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Table of Contents
About the Book
You’re not alone. Jeff Bernier has seen countless people in this situation—they seem to be living the American Dream, but they find themselves missing out on joy and a sense of purpose. In The Money and Meaning Journey, Bernier imparts some of the wisdom he has gained from over thirty-six years of being a financial advisor who understands that the goal of financial planning should not be to outperform the market, but to fund your dreams.
This book outlines a goal-focused and evidence-based process that focuses on the rate of return you need to fulfill those dreams. Sure, you’ll read about risk management, retirement planning, investments—but more importantly, you’ll receive guidance on discovering the larger, more significant purpose that all of these subjects serve.
This is a new kind of finance book: one that doesn’t separate your bank statement from your inner life, your spiritual quest from your material needs, or your money from your life’s meaning.
Product Details
- Publisher: Advantage Books (October 18, 2022)
- Length: 268 pages
- ISBN13: 9781642254365
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Raves and Reviews
“A perfect mix of suggestions based on personal anecdote, professional experience, and rigorous data. Instead of promising ‘ get rich quick ’ schemes, Bernier provides a well researched, holistic roadmap for creating an ideal investment portfolio and, in the process, building a meaningful life.”
—Ashley Whillans
Harvard Business School Professor;
Author, Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life
“Investing to help finance our future goals is a daunting task that requires attention, knowledge, and discipline. Jeff provides a toolkit to enlighten our investment journey, deal with the uncertainty of financial markets, and focus on our long-term goals with founded discipline.”
—Eduardo Repetto, Ph.D.
Chief Investment Officer, Avantis Investors
“There are plenty of books on spiritual freedom and plenty of books on wealth management, but never has there been one book that speaks authoritatively on both topics. Jeff nails it here. Drink deeply.” —Jeff Spadafora
Founder and President, The Way;
Author, The Joy Model: A Step-by-Step Guide to Peace, Purpose, and Balance
“Many of us can lose sight of the fact that money is a tool to support our values, not create them. Jeff’s book is a reminder that while having the tools to make smart financial decisions is important, distinguishing “ the deeper needs of the spirit from the superficial demands of the ego ” is what will lead us to live lives without regret.”
—Ross Levin, CFP®
Founder, Accredited Investors Wealth Management;
Author, The Wealth Management Index
“At Halftime, when we work with individuals to help them find and live out their calling, we often talk about two journeys. One is the journey in your head; the other is the journey in your heart. In this book, Jeff does a great job of addressing both. To me, that’s the key to an abundant life. The head journey guides what you do and how you do it. The heart journey helps you know why you are doing what you are doing. One is more practical; the other involves soul-level work. The Money and Meaning Journey expounds the two tracks in a way that both equips and motivates the reader.”
—Tom McGehee
Co-Executive Director, Halftime Institute
“A rare combination of heart and reason; Jeff does a fantastic job of defining the hero’s journey and how we are all the heroes in our own story.”
—Daniel Crosby, PhD
Chief Behavioral Officer, Orion Advisor Solutions
“If you are planning for retirement, Jeff’s book importantly provides both a financial and life roadmap, along with a highly relatable memoir, making it a worthy companion to Alan Spector and Keith Lawrence’s Your Retirement Quest.”
—Larry Swedroe
Principal and Director of Research, Buckingham StrategicWealth;
Author, Your Complete Guide to a Successful and Secure Retirement
“A.W. Tozer, the wise thinker and brilliant theologian of the mid-twentieth century once said, ‘A message must be not only timeless but timely, speaking to his own generation.’Jeff accomplishes this in The Money and Meaning Journey. His disciplined research, clear writing style, and engaging storytelling make this book compelling. These pages contain practical words for those who desire to use money in a way that honors God and honors others. His life experiences, from being a banker’s son to now being a financial manager, uniquely qualify him to pen these thoughts. If you’re looking for a fresh read on money, go no further and be blessed!”
—Boyd Bailey
President,National Christian Foundation(Georgia);
President,Wisdom Hunters
“In this book, Jeff masterfully tells the reader what they’ve probably suspected all along: Reconciling personal finance and the pursuit of a meaningful life is hard to do. How can one live life unencumbered from financial worry when it seems the next market or economic catastrophe is just around the corner? Jeff shows us how in The Money and Meaning Journey. If it’s not on your must-read list, it should be.”
