The Money and Meaning Show

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100

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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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October 23, 2026Episode 4149 min

Are Bonds Still Worth Owning? With Doug Longo of Dimensional Fund Advisors

After a challenging period for bonds, some investors are questioning whether they still deserve a place in a diversified portfolio. But have the fundamental reasons for owning bonds really changed? In this episode of The Money & Meaning Show, Jeff Bernier welcomes Doug Longo , Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors , for a conversation about the role of fixed income in investment portfolios, particularly for those approaching or already in retirement. Drawing on his experience as a Marine and as a fixed income trader during the 2008 financial crisis, Doug discusses how bonds can serve different purposes, from managing portfolio volatility and providing liquidity to addressing inflation risk. Jeff and Doug also explore the debate surrounding the traditional 60/40 portfolio, the importance of understanding the risks investors are being compensated to take, and why Dimensional uses a systematic, research-based approach rather than trying to predict where interest rates will go next. Recording Note: This episode was recorded on October 6, 2026. Market conditions, interest rates, yields, and performance figures discussed reflect information available at the time of recording and may have changed since then. Topics Covered How Doug's experience in the Marine Corps and during the 2008 financial crisis shaped his perspective on discipline and investing The different roles bonds can play in a diversified portfolio Whether the traditional 60/40 portfolio still makes sense What higher bond yields may mean for investors Understanding when taking additional interest rate or credit risk may be worthwhile How global bond diversification and currency hedging work The role of Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) in addressing unexpected inflation Why predicting future interest rates is so difficult How Dimensional's systematic approach to fixed income differs from traditional active and passive management Why aligning investments with financial goals and maintaining discipline remain important Episode Timestamps 01:55 | Doug's journey from the Marine Corps to Wall Street 05:30 | Experiencing the 2008 financial crisis 09:48 | Lessons in discipline from military service 13:24 | The different roles bonds can play in a portfolio 17:02 | Is the traditional 60/40 portfolio still relevant? 19:50 | What higher bond yields may mean for investors 21:19 | Understanding term, credit, and currency premiums 24:44 | Why invest in international bonds? 27:54 | TIPS and protection against unexpected inflation 31:48 | Interest rate risk and the yield curve 33:06 | Understanding credit spreads 35:07 | AI infrastructure financing and corporate bonds 38:08 | Bond returns and the limits of interest rate forecasting 41:38 | Dimensional's systematic approach to bond investing 45:48 | Building a portfolio around financial goals . At TandemGrowth Financial Advisors , we believe investment decisions should be grounded in research, diversification, and a disciplined approach that reflects each client's financial goals. To learn more about how we put these principles into practice, explore our Investment Philosophy and Investment Management services . Useful Links TandemGrowth Financial Advisors Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn Doug Longo on LinkedIn Dimensional Fund Advisors Editing and post-production work for this episode were provided by The Podcast Consultant .

September 28, 2026Episode 4016 min

Perspectives: Investing in a Future We Cannot Predict

In this Money & Meaning Perspective, host Jeff Bernier examines why we often recognize progress in hindsight while focusing on problems when looking ahead. Drawing on ideas from Thomas Macaulay, Matt Ridley, and Cal Newport, Jeff explores the limits of forecasting, the unpredictable nature of innovation, and the case for “humble optimism.” He connects these ideas to investing, explaining why diversification and a financial plan built for a range of possible futures can help investors participate in human progress without needing to predict exactly what comes next. Topics Covered • Why progress can be easier to recognize looking backward than forward • Thomas Macaulay’s challenge to pessimism about the future • The difficulty of predicting technological innovation • Matt Ridley’s “forecaster’s paradox” and examples from computing, telecommunications, and AI • Why innovation often develops through unexpected combinations and decisions • The tendency to overstate technology’s short-term effects and understate its long-term impact • Cal Newport’s caution about certainty surrounding artificial intelligence and superintelligence • The difference between optimism about progress and confidence in specific predictions • The case for “humble optimism” when thinking about the future • Why investing does not require predicting which companies, industries, or countries will succeed • Diversification as an acknowledgment of uncertainty • Building a financial plan designed for a range of possible futures • Participating in human progress without knowing its precise path 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)

