More Than Commas

What if the reason you struggle with time management isn't a lack of discipline, but biology?

In this episode, Paul sits down with Dr. Cody Sandzimier, founder and owner of Redmond Spine Center and creator of the Loop Timer, to explore the surprising science behind how humans perceive time. The conversation dives into neuroscience, psychology, productivity, and practical strategies you can use immediately to reduce stress, improve focus, and get more done without burnout.

You'll learn why humans don't actually have a "sensory organ" for time, how our brains rely on external cues to understand duration, and why visual timers and progress indicators can dramatically change how you work and live.

Learn more about the Loop Timer: https://looptimer.com/

---

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome & Episode Intro

01:30 — Meet Dr. Cody & The Loop Timer Origin

05:00 — Why Humans Don't Have a Sense of Time

08:00 — Visual Progress Bars & Time Awareness

12:00 — Time Perception Experiments & Casino Psychology

14:30 — The 90-Minute Productivity Rule

18:00 — ADHD, Neurodivergence & Cognitive Load

22:30 — Practical Time Management Tips

---

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 Inc. 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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial Inc. dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial Inc. dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode of More Than Commas, SFG President Cory Shepherd sits down with CEO of Trail CPA, Trent Trailov, to break down the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction and how business owners can strategically use it to reduce taxes.

If you earn non-W2 income, own a business, or operate as a consultant, financial professional, or service-based business owner, this conversation walks through who qualifies, income thresholds to watch, and real strategies to maximize tax savings. You'll also hear practical examples showing how the right planning decisions, like business expenses, charitable giving, and retirement contributions, can unlock tens of thousands of dollars in tax savings.

--

Timestamps:

03:10 – What Is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction?

06:15 – QBI Income Phaseouts Explained (Single vs. Married Filers)

08:20 – Real Example: Using Business Expenses to Qualify for QBI

10:55 – Which Businesses Need to Be Careful? (SSTB Rules)

14:05 – Business Expenses vs. Charitable Contributions

16:45 – Additional Strategies to Get Below the QBI Threshold

20:40 – Final Takeaways & What to Watch Going Into 2026

--

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 Inc. 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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial Inc. dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial Inc. dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode, Paul sits down with estate planning attorney Derek Wayne Jensen to demystify what estate planning really involves and why it's far more than drafting a simple will.

Derek explains how planning evolves over a lifetime, beginning with young adults choosing beneficiaries, through major life milestones, to complex multi-generational legacy planning. They explore the biggest misconceptions, including the belief that estate planning is "one and done," and discuss why outdated beneficiary designations routinely undermine even the best plans.

Derek also highlights triggers that should prompt a review: health scares, major purchases, business exits, new children or grandchildren, and significant increases in wealth.

The conversation ends with practical guidance for high earners, business owners, and anyone whose documents are more than five years old.

--

About Derek:

Derek W. Jensen, JD, LLM, is a tax attorney and the founder of the North Seattle law firm, Jensen Estate Law, to assist individuals and their families with complex issues surrounding federal income tax, state and federal estate tax, estate law, business law, elder law and asset protection. Derek is a trusted advisor, with over 25 years of experience helping clients achieve their estate and tax planning goals. He makes it his priority to listen and mold documents for each unique case that happens upon him, while addressing all concerns his clients may have.

Podcast: Who Gets What on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Youtube, and RSS

Instagram: @ jensenestatelaw

Facebook: Jensen Estate Law

X (Twitter): @ JensenEstateLaw

--

Timestamps:

01:11 – What estate planning really is (beyond wills and trusts)

02:15 – Why planning starts with young adults and evolves over life

03:37 – Biggest misconception: estate planning is "one and done"

05:05 – When to DIY vs. when to hire an attorney

06:29 – Why beneficiary designations often override your will

09:47 – Estate tax thresholds and the "life-stage" planning framework

13:00 – Essential documents every adult should have (POA, healthcare directives)

--

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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Scott Adams Excerpt: I Will Rewire Your Brains to Relieve Anxiety https://youtu.be/nWhKDqwgyv8?si=vhTXfZzLTLKLwbFa

We're excited to share a special throwback edition of this episode, released as a little Christmas gift to you. To set the stage, Paul explains why this conversation still matters and why we felt it was worth revisiting. This episode originally sparked a lot of thoughtful discussion, and listening back now, it's clear just how relevant the insights remain.

Whether you're hearing it for the first time or coming back to it with fresh perspective, there's plenty here to reflect on, especially during this season of gratitude, rest, and renewal. Consider this our way of saying thank you for being part of the community and continuing to engage with these conversations. We hope this throwback brings value, perspective, and maybe even a bit of nostalgia as you wrap up the year. Enjoy the episode, and happy holidays!

--

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 Inc. 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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial Inc. dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial Inc. dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode of More Than Commas, Cory breaks down one of the biggest questions in investing today: Is AI in a bubble?

Using clarity, and a Three Stooges analogy, Cory explores how companies like OpenAI, Nvidia, Oracle, and others have created a tightly interwoven financial ecosystem, one that looks innovative, but also suspiciously like a closed loop of money, growth assumptions, and circular investments.

He explains how "round tripping" works, why OpenAI loses money on every prompt you enter, and how Nvidia's rapidly aging chips complicate long-term value. Drawing parallels to the dot-com boom, Cory highlights what's different this time, and what isn't. Most importantly, he offers clear guidance: diversify, understand the risks beyond hype, and stay grounded in timeless financial principles.

A timely deep-dive for anyone watching AI stocks soar and wondering what's really happening behind the scenes.

