The Money and Meaning Show

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 e...

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 pre...

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.   Carolyn's unique background offers her 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 plann...

In today's episode, Jeff 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 tries to simplify and summarize for listeners and provides his t...

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. He shares specific tips and tricks...

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...

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 s...

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 per...

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...

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 t...

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. Listen in as Jeff details 5 key items you should check and crosscheck before takeoff on December 31! To view in video...

“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 joins Jeff again to discuss the four consistent types of behavioral risk (ego, emotion, conservatism, and attention) and how they impact investment decision-ma...

"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 d...

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...

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...

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 w...

Join Jeff as he welcomes special guest Kevin Korhorn, CFP®, ChFC, AIF®, owner of Korhorn Financial Group, Inc., to explain the some of the recent changes related to the tax code. How could these changes impact your financial plan? 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 hol...

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...

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 pe...

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'...

"Process saves us from the poverty of our intentions." -Elizabeth King, world-renowned sculptor   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. Ha...

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 de...

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 b...

"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.

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...