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 …
PODCAST EPISODE 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, …
PODCAST EPISODE 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, …
PODCAST EPISODE 345 – Is Your Wealth a Tool or a Trophy?
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 …
PODCAST EPISODE 344 – The Hidden Cost of Chasing More
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 …
PODCAST EPISODE 343 – Financial Advisors Explained: Beyond Investments to Real Peace of Mind
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 …
PODCAST EPISODE 342 – Dave Ramsey vs Real Financial Advice
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 …
PODCAST EPISODE 341 – Why Most People Don’t Save for Retirement
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, …
PODCAST EPISODE 340 – Can You Really Protect Your Property Investments?
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 …
PODCAST EPISODE 339 – Living the Dream in Hawaii
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 Benefits, …