Join Jeff Bernier, CFP®, ChFC, CFS for quick insights and meaningful conversations with experienced professionals in wealth management, psychology, and personal development to help you navigate your path to a purposeful retirement.
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June 9, 2026Episode 3344 min
Beyond Stocks and Bonds: Rethinking Diversification for Retirement with Peter Nakada
In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier speaks with Peter Nakada, Chief Education Officer at Stone Ridge Asset Management, about alternative investments and the role they can play in building more resilient retirement portfolios. They examine why traditional portfolios are often overly dependent on corporate profits and interest rates, and how “true alternatives” like reinsurance may provide diversification benefits that traditional alternatives cannot. Peter explains catastrophe bonds, quota shares, risk premiums, and the behavioral challenges investors face when allocating to alternative asset classes during periods of uncertainty and market volatility.
Topics covered:
Why traditional portfolios may be overly tied to stocks and bonds
The difference between traditional alternatives and “true alternatives”
How reinsurance works and why it exists
Understanding catastrophe bonds and quota shares
Natural disaster risk as an investable risk premium
Hard and soft insurance markets and how pricing adjusts after losses
Why reinsurance may help improve portfolio resilience in retirement
Expected return assumptions for reinsurance strategies
Portfolio allocation considerations for alternative investments
Behavioral challenges investors face during periods of natural disasters
Probability biases and investor psychology in alternative asset classes
Why staying invested through market cycles matters
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffberniercfp_the-money-and-meaning-show-activity-7202103509700227072-h0Qn/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Peter Nakada on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-nakada
Stone Ridge: https://www.stoneridgeam.com/
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
May 22, 202613 min
May Perspectives: When Life Circumstances Become Investment Risk
In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier examines a recent discussion from The Rational Reminder podcast that challenges the common belief that stocks are always safe if held long enough. Jeff explores how market downturns often force investors to sell not because of panic, but because of income shocks, fixed expenses, and limited liquidity. He breaks down research on investor behavior during crises and explains why financial resilience depends not only on portfolio construction, but also on flexibility, liquidity, and lifestyle design.
Topics covered:
Why long-term investing assumes investors can stay invested
Research from The Rational Reminder podcast on investor behavior during market crashes
How income shocks and liquidity challenges force investors to sell
The concept of “hidden leverage” created by fixed lifestyle expenses
Why risk is more than just market volatility
Differences between working professionals and retirees when managing investment risk
The importance of emergency reserves and liquidity buffers
How lifestyle flexibility impacts portfolio decisions
Reframing diversification beyond stocks and bonds
Financial resilience, optionality, and staying invested through uncertainty
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffberniercfp_the-money-and-meaning-show-activity-7202103509700227072-h0Qn/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
April 24, 202644 min
Evaluating Financial Advice and Planning Decisions with Jason Lina
In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier is joined by Jason Lina, Founder of Golden Bell Financial Planning. Together, they discuss how thoughtful financial planning goes beyond numbers and why clarity, simplicity, and good decision-making matter more than trying to predict the future.
Topics Discussed
Why much of the challenge in financial planning comes from filtering out poor advice
How experienced advisors think about risk, uncertainty, and long-term investing
The role of diversification, asset allocation, and disciplined portfolio management
Considerations when making decisions like Social Security and mortgage payoff
The connection between your financial resources and what matters most to you
Key Takeaways
Financial planning often involves making thoughtful, consistent decisions over time
A well-structured plan considers a range of possible outcomes, not just one prediction
Simplicity and discipline can play an important role in long-term planning
Financial decisions are not just mathematical. They are personal.
About the Guest
Jason Lina is the Founder of Golden Bell Financial Planning. He is a Certified Financial Planner professional and Chartered Financial Analyst. Jason has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Money Magazine, CNBC, and U.S. News and World Report. He focuses on comprehensive financial planning and long-term investment strategy.
Resources Mentioned
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Happy Money by Ken Honda
Your Money and Your Brain by Jason Zweig
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
Connect with Jason
Golden Bell Financial Planning
Jason Lina on LinkedIn
Connect with Jeff
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors, LLC
Jeff Bernier on TandemGrowth
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
March 27, 2026Episode 410 min
April Perspectives: War, Oil Prices, and Staying Grounded as an Investor
In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier examines how geopolitical conflict influences oil and gasoline prices, drawing on perspectives from economist John Cochrane and JPMorgan’s Michael Cembalest. He explains how war creates supply shocks, why energy markets react quickly, and how those effects ripple through inflation and the broader economy. Jeff also outlines why the U.S. is less vulnerable today and what investors should focus on when uncertainty rises.
