Sound Financial Bites

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

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 –

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

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

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=Q0TpWi

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 rathe

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 – Finan

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, inflatio

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 w

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

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. -- Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The 529 plan debate 01:05 – How 529s work and their tax appeal 02:40 –

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   -- 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

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? -- Timestamps: 01:15 – The fragile nature of status-based wealth 02:40 – Wealth as a tool for impact and legacy 03:25 – Biblical wisdom

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