More Than Commas

In this episode, Cory unpacks the truth behind 529 college savings plans, their benefits, drawbacks, and what families should consider before committing their money. While 529s promise tax-free growth for education, Cory explains how they can also limit flexibility, impact financial aid, and tie up funds that could serve broader family goals.

Using real-world comparisons, he explores alternative strategies, from taxable brokerage accounts and student loans to securities-backed lines of credit, and how each affects long-term financial outcomes.

Full spreadsheet demo: https://youtu.be/wCXOaJx0lD0

The episode also highlights a creative use of the new 529-to-Roth IRA conversion rule, turning leftover education savings into a lasting wealth-building tool. Cory's takeaway: 529s aren't good or bad, just situational. The real aim isn't to buy college, but to buy choice and opportunity for your child's future.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: The 529 plan debate

01:05 – How 529s work and their tax appeal

02:40 – Real-life model: comparing college funding paths 04:30 – Student loans vs 529 performance

06:00 – The value of flexibility and liquidity

08:05 – New 529-to-Roth conversion strategy

10:30 – Opportunity funds and financial independence

12:50 – When 529s make sense (and when they don't)

14:30 – Closing thoughts: funding choice, not just college

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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 special "Behind the Numbers" edition, Cory takes you deeper into the 529 plan conversation with a full spreadsheet walkthrough. He breaks down every scenario from Part 1: Comparing 529 plans, brokerage accounts, student loan strategies, and new Roth IRA conversion rules, using real S&P return data and clear assumptions.

Cory demonstrates how small differences in tax treatment, timing, or risk allocation can completely change long-term results, and he highlights the surprising cases where a 529 wins, and where it doesn't. You'll see the real math behind college savings, including scenarios for state tax deductions, financial turbulence, and the powerful "collegium Roth" approach.

Whether you're a parent, planner, or investor, this episode turns abstract strategy into numbers you can actually understand.

Check out Part 1: https://youtu.be/RQLGY1OE1vs

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Timestamps:

00:40 – Rate of Return (ROR) Assumptions

01:48 – Scenario 1: Brokerage Account ($100K total over 18 years, pay cash for school)

04:25 – Scenario 2: 529 Plan ($100K total over 18 years)

07:37 – Scenario 3: Brokerage Account + Student Loans (use loans first, pay off later)

12:54 – Scenario 4: 529 with State Tax Deduction (South Carolina Example)

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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, Paul Adams challenges listeners to consider whether their wealth is a tool or a trophy.

Drawing on Dr. Thomas Stanley's The Millionaire Next Door and Stop Acting Rich, Paul explains how wealth flaunted for status can trap us in comparison, distraction, and fragility, while wealth used as a tool creates freedom, impact, and legacy. He highlights the virtue of frugality once admired in America, contrasting it with today's obsession with visible success. True wealth, he argues, often hides in 401(k)s, rental properties, and investments no one sees.

Paul also shares a personal story about his new Tesla Cybertruck and how visibility has changed how others perceive him. With humility and reflection, he invites listeners to examine their own spending habits and ask: Are you building tools for a meaningful life, or collecting trophies for display?

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Timestamps:

01:15 – The fragile nature of status-based wealth

02:40 – Wealth as a tool for impact and legacy

03:25 – Biblical wisdom: contentment and generosity

05:00 – The traps of comparison, distraction, and fragility

06:40 – The lost virtue of frugality and visible wealth

08:20 – Hidden wealth: assets no one sees

09:50 – Paul's Cybertruck story & final reflections

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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 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.

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Timestamps:

01:15 – The story of the treadmill lifestyle

02:30 – Lessons from The Millionaire Next Door

03:40 – The hedonic treadmill explained

04:50 – Biblical wisdom on money and contentment

06:00 – The real costs: time, flexibility, joy

07:30 – Redefining wealth through "enough"

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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 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.