Topics covered:
How war creates supply shocks in global oil markets
Risk premiums, sanctions, and policy responses affecting energy prices
The structure and limitations of global energy supply
Why fossil fuels still dominate and renewable transition is slow
How rising oil prices impact inflation and the broader economy
The U.S. energy shift due to shale production and reduced import reliance
Historical policy mistakes during energy crises
Why price controls and subsidies can worsen outcomes
The cyclical nature of energy shocks and market adjustment over time
Investor perspective: diversification and avoiding macro speculation
Building portfolios that can withstand geopolitical uncertainty
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffberniercfp_the-money-and-meaning-show-activity-7202103509700227072-h0Qn/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
March 10, 2026Episode 39 min
March Perspectives: Navigating AI Headlines
In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier reflects on a recent client conversation sparked by a Wall Street Journal article about an AI “tsunami.” Jeff examines the tension between AI as transformative breakthrough and potential disruption, and what that means for investors. Using recent market performance data, he explains how expectations, valuations, and diversification shape disciplined decision-making during periods of technological change and uncertainty.
Topics covered:
A client conversation about AI and uncertainty
Media narratives: AI as breakthrough vs. disruption
Market expectations versus emotional headlines
Recent performance: IGV vs. VOO and market rotation
How valuations influence future expected returns
The risks of concentration in high-growth sectors
Diversification and systematic rebalancing
Building resilience instead of predicting the future
Maintaining discipline during technological change
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffberniercfp_the-money-and-meaning-show-activity-7202103509700227072-h0Qn/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
February 13, 2026Episode 250 min
Success Is Not an Accident: Clarity, Habits, and the Four Ds with Tommy Newberry
In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier talks with Tommy Newberry—executive coach, Wall Street Journal and New York Times best-selling author, and founder of The 1% Club and head coach of Tommy Newberry Coaching. Together, they explore what it means to live with clarity, purpose, and intentionality, especially in the second half of life. Tommy shares the core habits behind lasting success, the risks of distraction and drift, and how gratitude and reflection help fuel a meaningful life. This conversation offers a framework for those planning their next chapter with energy and direction.
Topics covered:
Tommy's early career journey and founding Newberry Consulting
● The importance of doing work that energizes you
● Finding clarity on what you want versus what you don't want
● The key habits behind long-term success
● The Four D’s that derail progress: Distraction, Dispersion, Drift, and Delay
● Living with your priorities in order, not necessarily "balance"
● Developing habits and rhythms that support your goals
● How gratitude shapes mindset and impacts daily awareness
● The role of reflection in staying aligned with your vision
● Encouragement for midlife professionals in Act II of life
● Why retirement isn't the goal—building and solving remain vital
● Helping young adults create intention in their 20s
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffberniercfp/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Tommy Newberry:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommynewberry/
https://www.tommynewberry.com/
January 22, 2026Episode 125 min
January Perspectives: Expectations vs. Forecasting
In this perspectives episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier challenges the value of short-term market forecasts and urges listeners to focus instead on long-term financial planning. Drawing from recent blog posts and research by financial thinkers like Bob Seawright, Ruben Miller, and Larry Swedroe, Jeff outlines why predictions often miss the mark and how earnings yield can guide more meaningful expectations. He offers practical advice for building resilient portfolios, emphasizing humility, diversification, and focusing on what we can control in uncertain times.
Topics covered:
Why annual market forecasts are often unreliable
The psychological allure of financial predictions
The difference between short-term forecasts and long-term return assumptions
Insights from Bob Seawright’s “Forecasting Follies”
Ruben Miller’s satirical take on 2026 forecasts
How earnings yield helps set intermediate-term expectations
The role of the CAPE ratio in understanding market valuations
US market overvaluation and the case for international diversification
How government deficit spending has impacted recent market performance
Building resilient portfolios for retirees and pre-retirees
Practical portfolio planning principles for uncertain environments
Encouragement to focus on controllable factors and maintain realistic optimism
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffberniercfp/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors (“TandemGrowth”), a registered investment adviser, is providing this video which is intended for general educational purposes and is not personalized investment advice. The information provided is not tailored to any individual's specific investment objectives, financial situation, or risk tolerance. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement by securities regulators and does not imply that TandemGrowth has attained a certain level of skill, training, or ability. While the content that will be presented is believed to be factual and up to date, it is based on information obtained from a variety of sources. TandemGrowth believes this information is reliable, however, it has not necessarily been independently verified. TandemGrowth does not guarantee the complete accuracy of all data in this video, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the presenter as of the date of the webinar and are subject to change. This video does not constitute personalized advice from TandemGrowth or its affiliated investment professionals, or a solicitation to execute specific securities transactions. Participants should not use any of this content as the sole basis for any investment, financial planning, tax, legal or other decisions. TandemGrowth is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of the video content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. We encourage attendees to conduct independent research and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any investment decisions. The information presented in this video should not be the sole basis for investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss, and different investments and types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, including those undertaken or recommended by TandemGrowth, will be profitable or equal any historical performance level. Additional information about our Firm, including its Form ADV Part 2A describing its services, fees, and applicable conflicts of interest and Form CRS is available upon request and at www.tandemgrowth.com.
