Sound Financial Bites

In this episode of More Than Commas, we dive deep into the Scriptures to explore what the Bible actually teaches about debt. From Proverbs to Paul, we examine the verses often quoted by Christian financial voices like Dave Ramsey—and contrast them with a broader biblical framework of stewardship, responsibility, and generosity. Is borrowing a sin? Or is the real issue the intent and ability to repay? Tune in as we challenge popular zero-debt theology, uncover surprising insights from the Parable of the Talents and the Widow’s Oil, and offer a more faithful, nuanced view of Christian finance. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, this episode brings clarity to a hot-button topic.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual s

In this episode of More Than Commas, Cory Sheppard breaks down the risks of going all-in on the S&P 500, especially after its recent high-performing years. He explores how the index has become increasingly tech-heavy and dependent on the “Magnificent Seven,” making it more volatile than it seems. By examining historical data from different time periods—including the 2000s “lost decade” and early 20th-century downturns—Cory shows why diversification across asset classes, rather than chasing short-term outperformance, leads to a more stable, reliable investment experience. Whether you're near retirement or just getting started, this episode is packed with insight on how real-life circumstances should shape your portfolio strategy—not market hype. -- This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial profession

In this episode, Paul steps out to the shop to talk emergency preparedness — not for the zombie apocalypse, but for real-life power outages and unexpected events. He covers the essential items every household should have on hand to stay safe, warm, and fed for at least 72 hours. From practical water storage solutions to backpacking gear that doubles as emergency supplies, Paul walks through a smart, approachable way to be ready without letting prepping take over your life. Whether you're new to emergency planning or just need to restock, this guide has you covered.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for

In Episode 321 of More Than Commas, Paul Adams unpacks the core ideas of Bill Perkins' book Die With Zero, which challenges the conventional wisdom of hoarding wealth for retirement. Instead, Perkins urges us to align our money, time, and energy with meaningful experiences during the prime years of our lives.   Paul explores concepts like the “Fulfillment Curve,” “Memory Dividends,” and “Time Bucketing,” showing how intentional spending can create lasting impact and relational ROI. This episode encourages listeners to rethink legacy, give generously while they’re alive, and plan for a rich life—not just a rich bank account.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a

In this episode of More Than Commas, Paul and Cory dive deep into what it really takes to build sustainable, guaranteed income for life. They challenge the traditional advice to go "more conservative" in retirement, exposing why longevity risk—not market volatility—is the greatest threat to your financial future. Using a real-world $10 million retirement example, they walk through how combining lifetime income annuities with smart equity investing can actually create more freedom, flexibility, and opportunities for generosity later in life. Whether you're planning to retire soon or decades away, this episode will change the way you think about risk, cash flow, and true financial independence.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your ind

In this episode of More Than Commas, Paul and Cory dive into a popular article's alarming claims about bonds, dissecting the idea of a 36-year bond bear market and the so-called "crushing" losses investors faced. Using powerful tools from Dimensional Fund Advisors like the Matrix Book and ReturnsWeb, they fact-check historical data from 1945 to 1981 and the Great Depression to reveal what really happened. Spoiler alert: the reality is far less dire than the headlines suggest. We also break down why diversified portfolios, proper rebalancing, and thoughtful financial planning still outperform flashy claims about active management.

In this final installment of our four-part deep dive, we conclude our review of White Coat Investor’s critique of the Ernst & Young whitepaper on insurance products. If you’ve stuck with us from Episode 315 through now, you know this has been a winding journey through annuities, whole life policies, investment assumptions—and plenty of eyebrow-raising takes. Today, we wrap it all up with our closing thoughts on the White Coat Investor review. We also zoom out to look at the big picture: What’s really at stake when professionals argue about insurance-backed retirement strategies? What does this mean for actual investors trying to make informed decisions?

In Part 3 of our deep dive into White Coat Investor Disagrees with Ernst & Young, we tackle some of the strangest assumptions in the analysis. We break down how whole life policies are managed (or mismanaged), questionable projections of policy performance, and bizarre reinvestment strategies for annuity proceeds. Plus, we explore the odd decision to replace fixed-income investments solely with insurance products, the implications of paying back a whole life policy, and a 70-year time horizon that raises more questions than it answers. Tune in as we continue to expose the flaws in this controversial financial assessment!   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a

In Episode 316 of More Than Commas, we continue our deep dive into White Coat Investor’s critique of the Ernst & Young Insurance Study. This time, we break down seven more questionable assumptions, from high advisory fees to mysterious “black box” insurance products. Are these valid criticisms, or is there more to the story? Tune in as we separate sound financial analysis from misleading narratives.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strate

In Episode 315 of More Than Commas, we take a deep dive into White Coat Investor's critique of the Ernst & Young Insurance Products in Retirement Study. While WCI raises some valid concerns, we challenge whether their approach to financial products is always as objective as they claim. Are whole life insurance and annuities really as bad as they suggest? Or is there room for nuance? Tune in as we break down the arguments, separate fact from opinion, and help you think critically about financial critiques.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an

