financial planning

By Jeff Bernier

By Jeff Bernier

It’s barely July and I’ve already had quite an adventurous summer! Ashley and I were no sooner back home from a trip to Italy when I left again for a not-to-be-missed two-day golf excursion with a few friends. Though it has certainly been a whirlwind, the past month makes me thankful for the work I’ve done to find my own version of work-life balance.

By Jeff Bernier

My family lived in South Georgia when I was in high school, about 40 miles from Florida. Just over the state line, in Monticello, the Jefferson Kennel Racetrack held live greyhound races almost every night.

By Jeff Bernier

For pilots, the pre-flight checklist is 100% mandatory. To be sure everything is in working order before leaving the ground, pilot and co-pilot work as a team. Together, they walk through each item on the checklist and verbally verify that every step has been completed. “Landing gear.” Check. “Flaps and slats.” Check. “Spoilers.” Check. “Autobrakes.” Check. Each of these items is carefully checked and crosschecked to keep the plane—and everyone onboard—safe and sound from takeoff to landing.

From a financial perspective, a detailed pre-flight checklist is just as important.

I’m not a marriage counselor or a psychologist, but boy, have I witnessed a lot of conflict among couples! As a financial planner, I’ve been helping people build stronger financial lives for almost 20 years, and I’m still amazed at the power money has to cause upset and arguments—even between the most loving, committed couples. In fact, if there’s one thing that can threaten the whole idea of marital bliss, I’m certain it is (you guessed it) money.

I’ve always been passionate about learning. It’s one reason I’ve worked with a coach of one kind or another for most of my career.