—Rob Hoxton, CFP®, AIF®
Managing Member, Hoxton Planning & ManagementLLC;
Author,Think Ahead: Ten Reasons You Need a Financial Planner
“Thomas Merton is credited with proposing that ‘People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.’ The essence of Jeff’s book is to help keep readers from finding out too late that they’ve made a mistake with their ladder. Jeff’s aim, expressed thoughtfully and clearly, is to help the reader to determine what’s most important to them, then to guide them to make that a guiding star rather than an afterthought. Read his book, become wiser, and achieve your best life.”
—Larry Maddox
President, Horizon Wealth Advisors
“Countless authors through time have opined on the ‘meaning of life’ without acknowledging the role that wise financial planning plays in discovering this rare knowledge. By the same token, authors have filled volumes on maximizing returns, minimizing tax, and allocating risk without once conceding that financial success means little to those who lack self-awareness and inner fulfillment. In writing The Money and Meaning Journey: A Guide to Clarity, Financial Confidence, and Joy, Jeff Bernier strives to align these two concepts with the hope that readers might unearth life-altering joy on the way to earning financial success.”
—Daniel D. Munster, Esq.
The Eldercare & Special Needs Law Practice of Daniel D. Munster
“Jeff Bernier has written a book that is personal, practical, and inspirational. You will only want to read it if you are looking for a guide to a life well lived.”
—Mark Danzey
Executive Director, Narrow Gate: Equipping for Life
“This book provides sage advice on how to participate in evidenced-based investing to create a holistic plan, rather than trying to chase and time the market.”
—Eric Clarke
Chief Executive Officer, Orion Advisor Solutions
“Having read many financial planning books over the years, we found this book different in its content and approach...refreshing. While the book offers plenty of ‘blocking-and-tackling’ know-how for wealth accumulation and management, the book makes a compelling case for expanding beyond just that and securing one’s true mission in life. From the multiple messages and concepts offered in this book, the one that most resonated was that wealth and the joy of the journey can grow together.”
—Abe Rodriguez
Retired Director, Mexico, Caribbean, Central, and Latin America, AT&T Mobility International
“Jeff Bernier’s book takes a thoughtful, holistic approach. In it, he combines the fiduciary obligation to make investment decisions driven by what is in the reader’s best interests with the wisdom that financial resources alone do not lead to happiness and a meaningful, purpose-driven life.”
—Robert C. Port
Partner, Gaslowitz Frankel LLC
“Each of us has a need placed in us to be significant and to find our uniquely designed purpose in life. The Bible has over 2600 passages on making financial decisions, so God knew this was going to be a major issue in every life. Jeff masterfully uses his life experiences as well as his search for true knowledge to assist the reader in clearly reprioritizing their lives around purpose and effective stewardship.”
—Bill Lohnes
President, Narrow Gate: Equipping for Life
“Knowing Jeff personally and professionally,I can tell you that this work is a refreshing read from a seasoned practitioner. He shares from his journey discovering the purpose of life and growing from the trappings of success. He not only offers sound money management advice but also helps others find joy in a life well lived.”
—Matthew Hendley
Generosity Ambassador/Relationship Manager, NationalChristian Foundation (Georgia)
“As a trusts and estates attorney, I have witnessed firsthand how the concepts in The Money and Meaning Journey can be implemented to help the reader define and attain not only their financial goals but also, very importantly, their life goals as well.”
—Kara C. Fleming, Esq.
The Law Office of Kara C. Fleming LLC
“Jeff’s book outlines a liberating process for managing one’s financial future that enables one to pursue their true interests. Following this robust,goal-focused,and planning-driven approach with the help of a guide has freed me to confidently enjoy my ‘second act’ rather than risk squandering it by worrying, making big mistakes, or attempting to amass the skills and resources of a competent financial advisor with a single client: myself.”
—Edwin J. Buckley, Jr.
Retired President, Global Marketing, United Parcel Service
“Many of us view financial planning as all about money. We put our finances ahead of our purpose. Jeff helps to clarify that purpose determines our financial needs and strategies.”
