The Money and Meaning Show

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.

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

In this episode of Money & Meaning, Jeff Bernier connects 17th-century philosophy with modern financial planning. Using Blaise Pascal’s wager as a framework, Jeff examines how retirement planning isn’t about certainty—but resilience. He discusses scenario analysis, the role of Plan B, and why the best financial plans aren’t fixed, but adaptable. This episode is a timely reminder that thoughtful preparation—not prediction—brings peace of mind in uncertain times. 
 
Topics covered: 
Applying Pascal’s Wager to financial planning
The role of low-probability, high-impact risks in retirement planning
Emphasizing resilience over prediction
Scenario analysis and its purpose in building flexible plans
The importance of maintaining a Plan B
Avoiding the mistake of confusing spreadsheets with reality
Why assumptions in planning must remain dynamic
The value of humility in planning for an unknowable future
Embracing flexibility in lifestyle, spending, and investments
“Strong opinions loosely held” as a financial philosophy
Confidence through preparation rather than prediction
 
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/ 

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

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.

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/

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/

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/