Sound Financial Bites

In Episode 344 of More Than Commas, Paul uncovers the hidden cost of chasing “more.” From bigger homes and cars to the pursuit of higher income, we often find ourselves on a treadmill, running faster without feeling more fulfilled. Drawing on The Millionaire Next Door by Dr. Thomas Stanley, Paul explains how lifestyle creep can erode wealth across generations. He introduces the concept of the hedonic treadmill, where joy quickly fades as new comforts become the norm. With insights from psychology, scripture, and even Joe Rogan, he highlights the trade-offs of time, flexibility, and joy that come with chasing more. The antidote is defining “enough.” By clarifying what enough means, families can align money with values, find peace, and cultivate contentment while still pursuing financial independence. This episode challenges listeners to rethink wealth, not as endless accumulation, but as freedom to live meaningfully.   -- Timestamps: 01:15 – The story of the treadmill lifestyle 02:30 – Lessons from The Million

In this episode of More Than Commas, Cory explores one of the most overlooked roles of a financial advisor: protecting clients from their own instincts. It’s not just about picking investments or predicting the market, it’s about acting as a guardrail when fear and desire tempt us into costly mistakes. Cory illustrates how emotions drive poor financial decisions, from panic-selling during downturns to chasing trends at market peaks. Advisors provide perspective, discipline, and strategy, ensuring clients stay aligned with their long-term goals. Using vivid analogies, Cory shows how advisors add real value, especially during turbulent times. He challenges listeners to rethink what they expect from an advisor, focusing less on promised returns and more on partnership, clarity, and peace of mind in building a life that truly matters.   -- Timestamps: 00:50 – March 2020: emotions vs. the market 01:40 – Fear, desire & behavioral finance traps 02:50 – Advisors as guardrails against bad decisions 04:10 – Why out

In this episode, Paul is joined by SFG's new advisor Lance Chisum for a candid review of a Dave Ramsey video on housing and post-divorce financial decisions. Together, they unpack the caller’s circumstances, substantial home equity, low-rate mortgage, and the possibility of a HELOC, while questioning whether Ramsey’s quick advice fully addresses the bigger financial picture. Paul and Lance highlight what’s missing: tax planning opportunities, liquidity strategies, retirement contributions, and vital insurance protection. They also explore the emotional side of money, from staying in a home for sentimental reasons to making choices influenced by future relationships. Drawing on Lance’s decades of experience, the discussion contrasts the limitations of financial “counseling” with the depth of true financial advising. The episode ultimately underscores why tailored, goal-focused advice matters far more than one-size-fits-all solutions. -- Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: reviewing a Dave Ramsey video 01:40 – Mo

Bonita Bell-Anderson (Ask Good Questions Podcast) and Paul Adams (More Than Commas) unpack why Americans under-save, how culture rewards consumption, and why retirement is a narrative, more than math. Paul shares reset moves: save ~20% of gross income, cultivate contentment, set a written strategy, and “don’t break strategy.” They explore evidence-based investing with Dimensional Fund Advisors, guarding against lifestyle inflation, and reframing “retirement” as financial independence. Practical language hacks (“that would break strategy”) and small, repeatable habits help listeners compound toward freedom, without chasing status. A candid, encouraging playbook for purposeful money and life. -- 00:00 – Intro & disclaimers 01:20 – Meet Paul Adams 04:50 – Family, mobility, and designing work 07:30 – Eye-opening retirement stats 10:50 – Why we don’t save: feedback loops 19:40 – “Retirement is a narrative problem” 31:10 – “Don’t break strategy” language shift 37:45 – Evidence-based investing & DFA -- This

In this episode, Paul discusses how to arrange your investments to protect your real estate portfolio. Too many investors fall into survivorship bias, seeing only the winners in real estate while ignoring those who took on too much debt and lost big. Paul explains why real estate returns often appear stronger than stocks or bonds, the risks of overreliance on gurus, and how to better integrate financial advice into your strategy. You’ll also learn practical tips for risk management, including portfolio insurance, and how the “Rule of Half” can safeguard your wealth. This simple framework ensures you never have to sell an investment property at the wrong time, helping you stay in the game long term. Whether you’re focused on passive income, building a real estate portfolio, or planning for retirement, this episode provides timeless strategies to keep your balance sheet strong.   -- This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice

In this episode, Paul explores the real cost and true value of retiring in paradise. We begin by examining a widely cited article claiming retirees need $2.2 million to live comfortably in Hawaii, and uncover how media “information laundering” can make financial advice seem more official than it is. Then, Paul sits down with Aaron Goddard, CEO of Allstate Health Benefits, who moved his family to Hawaii over a decade ago. Aaron shares candid insights about cost of living, quality of life, community, and why he believes Hawaii offers unmatched rewards for retirees.   --   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 ed

In this episode, Cory asks a powerful question every real estate investor should consider: Should I sell my rental? It’s easy to assume that if a property is cash-flowing, it’s worth keeping. But when you dig deeper, the numbers often tell a different story. Cory breaks down the difference between Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Equity (ROE), and why ROE becomes more important as your property appreciates. You’ll learn how mortgage paydown, rising expenses, and hidden opportunity costs affect your real return, and what to do about it. Plus, discover four key questions to ask before deciding to sell, including how tax exemptions, cap rates, and your long-term strategy factor into the equation.   Whether you’re actively managing rentals or simply wondering if your equity could work harder elsewhere, this episode will help you make informed, purpose-driven financial decisions rooted in today’s reality, not yesterday’s assumptions.   -- This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this

