More Than Commas
Join Sound Financial Group CEO Paul Adams and President Cory Shepherd every week, as they help you Design and Build a Good Life™. Through the information provided on this podcast, we give you the ability to do this yourself. Why do we need to do this? Because every other media you're going to engage in has a vested interest in capturing your mindshare, and in having you spend your surplus, rather than you caring for your financial future. Your financial future is inevitable and uncertain. The only question is, will you have a Good Life? No one has one by default, only by design. Most of the financial podcasts out there can be valuable, though you will notice that many of them are from someone who is unlicensed. This podcast is unique in that it is led and hosted by licensed financial advisors who have been in the industry for nearly 2 decades, hence the disclosure below and in the description attached to each our episode. 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.
Episodes
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 shar...
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...
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...
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, i...
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 fou...
In this episode, Paul introduces a speech from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, exploring the philosophy behind it. He encourages critical thinking about the speech's meaning, regardless of whether you've read the novel or not.
Tune in to Part 1 of this 3-part series and expand your mindset and dive into literature.
--
This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investme...
In this episode, Paul challenges the common belief that more money automatically equals a better life, diving into the deeper aspects of personal finance. He explores how money matters can be amplified, not solved, by a simple raise, and encourages viewers to seek true financial wellness.
Discover why mindfulness in spending and saving is crucial for lasting financial freedom and overall self improvement.
--
This Material is Inten...
What if your bank statement said more about you than your words ever could? In this episode, Cory explores how your financial habits reveal your true values, hidden beliefs, and emotional patterns.
Discover how money can act as a mirror, reflecting your priorities, anxieties, and future direction, and learn how to align your financial life with who you really are. Perfect for those seeking more than just budgeting tips: this is abo...
In this episode, Paul discusses what every entrepreneur should know before considering a business exit. He covers critical aspects of business sales exit strategies, particularly when to sell your business. Whether you’re fielding offers now or planning for a liquidity event in the future, this episode is crucial.
—
This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide inves...
In this episode, Cory discusses how incorporating strategic rest into your routine can boost productivity and overall wellness tips. He argues that mindfulness and intentional breaks are integral to building a fulfilling life and meaningful wealth. Listen to discover how to achieve more by doing less.
—
This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice ...
In this episode of More Than Commas, Elijah explains the philosophy behind evidence based investing and how it is foundational to Sound Financial Group. He highlights Dimensional Fund Advisors and discusses why their approach to investing matters. Learn how evidence based investment can help build confidence in your financial strategy.
—
This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undert...
In this episode of More Than Commas, Paul discusses the evolving role of a financial planner in an age dominated by robo advisors and artificial intelligence. He questions whether technology renders financial planning obsolete or makes it even more essential. The episode explores how the role of the financial advisor is changing.
—
This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertak...
We explore key insights on ...
Why do we keep making the same financial mistakes—even when we know better? In this episode of More Than Commas, Elijah uncovers the hidden forces driving your money decisions through the lens of behavioral finance. Learn how cognitive biases like loss aversion, anchoring, and confirmation bias sabotage even the smartest investors and discover how structured systems and a great advisor can help you stay on track. Whether you’ve sol...
In Episode 325 of More Than Commas, Paul explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of financial planning, and what that means for your financial future. Discover the real strengths and limitations of AI in personal finance, why technology can’t replace human wisdom, and how the right blend of AI tools and expert advice can lead to better long-term outcomes. Learn how to use AI to support—rather than direct—...
In this episode of More Than Commas, we dive deep into the Scriptures to explore what the Bible actually teaches about debt. From Proverbs to Paul, we examine the verses often quoted by Christian financial voices like Dave Ramsey—and contrast them with a broader biblical framework of stewardship, responsibility, and generosity. Is borrowing a sin? Or is the real issue the intent and ability to repay? Tune in as we challenge popular...
In this episode of More Than Commas, Cory Sheppard breaks down the risks of going all-in on the S&P 500, especially after its recent high-performing years. He explores how the index has become increasingly tech-heavy and dependent on the “Magnificent Seven,” making it more volatile than it seems. By examining historical data from different time periods—including the 2000s “lost decade” and early 20th-century downturns—Cory shows wh...
In this episode, Paul steps out to the shop to talk emergency preparedness — not for the zombie apocalypse, but for real-life power outages and unexpected events. He covers the essential items every household should have on hand to stay safe, warm, and fed for at least 72 hours. From practical water storage solutions to backpacking gear that doubles as emergency supplies, Paul walks through a smart, approachable way to be ready wit...
In Episode 321 of More Than Commas, Paul Adams unpacks the core ideas of Bill Perkins' book Die With Zero, which challenges the conventional wisdom of hoarding wealth for retirement. Instead, Perkins urges us to align our money, time, and energy with meaningful experiences during the prime years of our lives.
Paul explores concepts like the “Fulfillment Curve,” “Memory Dividends,” and “Time Bucketing,” showing how intentional spe...
In this episode of More Than Commas, Paul and Cory dive deep into what it really takes to build sustainable, guaranteed income for life. They challenge the traditional advice to go "more conservative" in retirement, exposing why longevity risk—not market volatility—is the greatest threat to your financial future. Using a real-world $10 million retirement example, they walk through how combining lifetime income annuities with smart ...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.