More Than Commas

Paul Adams & Cory Shepherd

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.

  1. 353 - How to Future-Proof Your Wealth: Essential Estate Planning for Every Life Stage

    12/04/2025

    353 - How to Future-Proof Your Wealth: Essential Estate Planning for Every Life Stage

    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.

    32 min
  2. 352- The AI Money Loop Explained: Are Investors Missing the Risk?

    11/27/2025

    352- The AI Money Loop Explained: Are Investors Missing the Risk?

    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.

    13 min
  3. 350 - Financial Advisors React: What This $5 Million Roth Story Gets Wrong About Retirement Planning

    11/14/2025

    350 - Financial Advisors React: What This $5 Million Roth Story Gets Wrong About Retirement Planning

    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.

    11 min
  4. 349 - Financial Advisors React to ChatGPT's Retirement Plan!

    11/05/2025

    349 - Financial Advisors React to ChatGPT's Retirement Plan!

    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.

    30 min
  5. 348 - Why Financial Samurai Says He's No Longer Financially Independent

    10/27/2025

    348 - Why Financial Samurai Says He's No Longer Financially Independent

    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.

    19 min
  6. 347 - Why Start Financial Planning Early

    10/20/2025

    347 - Why Start Financial Planning Early

    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.

    6 min
  7. 346 -  The Truth About 529 Plans | Smarter Ways to Fund College and Your Child's Future

    10/13/2025

    346 - The Truth About 529 Plans | Smarter Ways to Fund College and Your Child's Future

    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 – 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   -- 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.

    17 min
  8. 346 - The Truth About 529 Plans | Full Spreadsheet Demo

    10/13/2025

    346 - The Truth About 529 Plans | Full Spreadsheet Demo

    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 – 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)   -- 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.

    24 min

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About

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.