More Than Commas

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, gu...

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 fin...

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 H...

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 pro...

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 signifi...

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. Pa...

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 produ...

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...

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 imp...

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 th...

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 a...

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 undert...

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 providi...

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...

In this episode of  More Than Commas , Cory breaks down the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement—its philosophy, its pitfalls, and its powerful potential to reshape your relationship with money. Learn how FIRE isn't just about quitting your job early, but about reclaiming your time, aligning your finances with your values, and designing a life you don't want to retire from. We expl...

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 yo...

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 us...

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 rep...

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 2...

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 smar...

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 Buck...

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 li...

In this episode of More Than Commas, Paul and Cory dive into a popular article's alarming claims about bonds, dissecting the idea of a 36-year bond bear market and the so-called "crushing" losses investors faced. Using powerful tools from Dimensional Fund Advisors like the Matrix Book and ReturnsWeb, they fact-check historical data from 1945 to 1981 and the Great Depression to reveal what really h...

In this final installment of our four-part deep dive, we conclude our review of White Coat Investor's critique of the Ernst & Young whitepaper on insurance products. If you've stuck with us from Episode 315 through now, you know this has been a winding journey through annuities, whole life policies, investment assumptions—and plenty of eyebrow-raising takes. Today, we wrap it all up with our closi...

In Part 3 of our deep dive into White Coat Investor Disagrees with Ernst & Young, we tackle some of the strangest assumptions in the analysis. We break down how whole life policies are managed (or mismanaged), questionable projections of policy performance, and bizarre reinvestment strategies for annuity proceeds. Plus, we explore the odd decision to replace fixed-income investments solely with in...