Interview with The Author Jeff Bernier

Jeff is a speaker, book author, the president of TandemGrowth Financial Advisors and has been providing financial advice to individuals and families for over 30 years. His new book The Money & Meaning Journey: A Guide to Clarity, Financial Confidence, and Joy is coming in October.

• Hello author Jeff Bernier, welcome to BrandEducation. What’s the last book you read?

Investing among Lower Expected returns by Antti Ilmanen. As a wealth advisor coaching clients in retirement, it is important to have realistic expectations around returns and not simply extrapolate the past. 

• What’s the book that changed your life?

I read Richard Rohr’s book, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life when as I was going through a difficult season in my life. It gave me great peace in understanding that some of our most difficult times are times of great spiritual growth. I love his paraphrase from the writing of Julian of Norwich, First the fall, and then the recovery from the fall, and both are the mercy of God. 

• If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

I would go back and tell myself that “fake it till you make it” is a terrible way to live and to relax in who your really are!

• What are your guilty pleasures?

Ok, this is a weird combination, but I have two: Milkshakes and Clase Azul Reposado Tequila (not together though – yuck!) 

• What is the first step to becoming more self-aware?

For me it is daily personal worship. Starting my day listening to God, confessing my sins, counting my blessings, and praying for others helps remember who’s in charge.   

• Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

Ireland. I am a golfer. I took a “bucket list” trip to Scotland a few years back and want to experience Ireland. 

• Do you have any advice that you can offer to those just starting in your industry or craft?

I need to give credit to Dan Sullivan at the Strategic Coach for these, but I think the two entrepreneurial decisions he teaches are good place to start:

1. Depend entirely on our own ability for economic security.

2. Expect opportunity only by creating value for others. 

I think I might add a third:

3. Begin each day In Gratitude. 

• What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Play golf, read, travel, fish, chase my grandchildren around.

• What’s the single most important reason for your success?

My parents and “who luck”. I’ve been blessed to have great people in my life.

• How do you generate new ideas?

Being a lifelong learner. Read, experience places, “Desert Days” walking in the woods.

• What’s the key lesson that you want everyone to take away from your work

God created you for a purpose and life is a journey to uncover your purpose. By getting money issues out of the way through sound planning, you may feel more equipped to pursue what makes your heart come alive. 

Find out more at: Jeffbernierauthor.com