September 11, 2026Episode 3940 min

Beyond the Will: Leaving Your Family Clarity, Not Chaos with Rachel Donnelly

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier is joined by Rachel Donnelly, founder and CEO of AfterLight and author of Late to Your Own Funeral: How to Leave a Legacy and Not a Log Jam. Rachel shares the personal losses that led her to build a business around helping overwhelmed executors, and she and Jeff dig into why estate planning is about far more than a will or a trust. They discuss what families really inherit after a death, why organization matters as much as love, the added complexity of digital assets, and how planning ahead can be one of the greatest gifts you leave behind. Topics covered: Rachel's personal story: losing both parents young and settling two estates while raising small children Why she started AfterLight to be "air traffic control" for death and dying The story and meaning behind the title Late to Your Own Funeral Why Rachel avoids calling people's estate gaps "mistakes" Redefining legacy as a "thumbprint" left behind, not just assets Why families suffer from a lack of organization, not a lack of love Common feelings executors face: decision paralysis, guilt, and fear of doing something wrong The added complexity of digital assets, passwords, and online accounts Why Rachel recommends an asset and liability inventory instead of a password list Why we procrastinate conversations about death and how to normalize them The psychological payoff of pre-planning and the peace of mind it creates What AfterLight does for "after-loss" clients versus "legacy organization" clients Handling out-of-state property, ancillary probate, and other complex assets The value of outsourcing logistics to protect your time and headspace How to connect with Rachel and AfterLight Useful Links: Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffberniercfp/ TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/ Rachel Donnelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdonnelly AfterLight: https://myafterlight.com/ Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant ( https://thepodcastconsultant.com )

August 28, 2026Episode 3815 min

Perspectives: Will AI Replace Financial Advisors?

In this Money & Meaning Perspectives episode, host Jeff Bernier examines how artificial intelligence is changing financial advice and what that means for the future of financial advisors. Jeff explores the shift from knowledge work toward “wisdom work,” where experience, judgment, discernment, empathy, and perspective become increasingly important. He discusses where AI excels, where human advisors can continue to add value, and why the future of financial advice may combine technology’s analytical power with distinctly human guidance. Topics Covered: How AI is changing the traditional role of financial advisors The shift from Peter Drucker’s “knowledge worker” to the idea of a “wisdom worker” The difference between knowledge and “metabolized experience” Analytics-driven versus empathy-driven financial advice Why some traditional financial advice may be disrupted by AI The importance of asking the right financial questions Using judgment when financial decisions involve trade-offs rather than one correct answer The value of experience in high-stakes financial decisions Separating evidence from opinion, noise, and compelling stories The role of evidence-based investing and financial planning Behavioral coaching during difficult market environments How emotions, identity, family, security, generosity, and purpose affect financial decisions Using AI to give advisors more time for listening, understanding, and life planning A hybrid future combining AI’s speed and analytical power with human perspective, empathy, and judgment What clients should expect from a financial advisor in the age of AI 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 )

August 18, 2026Episode 3746 min

Beyond the Liquidity Event: Finding Purpose After Financial Success

In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier speaks with entrepreneur and investor John Hutchinson, founder of Care Counseling and host of The Nuance Effect podcast. John shares his journey of building and exiting a fast-growing behavioral health company, only to confront deeper questions about health, family, and purpose. They examine leadership, business growth, and the tradeoffs that come with success, along with John’s perspective on aligning work with what matters most after a major transition. Topics covered: Building and scaling a behavioral health company with a focus on employee retention Tradeoffs in workplace culture, compensation, and benefits across industries Experiencing a health crisis and reassessing priorities around family and well-being Transitioning after a business exit and handling new opportunities Developing the concept of “nuanced leadership” and team segmentation Creating value by giving time and support without immediate compensation Common mistakes entrepreneurs make with growth, cash flow, and equity The role of habits and consistency in improving long-term health Reflections on purpose, faith, and finding meaning beyond financial success Perspectives on the U.S. healthcare system and its complexity Useful Links: John Hutchinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-j-hutchinson/ Nuance Effect podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@NuanceEffect 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 )

August 4, 2026Episode 3613 min

Perspectives: What Advice Would Your 90-Year-Old Self Give You?