—Lori Evers, CPA
Retired Certified Public Accountant;
Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy;
Consultant; Teacher; Mentor; Volunteer
“The author’s wisdom gleaned from his personal life experiences coupled with a vast array of resources provides the reader with actionable steps for self-discovery as a basis for developing meaningful goals both financially and for personal well-being. This rare and refreshing guide allows a person to align their unique life focus with a financial approach that is balanced and realistic.”
—Norm and Linda
Retired Executives
“This book goes beyond teaching about replenishing financial reserves. Jeff also talks about replenishing our spiritual reserves. Taking time off and taking care of yourself are just as important as ensuring that you are financially secure for the rest of your life.”
—Matt Tanzy
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, 1stPayment Systems;
Managing Director, Camp Lighthouse
“Jeff Bernier truly understands the purpose and greater meaning of money. His book can help authentically guide the reader to maximize the development and stewardship of their wealth. As a result, it can help them to clarify purpose and realize joy in their lives. Jeff offers invaluable insight to all of us through this book.”
—Ty Miller
Director of Sales(US), Attune Medical
“What a blessing to hear and see how Jeff has broken through to a second half having discovered the pearl of great price in this life: purpose working in tandem with joy! Sharing his journey and principles with all who read this book is a rich investment in helping others discover their purpose, pursue it with integrity, and live it out with both.”
—Steve Wood
Lead Pastor, Mount Pisgah Church
“In this book, Jeff brings to light that, although money is important, it’s what you do with the money and finding your purpose that will give you a meaningful life. In my line of work, I see so many who have built their wealth and shift their focus to keeping it instead of finding the purpose behind the wealth. This book focuses on that: showing you how to live your best life.”
—Stephanie Franek
Partner, Stephanie Franek CPA LLC
“Jeff Bernier’s timing is impeccable, once again! In The Money and Meaning Journey, Jeff uses his thirty-six-year track record to help you create the foundation for the life you want to live and the life you could live. It’s not just smart investing; it’s about creating the financial plan that supports the purpose of the life you are living rather than pushing your life into someone’s else view of what you should do. With Jeff, your life is a spiritual journey.
“Jeff shares parts of his relatable journey—the challenging times, the sad times, the great times—and demonstrates how an integrated financial plan supported him every step of the way. And more importantly, if you desire to have an “Act 2” in your life—where you can contribute more than you ever imagined—this book has you covered.
“Call its age advice if you like, but make no mistake, the counsel in this book offers a partnership with your life’s desires and is based entirely on evidence-based, time-tested financial strategy. And please pay special attention to the“Six Financial Challenges” we all face and how to overcome them.
“In this book, Jeff helps you partner the God-given authenticity of your life’s plan to the best financial strategies available.”
—Christopher “Chase” Carey, MBA
Third Degree Black Belt;
President, CAREY Benefits
“I love the life stories and learnings Jeff Bernier provides in this book. By reading this book, one has the tools for a rewarding financial life and/or retirement.”
—Sam Maloy
Retired SalesDirector, Eli Lilly
“Jeff walks us down a path of discovery to deeply understand ourselves and our own unique purposes in life, and he shows how we can take advantage of that understanding to create purpose, meaning, and satisfaction in the future chapters of our lives.”
—Terrence K. Quinn, JD
“Jeff articulates the importance of making a life plan and then an analytically based financial plan to support it.”
—Walter Mann
President, Zono Technologies
“The Money and Meaning Journey provides real financial tools to make wise decisions with what God has given us to steward, but it also engages the reader in a journey of personal discovery which connects wealth to joy on the bridge called ‘purpose and calling.’ Thanks, Jeff, for sharing your own story in a humble, authentic way, which encourages us all to realize who really owns what we possess.”
—Dick Gygi
Master Certified Coach, Halftime Institute of Nashville;
Founder, Fuel For Good LLC
“Jeff Bernier thoughtfully lays out the importance of establishing ‘what makes you come alive’ and of deftly pairing those core pursuits with a long-term, fundamentals-driven investing approach. He emphasizes navigating these paths simultaneously, weaving journeys of the spirit with responsible planning of both one’s circumstances and finances. Jeff shows how having the clarity and confidence of well-founded objectives, in combination with a pragmatic approach to markets, can alleviate much of the stress that often accompanies planning for life after retirement—encouraging readers to explore how wealth and purpose can grow together.”
—Dave Butler
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Dimensional Director, Dimensional Fund Advisors
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