December 22, 2025Episode 1944 min
Tax-Efficient Charitable Planning with Fidelity Charitable’s Harrison Miller
In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier speaks with Harrison Miller, Charitable Planning Consultant at Fidelity Charitable—the nation's largest grant maker. They explore how donor-advised funds offer families, business owners, and advisors strategic, tax-efficient ways to approach charitable giving. Harrison shares how these vehicles help donors align generosity with their values, optimize tax timing, and even involve future generations in giving.
Topics covered:
● Harrison’s career path and role at Fidelity Charitable
● What donor-advised funds are and how they work
● Tax benefits of contributing appreciated assets
● Strategic giving through bunching and timing deductions
● Differences between national donor-advised funds and community foundations
● Managing investments within donor-advised funds
● How grants are made to charities from the fund
● Contributing privately held assets and the planning required
● Using donor-advised funds to engage the next generation
● Options for fund succession and estate planning
● Current trends in charitable giving and legislative considerations
● Why donor-advised funds are gaining popularity over private foundations
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffberniercfp_the-money-and-meaning-show-activity-7202103509700227072-h0Qn/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Harrison Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisonmiller
December 2, 2025Episode 1821 min
November Perspectives: The Self-Healing Markets: Lessons from History, Behavior & Diversification
In this solo episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier explores how markets have a built-in ability to self-correct, a concept informed by his conversations with longtime colleague Larry Swedroe. Jeff ties together research from Joe Wiggins and Jason Zweig to explain how behavior, concentration risk, and market history reveal important lessons for investors. He also revisits the importance of broad diversification and TandemGrowth’s behavioral “bucket approach” for supporting client confidence in uncertain times.
Topics covered:
Behavioral traps investors face in fast-paced market environments
Joe Wiggins’ perspective on making slow, consistent, and infrequent decisions
Larry Swedroe’s concept of the self-healing mechanism of markets
How falling valuations increase expected future returns
Historical periods when stocks underperformed and rebounded strongly
Examples of self-healing in asset classes like value stocks, credit, private credit, and reinsurance
Jason Zweig’s analysis of AI-driven capital spending by big tech firms
The dangers of concentration risk—including going to all cash
Benefits of broad diversification across public and private markets
How the “bucket approach” helps reduce panic and support long-term strategy
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors
Disclosures: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor for personalized guidance.
November 18, 2025Episode 1756 min
Investing with Taxes in Mind: A Conversation with Kacie Walsh of Dimensional
In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier speaks with Kacie Walsh, Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors. They explore Dimensional’s evolving toolkit of tax-focused investment solutions designed to help clients keep more of what they earn. The conversation spans mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, exchange funds, and 351 ETFs, explaining how each tool fits into a broader tax management strategy. Kacie also outlines how Dimensional’s daily, data-driven approach supports personalized portfolios and long-term efficiency for investors.
Topics covered:
Kacie Walsh’s professional background and current role at Dimensional Fund Advisors
Why Dimensional’s evidence-based, data-driven approach matters in tax-focused investing
Overview of tax loss harvesting and why fund and ETF lineup depth supports it
Differences in tax efficiency between ETFs and mutual funds—and how Dimensional narrows the gap
Update on Dimensional’s ETF share class application and what it means for investors
SMA (separately managed account) use cases, especially for high net worth individuals
How Dimensional’s SMAs differ from traditional direct indexing solutions
Behavioral and operational considerations of owning hundreds of individual securities
Understanding portfolio lock-up and how to plan for long-term SMA use
Exchange funds as tools for diversifying out of concentrated stock positions
351 ETFs as a strategy to consolidate appreciated securities tax efficiently
Overview of long/short SMAs and how they attempt to generate more tax alpha
How advisors and clients can assess the trade-offs in these advanced strategies
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffberniercfp_the-money-and-meaning-show-activity-7202103509700227072-h0Qn/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
Kacie Walsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacie-walsh-5787a297
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