Retirement is often viewed as a financial milestone. But what if one of its greatest challenges has little to do with money? In this episode of Money & Meaning Perspectives , Jeff Bernier explores the transition from achievement to purpose, drawing on reflections from Chip Conley , founder of the Modern Elder Academy , and Arthur Brooks , Harvard professor and bestselling author of From Strength to Strength. Jeff examines why many successful people struggle more with identity than finances after leaving their careers, how our strengths evolve over time, and what it means to become an elder rather than simply grow older. Whether you're within 10 to 15 years of retirement or already retired, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the retirement transition, finding purpose after a successful career, and designing a meaningful next chapter. Topics Covered Chip Conley’s imagined conversation with his 90-year-old self ● Why preserving past success can limit growth later in life ● Arthur Brooks’ explanation of the Four Ashramas ● The student and householder stages of life ● The “striver’s curse” and the limits of constant achievement ● Retirement as a developmental transition rather than only a financial one ● The difference between becoming older and becoming an elder ● Why identity can become a major challenge after leaving work ● Moving from being indispensable to becoming influential ● The shift from fluid intelligence to crystallized intelligence ● Teaching, mentoring, and sharing wisdom with younger generations ● Becoming a beginner again in retirement ● Redefining success through purpose, service, faith, wisdom, and relationships ● Using wealth as a tool for freedom rather than as a destination ● Questions to consider from the perspective of your 90-year-old self 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 )

July 15, 2026Episode 3524 min

Preparing for the Psychological Side of Retirement with Dr. Joy Lere

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier is joined by Dr. Joy Lere, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of Shaping Wealth. They examine retirement as more than a financial milestone, focusing on the shift in identity, purpose, and daily structure that comes with leaving a career. Joy shares how unmet expectations, loss, and identity challenges can shape the transition, along with practical ways to prepare by building a meaningful life outside of work and continuing to contribute beyond a paycheck. Topics covered: Retirement as an existential transition, not just a financial one The gap between expectations and reality in life after work Normalizing loss, stress, and emotional complexity in transitions Building a life outside of work before retiring Balancing meaningful work with other areas of life Continuing purpose and contribution beyond a paycheck Identity challenges when stepping away from a long-held role Shifting mindset from “what you do” to “who you are” Identifying needs fulfilled by work and finding alternatives Avoidance and delaying difficult transitions Processing grief and loss in major life changes Holding both joy and grief during life transitions 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/ Joy Lere on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-lere-psy-d Shaping Wealth: https://www.shapingwealth.com/ Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant ( https://thepodcastconsultant.com )

June 29, 2026Episode 3414 min

What's the Difference Between a Great Company and a Great Investment?

In this Perspective episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier examines one of the most common questions investors ask: whether they’re missing out by not owning the latest high-profile stock or IPO. Using examples ranging from railroads and the telecom boom to NVIDIA, SpaceX, and artificial intelligence, Jeff explores why transformative companies don’t always translate into exceptional investments. He explains the difference between innovation and speculation, why market expectations matter, and how diversification allows investors to participate in long-term human progress without relying on predicting tomorrow’s winners. Topics Covered Why investors are drawn to 'hot' stocks and IPOs The difference between a great company and a great investment What history teaches us about IPO performance SpaceX and the role of valuation versus business success Lessons from railroads and the telecom boom How artificial intelligence fits into historical innovation cycles Why market expectations matter more than growth alone Mean reversion in corporate profitability Research on the small percentage of stocks that create most market wealth Why diversification remains a powerful investment strategy 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 )

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 )