanta-based Champions Community Foundation, shares his own story of how parenting a child with mitochondrial disease inspired a public charity that empowers young adults with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and physical injury to live independent, productive, and physically active lives.
Season 2 / Episode 8:
The Power of Decisions: Moulaye Niang’s path from star athlete to valued portfolio advisor
Every decision in our lives plays a role in dictating our future. In this special episode of Money & Meaning, Dimensional Fund Advisors’ Moulaya Niang shares how his own decisions and long-term outlook took him from his boyhood dreams of becoming a pro soccer player in Senegal, to becoming a star athlete at the University of Kansas, to helping investors and advisors build efficient portfolios.
Season 2 / Episode 7:
The Experience Transformer: Turning every experience into a learning experience
Things don’t always go as planned—in our lives or in our finances. The challenge is to take every experience, good or bad, to learn and move forward with greater confidence. In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike discuss what to do when things go awry and how to answer the question, “Where do I go from here?”
Season 2 / Episode 6:
Getting rational: Lessons from Hans Rosling on how real data about the real world can drive better investment decisions
In his book Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think, Hans Rosling provides powerful insights into how knowing the facts (which are often far different from the headlines) can help us perceive the world more accurately. In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike discuss how this new perspective can make us all better investors.
Season 2 / Episode 5:
Millennials and Money: Special guest Cam Marston shares how to talk money with your next generation
Every generation views money differently. As a result, how we communicate with our kids and grandkids about our financial values can have a huge impact on the future--both theirs and our own. In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike welcome Cam Marston, President of Generational Insights, who shares his thoughts on helping the next generation achieve 'money & meaning' in the decades to come.
Season 2 / Episode 4:
The true cost of ‘certainty’ when investing for the future
There are certain financial products that promise to bring safety to your retirement income strategy. But is it possible that this ‘cure’ may actually be the cause of the disease? In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike discuss the true cost of certainty, and how understanding what truly increases the risk of not having enough income in retirement can help you create a strategy that can deliver.
Season 2 / Episode 3:
Achieve life-long financial freedom by creating an income stream that can actually rise in retirement
However you choose to define “retirement,” financial freedom in your post-career years requires a rising income stream—one that not only lasts for the duration of your lifetime, but also outpaces the rate of inflation. In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike discuss the challenge of building an investment strategy that can grow your income once you’re no longer trading your own labor for a paycheck.
Season 2 / Episode 2:
Exploring your "Retirementality" with special guest Mitch Anthony
What is your Retirementality? In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff and Mike welcome special guest Mitch Anthony, a pioneer in the financial life planning movement and author of The New Retirementality. Join us as Mitch shares his perspectives on the true definition of work, and how rethinking the “artificial finish line” of retirement can transform your life—no matter what your age today.
Season 2 / Episode 1:
Understanding the (wild and crazy) capital markets heading into 2019
If the capital markets have you concerned, today’s episode of Money & Meaning can help. In this precursor to our January 24 investment review webinar (click here to register), Jeff provides some perspective as he discusses the risks and opportunities ahead, the value of a sound investment strategy, and how investors can prepare heading into the New Year.
Season 1 / Episode 12:
Things that make you go “Hmmm” with special guest David Hultstrom
In this final episode of 2018, Jeff and Mike welcome David Hultstrom, co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Architects who shares his 4 rules for guaranteed financial success. From the obvious (start saving as early as possible) to the less intuitive (hedge as much risk as you reasonably can), his guidelines are great suggestions for balancing what you have with what you need—today and far into the future.
Season 1 / Episode 11:
Rethinking capital market assumptions to create an optimal (not perfect!) portfolio
Are you using the right information to build your long-term investment portfolio? In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff discusses why it may be time to rethink traditional market assumptions, the reason ‘expected returns’ don’t always deliver expected outcomes, and why a ‘perfect’ portfolio isn’t always a perfect choice.
Season 1 / Episode 10:
If I died tonight: Planning for the financial impact of the unplanned
It’s a topic no one likes to talk about, but careful planning is the best way to ensure that money is the very last thing your loved ones will need to worry about should you die or become disabled. In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff discusses the important role of life insurance in your holistic wealth management plan.
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Season 1 / Episode 9:
The path to evidence-based investment planning
It’s said that true wisdom doesn’t have to be complicated, and yet for many of us, the path to wise investing is anything but a straight line. In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff sheds light on ways to streamline that path, and how evidence-based investing can help you reach your long-term investment goals.
Season 1 / Episode 8:
Trust the process: Creating predictability in an unpredictable world
No one likes surprises—especially when it comes to money. But in an unpredictable world, how can investors make wise choices to reach their life goals? In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff shares the importance of focusing on the things that matter and instilling rules, habits, and disciplines that lead to success.
Season 1 / Episode 7:
Creating a life of greater joy: Introducing Jeff Spadafora and ‘The Joy Model’
Building a concrete vision of your end game is really the only way to create meaningful change in your life. In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff welcomes special guest Jeff Spadafora, a Christian life coach and author The Joy Model. Jeff shares his own path toward meaning and offers insights on how to build a life of greater joy.
Season 1 / Episode 6:
Fostering healthy investor behavior using an evidence-based approach
It’s often said that investors who fail to reach their goals do so not because of what their investments do, but what they do to their investments. In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff reveals how an evidence-based investment approach encourages healthier investor behavior and, ultimately, improves the potential for a rising income stream over time.
Season 1 / Episode 5:
Uncovering your unique abilities to create a purpose-filled life
Your unique abilities are found in places where passion, excellence, and the ability to serve others intersect. But recognizing that confluence when it happens is often easier said than done. In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff walks through processes and tools that can help you excavate and identify your greatest strengths.
Season 1 / Episode 4:
Tax-efficient charitable giving: Using “free bridges” to support your personal gifting strategy
For many people, charitable giving is vital to Money & Meaning. In today’s episode, Jeff shares how the new tax law’s “free bridges” can be used to preserve your capital resources and align your gifting strategy with your personal values.
Season 1 / Episode 3:
What are your great goals in life?
Great financial planning is much broader than investing alone. In today's episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff asks, "What are your great life goals?" and then shares how allocating your limited resources to support your goals can drive a better, more personalized financial plan.
Season 1 / Episode 2:
Putting First Things First: 4 Questions to Help You Uncover What Matters Most
Understanding what truly matters most in our own lives is rarely as obvious as we’d like to think. In today’s episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff walks through the 4 key questions that can help ensure that the “things that matter most are never at the mercy of the things that matter least.”
Season 1 / Episode 1:
It’s a Wonderful Life: Jeff’s Journey & the legacy of George Bailey
Being authentic in life is critical to achieving your goals. Jeff shares how his personal experiences have led him to his current philosophy and why, after three decades as a financial planner, he believes that aligning your values and your resources should be every investor’s number-one goal.
