The Money and Meaning Show

Elections and Markets 🗳️ with Apollo Lupescu, Vice President of Dimensional Fund Advisors

In this episode of the Money & Meaning Show, host Jeff Bernier welcomes Apollo Lupescu, Vice President of Dimensional Fund Advisors. Apollo, known as the “Secretary of Explaining Stuff,” discusses how investors can make sense of financial markets during election years. He shares his insights on investment philosophies, the impact of political events on markets, and strategies for maintaining focus amidst noise. Tune in to learn how to make more informed investment decisions in politically charged times. 
Topics Covered: 
Introduction to Apollo Lupescu and his journey with Dimensional Fund Advisors 
Overview of Dimensional’s investment philosophy and core principles 
How to think about market uncertainty during election years 
The historical performance of markets during election years and what investors can learn 
Debunking common myths about the impact of political policies on specific sectors 
Evaluating the economic burden of national debt and its influence on investment strategies 
The importance of focusing on data-driven decisions over emotional reactions 
Final thoughts on separating politics from investment decisions 
Useful Links: 
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn 
Apollo on LinkedIn 
Dimensional Fund Advisors 
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors 
 

Financial Wellness and Purpose with James Grace

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier talks with James Grace, Director of Wealth Management at Silver Pine Capital and host of the Modern Financial Wellness podcast. They explore the evolving nature of the wealth management industry, emphasizing holistic financial planning that encompasses not just financial health but also personal fulfillment and purpose. James shares his journey through the financial services landscape and offers insights into how individuals can achieve financial wellness and well-being. Together, they discuss the importance of aligning actions and resources with personal values and goals.
Topics covered:
Introduction to James Grace and his role at Silver Pine Capital.
Evolution of the wealth management industry toward holistic planning.
Differences between financial wellness and financial well-being.
James's career path from biotech sales to wealth management.
The role of behavioral finance and client discovery in financial planning.
The significance of aligning financial strategies with personal values.
The importance of ongoing financial advice and support.
Business models in the financial advisory industry.
Insights from the Modern Financial Wellness podcast.
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
James Grace on LinkedIn
Silver Pine Capital
Modern Financial Wellness Podcast
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors

Unpacking Reverse Mortgages: Myths, Benefits, and Strategic Uses with Gabrielle Welter

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier speaks with Gabrielle Welter, a retirement solutions manager at Finance of America. They explore the topic of reverse mortgages, dispelling common myths and misconceptions. Gabrielle explains how these financial tools can provide stability and peace of mind for retirees, addressing key challenges like healthcare costs and market volatility. The discussion delves into the specifics of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), including their benefits, costs, and strategic uses in retirement planning.
Topics Covered:
Introduction to reverse mortgages and common misconceptions
Gabrielle Welter's background and career journey
The evolution and safety measures of reverse mortgages
Strategic uses of HECMs in retirement planning
The financial and psychological benefits of reverse mortgages
Differences between HECMs and traditional mortgages
Suitability and scenarios for using reverse mortgages
Costs and insurance protection associated with HECMs
Resources for further information on reverse mortgages
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
Gabrielle Welter on LinkedIn
Finance of America
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors

Evidence-Based Investing with Larry Swedroe

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier interviews Larry Swedroe, a renowned author and expert in evidence-based investing. They discuss Larry's journey and contributions to the financial industry, his approach to investment strategies, and the importance of diversifying portfolios. Larry shares insights on financial planning, the role of fixed income, and the benefits of alternative investments. This episode offers valuable advice for retirees and those seeking a robust investment strategy.
Topics Covered
Larry Swedroe's career and contributions to financial education
Importance of evidence-based investing
Historical performance of various asset classes
Role of fixed income in portfolios
Benefits and risks of alternative investments
Challenges retirees face in financial planning
Behavioral aspects of investing
Diversification and its impact on portfolio performance
Useful Links:
Larry Swedroe on LinkedIn
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors

Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Success with Paul Ollinger

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier interviews Paul Ollinger, a former Facebook employee turned stand-up comedian and podcast host of Crazy Money. They discuss Paul's journey from the corporate world to comedy, exploring the themes of finding purpose and meaning beyond financial success. The episode offers valuable insights for mid-to-late career executives planning their next steps and navigating life's transitions.
Topics covered:
Transitioning from a corporate career to pursuing personal passions
Challenges and realizations in leaving a high-stress job for stand-up comedy
Impact of Facebook's rapid growth on Paul's career decisions
Finding purpose and fulfillment beyond financial success
Emotional and psychological challenges of retirement
Advice for planning life after a corporate career
Dangers of constant comparison in affluent communities
Importance of meditation, presence, and personal growth
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
Paul Ollinger on LinkedIn
Crazy Money Podcast
Tandem Growth Financial Advisors

Navigating Longevity and Place Planning for a Fulfilling Second Half 📌 with Guest Ryan Frederick

Join Host Jeff Bernier and Guest Ryan Frederick, founder of the Here movement, as they delve into the importance of place planning and healthy longevity. From personal journeys to proactive wealth management, this episode offers insights into living a fulfilling second half of life.
Here is a movement to reshape how we live by helping people better understand the importance of place and by creating tools and frameworks for individuals to make more informed decisions about where to call home. 
According to Ryan, Where You Live Matters. Where you live is much more than a physical place. It is one of the most important decisions you make. It shapes your purpose, relationships, health, financial wellbeing and more.
Topics Covered:
Introduction to holistic wealth management
Ryan's journey from Silicon Valley to thought leader in healthy longevity
Aligning spirituality and purpose in life
Balancing present enjoyment with future preparation
The impact of place on well-being and aging
Recommendations for a balanced approach to planning
Ryan's book, "Right Place, Right Time," and resources on here.life
The evolving role of place planning in wealth management
Are you in the right place for a long, health and financially secure life? Take Ryan's free assessment.
Ryan's book: Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life
Interested in learning more about holistic wealth management? Check out TandemGrowth Financial Advisors.

In the Zone 🧘‍♂️ Harnessing Flow in Financial Advising with Dr. Jordan Hutchison

In this enlightening episode of The Money & Meaning Show, host Jeff Bernier teams up with Dr. Jordan Hutchison, a leading figure in wealth management and psychology, to explore the concept of flow in financial advising. Dr. Hutchison, who serves as Vice President of Technology and Operations at RFG Advisory and is an adjunct professor for Kaplan's College for Financial Planning, shares how integrating behavioral finance and positive psychology can amplify personal fulfillment through financial clarity.
What is "Flow"? What benefits can it provide for advisors and clients?
Dr. Hutchison explains the concept of flow as a state of deep absorption in activities that are intrinsically motivating and enjoyable. Examples from various fields such as music, sports, and crafts like knitting demonstrate how flow can enhance productivity and satisfaction across different activities.
Dr. Hutchison describes how "flow" can lead to an increase in productivity, creativity, and well-being.
What is Technology's Role in Financial Advising? Will AI replace human advisors?
Dr. Hutchison discusses integrating technology to optimize financial advisors' work environments, enabling them to spend more time on meaningful client interactions.
He emphasizes the importance of the human element in financial advising, asserting the irreplaceable nature of personal connections despite advances in AI and automation.
How Can Incorporating Behavioral Science into Designing Tech Solutions Improve the Experience?
The application of behavioral science principles in designing technology solutions to create environments that foster productivity and satisfaction is highlighted.

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) movement 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.
Find out more about Rachael Levine 👇 https://www.peltomacapital.com/team/rachael-levine
Tripping Millenial 🗺️ https://www.trippingmillennial.com/ https://www.instagram.com/trippingmillennial/
Interested in knowing more about Jeff? View his latest release here 📖 https://www.jeffbernierauthor.com/
Interested in knowing more about TandemGrowth Financial Advisors? 🪴https://www.tandemgrowth.com/
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