--

Hank Green (The State of the AI Industry is Freaking Me Out): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0TpWitfxPk

The Knowledge Project (Anthony Scilipoti: The Bubble No One is Talking About): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anthony-scilipoti-the-bubble-no-one-is-talking-about/id990149481?i=1000733851707

--

Timestamps:

01:00 – Three Stooges clip and fractional-reserve analogy

02:20 – How banks differ from AI company structures

03:10 – OpenAI, Nvidia, Oracle and the AI investment loop

05:30 – Visualizing round-tripping (Bloomberg + Hank Green)

06:55 – Why AI firms lose money on every user interaction

08:20 – Lessons from the dot-com bubble and infrastructure

09:40 – Diversification: why owning the whole market matters

11:20 – Closing thoughts: bubble, boom, or something bigger?

--

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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode, Paul challenges the traditional approach to planning for the new year, urging listeners to stop setting goals and start setting aims. He explains that most people design their lives backward, focusing on career first and hoping life fits around it. Instead, Paul walks through a practical reframe: define the life you want, then determine the financial aims required to support that life, and only then plan your career or business strategy. He introduces the concept of "sufficiency" versus "surplus" lifestyles and explains why identifying both is essential to long-term freedom. Paul also explores the 13 Permanent Domains of Human Concern, encouraging listeners to anchor their planning in areas like health, family, and relationships rather than money. Through examples and clear steps, he shows how aiming allows for continual adjustment, new information, and a healthier relationship with progress. Ultimately, he invites listeners to design a future they can intentionally pursue, with clarity rather than pressure. --

Timestamps:

00:42 – The problem with traditional goal-setting

01:30 – How careers trap people into backward planning

02:13 – Start with life design, not income targets

03:00 – Sufficiency vs. surplus lifestyles

04:30 – Introducing the 13 Permanent Domains

06:36 – Turning lifestyle aims into financial aims

08:40 – Why aims beat goals (and how to use 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 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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode of More Than Commas, Paul is joined by the SFG team for a lively roundtable on a Wall Street Journal article about an 80-year-old couple debating a multi-million dollar Roth conversion.

The team dives deep into what the article doesn't say, from tax realities to financial leadership within marriages. Paul highlights the importance of both spouses understanding their family finances, while Cory and Lance warn about the dangers of financial illiteracy in later life. Together, they discuss legacy planning, donor-advised funds, and how generational wealth can be built through intentional Roth strategies and charitable giving.

With humor and practical insight, the team reminds listeners that real financial planning isn't about products, it's about stewardship, education, and empowering your loved ones to make wise choices long after you're gone.

--

Timestamps:

02:30 – The 80-year-old couple and the Roth conversion dilemma

05:00 – What "estate planning" really means for most families

07:30 – Financial leadership inside a marriage

10:00 – The risks of financial illiteracy in later years

13:00 – Charitable giving and donor-advised fund strategies

15:30 – Building generational wealth through Roth contributions

18:00 – Closing reflections: teaching stewardship across generations

--

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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode of More Than Commas, the Sound Financial Group team dive into a headline-grabbing article: "I Asked ChatGPT to Plan My Retirement."

The panel unpacks what happens when artificial intelligence is trusted with life-changing financial planning. They discuss missing details like inflation, taxes, and real expenses, and why AI can't yet replace human discernment or accountability. The team explores the dangers of overconfidence, explaining how small errors compound into massive risks when unverified data drives big financial decisions. They also share insights on how advisors responsibly use AI for efficiency and analysis, not as a substitute for wisdom and coaching.

This engaging, thought-provoking discussion helps listeners understand where technology helps, and where it can dangerously mislead, when building lasting wealth.

--

Timestamps:

02:30 – The article: "I Asked ChatGPT to Plan My Retirement"

04:00 – What AI gets wrong about financial planning

06:30 – The missing context: taxes, inflation & lifestyle

09:00 – Overconfidence, errors & the illusion of precision

12:00 – Why good prompts still need human judgment

15:00 – Using AI responsibly in financial planning

18:00 – Final takeaways: tech as a tool, not a teacher

--

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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode, Lance and Paul unpack the viral post from Financial Samurai founder Sam Dogen, who recently admitted he's no longer financially independent after more than a decade in early retirement.

Lance and Paul explore what this moment reveals about the FIRE movement, its strengths, blind spots, and the danger of mistaking "passive" for "permanent" income. They discuss the tension between influence and authenticity, the challenge of lifestyle creep, and the difference between financial sufficiency and true independence.

Drawing on real-world client insights and expert perspectives, they highlight the importance of flexibility, contentment, and understanding the math behind your own strategy.

Whether you're chasing FIRE or simply planning your financial future, this conversation offers a grounded, thoughtful look at how to build wealth that bends without breaking, and how to live freely without letting your finances define you.

--

Timestamps:

01:50 – Financial Samurai's FIRE update

03:20 – The $3M net worth and the early retirement backstory

04:10 – Where the missing numbers went

05:40 – Breaking down why passive income isn't always permanent

08:30 – Lifestyle creep, consumption, and breaking your own strategy

12:15 – Influencer advice vs fiduciary financial planning

15:30 – Dr. Wade Pfau's one-word retirement advice: Flexibility

19:20 – Redefining FIRE

--

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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

In this episode, Elijah explores why beginning your financial planning journey early can transform not just your bank balance, but your entire life. He breaks down the compounding power of time, showing how consistent habits, even with modest amounts, lead to lasting financial freedom and flexibility.

Drawing on real-life stories, Elijah explains how starting early creates margin, reduces stress, and gives you options that money alone can't buy. He also discusses the deeper meaning of stewardship, encouraging listeners to model healthy financial habits for their children and future generations.

--

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:05 – Why People Delay Planning

02:20 – The Power of Compounding

04:10 – A Client Story

06:00 – Faith and Stewardship

07:15 – Freedom from Fear

08:25 – Building Habits for the Future

09:45 – Final Challenge

--

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 with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.