The Money and Meaning Show

Purpose-Driven Planning and the Last Paycheck with Rob Hoxton

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier welcomes Rob Hoxton, founder of Hoxton Planning & Management and host of the Last Paycheck podcast. Rob shares his journey from aspiring minister to financial planner, exploring how life experiences shaped his unique approach to wealth management. They examine the evolving role of financial advisors, the impact of AI, and how to define a meaningful retirement. The conversation offers a compelling look at purpose-driven financial planning, multi-generational firm growth, and Rob’s vision for making a difference in underserved communities.
Topics covered:
● Rob Hoxton’s path from ministry to financial planning
● The philosophy behind Grow Greener and Think Ahead
● Defining “live rich vs. die rich” in financial planning
● Experience at Goldman Sachs and returning to independence
● Working with his son and building a multi-generational firm
● The future of financial planning with AI and technology
● Using AI tools to enhance human connection in advising
● Childhood money memories and their impact on financial behavior
● Helping clients uncover what matters most through money mind exercises
● Reframing retirement as a purpose-driven next act
● Rob’s “why” and the mission to serve more families
● Launching Shepherd University's financial planning program
● Looking forward: Rob’s excitement for family, business, and mentorship
● Encouragement for listeners seeking the right financial advisor
Useful Links:
Rob Hoxton on LinkedIn
Hoxton Planning & Management
Last Paycheck Podcast
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors

Perspectives: Navigating Tax Changes and Opportunities Before Year-End

In this Perspectives episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier explores key year-end tax planning strategies shaped by recent legislation. He breaks down thresholds, deductions, and opportunities to optimize charitable giving—particularly through donor-advised funds and gifting appreciated securities. Jeff also covers how Roth conversions and qualified charitable distributions can be integrated into a comprehensive strategy aligned with both financial goals and personal values.
 
Topics covered:
Overview of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and its impact on taxpayers
Importance of year-end tax planning under new legislation
Higher standard deduction and changes to itemized deductions
Adjusted income thresholds that affect Medicare premiums and deductions
Expansion and phase-out of SALT (State and Local Tax) deductions
Charitable gifting strategies using appreciated securities
Tax benefits of donor-advised funds for bunching donations
Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs for those over 73
Using Roth conversions in coordination with deduction strategies
Practical next steps for assessing your 2025 tax picture
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.

Carl Richards on Reimagining Wealth, One Sketch at a Time

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier speaks with Carl Richards, certified financial planner and creator of the New York Times "Sketch Guy" column. Carl discusses his newest book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, a collection of drawings and essays that spark meaningful financial conversations. Together, they explore why strong financial decisions often begin with reflection, how we view money differently, and the value of building general resilience. Carl also shares practical approaches to planning and decision-making that align money with personal values.
 
Topics covered:
Carl’s motivation behind his new book and the role of financial conversations
How our individual experiences shape how we see money
The purpose and impact of a one-page financial plan
Identifying and preparing for risks you don’t see coming
Why “strong opinions loosely held” is a powerful planning framework
A three-part mindset for embracing uncertainty and making progress
Aligning money decisions with what truly matters
Useful Links:
Carl Richards on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkingcarl/
Behaviour Gap' Website: https://behaviorgap.com/ 
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffberniercfp/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/

Perspectives: Balancing Economic Concern with Rational Optimism

In this episode of Money & Meaning: Perspectives, host Jeff Bernier explores the tension between recognizing serious economic headwinds—such as massive government debt, rising interest rates, and a shifting global financial system—and maintaining a posture of rational optimism. Drawing on insights from Howard Marks, Brian Westbury, Matt Ridley, Mion Tuby, Gail Pooley, and Nick Murray, Jeff examines how to address sobering realities while staying committed to progress, resilience, and long-term investing. It’s a call to balance—informing your perspective without letting fear dictate your financial or life decisions.
 
Topics covered:
● The reality and risks of rising U.S. government debt and higher interest costs
● Howard Marks’ concerns about ignoring economic fundamentals
● Brian Westbury’s warning on government crowding out private innovation
● Foreign demand for U.S. debt and potential consequences of decline
● The psychological trap of pessimism in investing and life decisions
● Matt Ridley’s framework for rational optimism
● Data from Superabundance on human progress and resource abundance
● Nick Murray’s reminder to “own the future” through consistent participation
● The role of resilience in both economies and investment portfolios
● Diversification as a tool for emotional and financial stability
● Practical ways to stay informed without becoming paralyzed by fear
 
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/

Funded Contentment and the Science of Better Financial Decisions with Neil Bage

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier welcomes Neil Bage, co-founder of Shaping Wealth, for a wide-ranging conversation on the human side of financial decision-making. They explore how neuroscience, behavioral science, and the pursuit of “funded contentment” intersect in personal finance. Neil shares his journey, the mission of Shaping Wealth, and frameworks like Ikigai to help individuals live more meaningful financial lives. A must-listen for advisors and investors alike addressing life’s transitions.
 