In this episode of More than Commas, we take a deep dive into Ernst & Young’s latest white paper on integrating life insurance and annuities into a financial plan. With a projected $240 trillion retirement savings gap by 2030, EY’s research highlights how strategies beyond traditional investments—such as permanent life insurance and deferred income annuities—can enhance income stability and legacy value. We break down the key takeaways from their analysis and what it means for your retirement planning. Tune in to learn how a smarter, more balanced approach could optimize your financial future.   Download the Ernst & Young Full Whitepaper: https://www.ey.com/content/dam/ey-unified-site/ey-com/en-us/insights/insurance/documents/ey-benefits-of-integrating-insurance-products-into-a-retirement-plan.pdf   Related episode: https://sfgway.com/2022/05/18/podcast-episode-239-income-investing-in-retirement/   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertak

In this episode of More Than Commas, we tackle the Annuity Puzzle—why retirees often ignore one of the most recommended financial tools: lifetime income annuities. Cory discusses expert insights from economists like Moshe Milevsky, William Sharpe, and Olivia Mitchell, uncovering the behavioral biases, marketing flaws, and misconceptions that keep people from embracing annuities. We explore their benefits, including guaranteed income and longevity protection, while addressing concerns about fees, fairness, and industry reputation. Tune in to rethink annuities as an essential retirement income insurance—because securing your future shouldn’t be left to chance.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial

Active asset managers promise market-beating returns, but the data tells a different story. In this episode of More than Commas, Cory explores why 90% of actively managed funds underperform over time and how patience, simplicity, and low-cost investing outperform stock-picking strategies. Through stories of legendary investors like Warren Buffett and everyday savers like Ronald Read, we uncover the power of long-term investing. Plus, we dive into the harsh realities of day trading and why even the best managers struggle to sustain success. Tune in to learn why the best strategy isn’t about working harder—it’s about staying the course.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial

In episode 311, Paul explains that disciplined investing is the key to long-term financial success. He warns against comparing your diversified portfolio to hot asset classes, emphasizing that diversification and systematic rebalancing—selling high and buying low—are essential for managing market volatility and avoiding impulsive decisions. Paul debunks the myth of perfect market timing and stresses the importance of sticking to a steady, long-term strategy, all while offering actionable insights on building a resilient financial future and a teaser for the next episode on why even top asset managers often struggle to outperform the market.   --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Fina

Struggling to build wealth? In this episode of More Than Commas, Elijah Fowler breaks down the common trap of chasing high investment returns and reveals a more reliable path to financial success—boosting your savings rate. Using a real-world example, he demonstrates how a simple shift in mindset can grow your portfolio by hundreds of thousands without the stress of market timing. Tune in to learn why controlling your savings habits can have a bigger impact than chasing unpredictable returns, and discover practical steps to take control of your financial future today!   ---   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is

In this episode of More than Commas, Host Cory Shepherd discusses the challenges of owning real estate in a self-directed IRA. While it may seem like a smart way to diversify retirement investments, several factors complicate this strategy. Key points include the loss of tax benefits, as traditional deductions do not apply; prohibited transactions that restrict personal use and management; and financing limitations, requiring nonrecourse loans with higher costs.   ---   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase

In episode 308 of the More Than Commas, Host Paul Adams is joined by Jeremy Ames to explore the Rollovers for Business Start-ups (ROBS) strategy, a unique funding option that allows entrepreneurs to use their retirement savings to launch or acquire a business without incurring penalties. Jeremy outlines the ROBS process, emphasizing the importance of forming a C-corporation and setting up a new 401(k) plan. He discusses compliance requirements and the roles of key parties involved, including Guidant Financials' support in navigating regulations.   Links: https://www.guidantfinancial.com/ https://www.guidantfinancial.com/401k-business-financing-robs-guide/ https://jeremyames.com/podcast/   ---   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individ

In episode 307 of More than Commas, Cory Shepherd and Todd Schwartz explore the strategy of assuming a seller's low-interest mortgage in today's high-rate real estate market. He explains how this approach allows buyers to take over existing loans, potentially saving thousands by accessing lower interest rates. Todd highlights key points such as the types of assumable loans (FHA, VA, USDA), the assumption process, and the benefits, including reduced closing costs and payment stability.   ---   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation fo

In episode 306 of More than Commas, Host Cory Shepherd explores the crucial differences between simple interest and compound interest. Listeners will learn how simple interest is calculated solely on the principal amount, while compound interest builds on both the principal and accumulated interest. Through relatable examples, Paul illustrates the financial impact of each type, emphasizing how compound interest can exponentially grow investments over time. He also discusses the importance of balancing debt repayment with investment strategies.   ---   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes

In this episode, Paul dives into the mortgage payoff, exploring the financial realities. Is paying off your mortgage early always the smartest move? Paul examines financial trade-offs, opportunity costs, and strategies to help you make informed decisions about your financial goals. This episode offers a fresh perspective on financial freedom. Check out these mortgage-related episodes from the channel: PODCAST EPISODE 252: Mortgage Rates are Not What They Seem PODCAST EPISODE 122: Basics of Debt, Part 2: Dealing With Mortgages PODCAST EPISODE 43: Mortgage Myths for Entrepreneurs ---   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser.  Information pr