In this episode of More Than Commas, Cory breaks down the sweeping new legislation shaking up the personal finance world: the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), signed into law on July 4th, 2025. From Trump Accounts for newborns to a $40K SALT deduction cap, the OBBB changes how Americans save, spend, and plan. Whether you're a parent, student, retiree, or working professional, this bill could significantly impact your bottom line. Key topics covered: New 529 plan expansions Enhanced ABLE accounts Tax-free tips and overtime Deductible auto loan interest Senior deduction increases Sunsetting green energy credits  And more… Don’t miss this essential guide to navigating these updates with clarity and purpose.   -- 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 t

In the last installment of our d’Anconia series, Paul dives into the deeper meaning behind Francisco d’Anconia’s “money speech” and what it reveals about your financial life. This isn’t just about income, it’s about what you’re doing with it. Are you saving what you earn? Protecting it? Preparing to pass it on with wisdom? If not, you may be unintentionally building a legacy you never intended. Paul explores why money isn’t evil, it’s earned, and how it reflects your integrity, your priorities, and your level of financial maturity. You’ll learn why savings is about dignity, how insurance is an act of love, and why legacy is not optional, only its quality is. Whether you’re a high-income earner or just beginning to build wealth, this episode challenges you to reexamine how you steward what you’ve created. Because your money is already saying something about you. Make sure it’s telling the story you want told.   -- This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertak

In this powerful second installment of our d’Anconia Series, Paul reads Francisco d’Anconia’s legendary “money speech” from Atlas Shrugged, completely unabridged. More than a literary moment, this episode invites deep reflection on what money truly is: a symbol of virtue, value, and voluntary exchange. Whether you agree or disagree with every word, listen closely for the timeless insights on production, character, and the moral foundations of wealth. This is not just about economics, it’s about the principles that shape lives, legacies, and the future we’re building.   -- 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 this episode, Paul introduces a speech from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, exploring the philosophy behind it. He encourages critical thinking about the speech's meaning, regardless of whether you've read the novel or not. Tune in to Part 1 of this 3-part series and expand your mindset and dive into literature. -- 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 strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first c

In this episode, Paul challenges the common belief that more money automatically equals a better life, diving into the deeper aspects of personal finance. He explores how money matters can be amplified, not solved, by a simple raise, and encourages viewers to seek true financial wellness. Discover why mindfulness in spending and saving is crucial for lasting financial freedom and overall self improvement. -- 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 strategi

What if your bank statement said more about you than your words ever could? In this episode, Cory explores how your financial habits reveal your true values, hidden beliefs, and emotional patterns. Discover how money can act as a mirror, reflecting your priorities, anxieties, and future direction, and learn how to align your financial life with who you really are. Perfect for those seeking more than just budgeting tips: this is about clarity, alignment, and transformation.   -- 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 p

In this episode, Paul discusses what every entrepreneur should know before considering a business exit. He covers critical aspects of business sales exit strategies, particularly when to sell your business. Whether you’re fielding offers now or planning for a liquidity event in the future, this episode is crucial. — 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 strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to firs

In this episode, Cory discusses how incorporating strategic rest into your routine can boost productivity and overall wellness tips. He argues that mindfulness and intentional breaks are integral to building a fulfilling life and meaningful wealth. Listen to discover how to achieve more by doing less. — 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 strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult wit

In this episode of More Than Commas, Elijah explains the philosophy behind evidence based investing and how it is foundational to Sound Financial Group. He highlights Dimensional Fund Advisors and discusses why their approach to investing matters. Learn how evidence based investment can help build confidence in your financial strategy. — 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 strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guara

In this episode of More Than Commas, Paul discusses the evolving role of a financial planner in an age dominated by robo advisors and artificial intelligence. He questions whether technology renders financial planning obsolete or makes it even more essential. The episode explores how the role of the financial advisor is changing.   —   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 strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guarant

In this episode of More Than Commas, Cory breaks down the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement—its philosophy, its pitfalls, and its powerful potential to reshape your relationship with money. Learn how FIRE isn’t just about quitting your job early, but about reclaiming your time, aligning your finances with your values, and designing a life you don’t want to retire from. We explore key insights on how to pursue financial independence without sacrificing meaning, flexibility, or relationships. Whether you’re FIRE-curious or just want more freedom, this episode offers practical, purpose-driven takeaways.   —   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 regis

Why do we keep making the same financial mistakes—even when we know better? In this episode of More Than Commas, Elijah uncovers the hidden forces driving your money decisions through the lens of behavioral finance. Learn how cognitive biases like loss aversion, anchoring, and confirmation bias sabotage even the smartest investors and discover how structured systems and a great advisor can help you stay on track. Whether you’ve sold in a panic or chased the next big thing, this episode will show you how to align your behavior with your financial goals. Listen now and start building a strategy that works with your emotions, not against them.   —   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 Finan

In Episode 325 of More Than Commas, Paul explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of financial planning, and what that means for your financial future. Discover the real strengths and limitations of AI in personal finance, why technology can’t replace human wisdom, and how the right blend of AI tools and expert advice can lead to better long-term outcomes. Learn how to use AI to support—rather than direct—your financial decisions, and why behavior, values, and purpose matter more than ever in an increasingly automated world. Whether you're curious about robo-advisors, portfolio automation, or how AI is shaping wealth management, this episode delivers clarity and insight.   —   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