Topics covered:
Neil Bage's career path from sports science to behavioral finance
The founding and mission of Shaping Wealth
The concept of “funded contentment” and what it means in practice
How neuroscience supports the pursuit of a meaningful life
The Japanese concept of Ikigai and its application in discovering purpose
Why the human brain is poorly equipped for modern financial decision-making
Behavioral tendencies and the challenges of delayed gratification
The dangers of overstimulation and decision overload
Misconceptions about “irrational” investor behavior
The powerful role of financial advisors in reducing cognitive stress
Brain scan research that validates the benefits of quality advice
The emotional and relational value of guidance in uncertain markets
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffberniercfp_the-money-and-meaning-show-activity-7202103509700227072-h0Qn/
Neil Bage on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/neilbage
Shaping Wealth: https://www.shapingwealth.com/
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors: https://www.tandemgrowth.com/

June Perspectives: Rethinking Retirement in a Longevity Economy

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier reflects on the passing of his father—his personal “George Bailey”—and explores the implications of living longer in today's evolving retirement landscape. Jeff outlines the financial risks and opportunities of extended longevity, including inflation, healthcare costs, market volatility, and potential benefit cuts. He shares how both individuals and the financial industry can adapt their planning strategies to better prepare for a longer, more purposeful retirement.
Topics covered:
Reflections on Jeff’s father and a life of purpose
The impact of increased life expectancy on retirement planning
Longevity risk and the fear of outliving one’s savings
Rising healthcare costs and the role of HSAs
Inflation, market volatility, and behavioral investment risks
Early vs. delayed retirement decisions and flexible retirement paths
Potential Social Security benefit cuts and higher tax burdens
Economic headwinds: government debt, slower growth, and lower returns
"Deep risk" vs. shallow risk in portfolio planning
Strategies for broader diversification in uncertain times
Role of technology and auto-enrollment in retirement plans
Importance of financial planning, adaptability, and investor behavior
Useful Links:
Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
TandemGrowth Financial Advisors

Building Resilient Portfolios and Reducing Risk with Larry Swedroe

In this episode of Money & Meaning, host Jeff Bernier welcomes back Larry Swedroe, author, consultant, and former Director of Research at Buckingham Strategic Wealth. They explore how retirees and pre-retirees can construct portfolios that reduce risk, smooth returns, and withstand market shocks. Larry breaks down key principles of evidence-based investing, the importance of understanding risk tolerance, and the evolving role of alternative assets like private credit and reinsurance in modern portfolios.
Topics covered:
Defining ability, willingness, and need to take investment risk
Understanding the three-legged risk assessment framework for retirement planning
The philosophy and principles behind evidence-based investing
Core criteria for evaluating investment assets and risk factors
Why beating the market is increasingly difficult for active managers
Strategic use of factors like value, quality, momentum, and small-cap stocks
Introduction to private market investments and their role in reducing sequence risk
Characteristics and advantages of reinsurance, private credit, and infrastructure
The role of illiquidity as a feature—not a bug—in long-term investing
Shifts in the accessibility and cost of alternative investments
How retirees can improve risk-adjusted returns through smarter diversification
Common misconceptions around timing and liquidity in private markets
Evaluating alternatives based on implementation cost and diversification
Useful Links:
 Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
 Larry Swedroe on LinkedIn
 Larry Swedroe on Substack
 TandemGrowth Financial Advisors

May Perspectives: 3 Mindset Shifts for Navigating Long-Term Investing

In this short-form edition of the Money & Meaning Show, Jeff Bernier shares a perspective on simplifying investment thinking during uncertain times. He outlines three fundamental binary choices investors face: having faith in the future or not, being goal-focused versus performance-driven, and choosing to own businesses versus lending to them. Jeff encourages listeners to return to first principles as they consider how to position themselves for long-term financial success.
Topics covered:
• Why investing is simple, but not easy
• The importance of returning to first principles in volatile times
• Faith in the future vs. pessimism
• Being goal-focused and planning driven vs. market-focused and performance driven
• Ownership of the world’s great businesses vs. lending through fixed income
• How long-term optimism impacts investment outcomes
• Historical stock market performance as context for rational optimism
• Simplifying investment decisions to cut through daily noise
Useful Links:
 Jeff Bernier on LinkedIn
 TandemGrowth Financial Advisors