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.

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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 outside perspective matters in money decisions 05:20 – Guardrails, budgets & freedom through discipline

06:40 – Advisors as chefs: strategy vs. randomness

07:50 – Final takeaway: advisors help you live better, not just invest better

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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 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.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: reviewing a Dave Ramsey video

01:40 – Mortgage, equity & HELOC breakdown

03:40 – Debt redeployment and emotional decisions

06:10 – Where Ramsey's advice falls short

08:00 – Divorce, remarriage & housing considerations

09:50 – Tax exclusions & planning opportunities

12:10 – Overlooked factors: retirement & insurance

4:30 – Financial counseling vs. real financial advising

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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.

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.

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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

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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, 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.

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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, 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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.