View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 314 – Ernst & Young’s Guide to Life Insurance & Annuities

In this episode of More than Commas, we take a deep dive into Ernst & Young’s latest white paper on integrating life insurance and annuities into a financial plan. With a projected $240 trillion retirement savings gap by 2030, EY’s research highlights how strategies beyond traditional investments—such as permanent life insurance and deferred income annuities—can enhance income stability and legacy …

View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 313 – Why We Ignore a Powerful Retirement Tool

In this episode of More Than Commas, we tackle the Annuity Puzzle—why retirees often ignore one of the most recommended financial tools: lifetime income annuities. Cory discusses expert insights from economists like Moshe Milevsky, William Sharpe, and Olivia Mitchell, uncovering the behavioral biases, marketing flaws, and misconceptions that keep people from embracing annuities. We explore their benefits, including guaranteed income …

View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 312 – Why Active Management Doesn’t Work

Active asset managers promise market-beating returns, but the data tells a different story. In this episode of More than Commas, Cory explores why 90% of actively managed funds underperform over time and how patience, simplicity, and low-cost investing outperform stock-picking strategies. Through stories of legendary investors like Warren Buffett and everyday savers like Ronald Read, we uncover the power of …

View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 311 – Disciplined Investing

  In episode 311, Paul explains that disciplined investing is the key to long-term financial success. He warns against comparing your diversified portfolio to hot asset classes, emphasizing that diversification and systematic rebalancing—selling high and buying low—are essential for managing market volatility and avoiding impulsive decisions. Paul debunks the myth of perfect market timing and stresses the importance of sticking …

View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 310 – Savings Rate or Investment Rate

Struggling to build wealth? In this episode of More Than Commas, Elijah Fowler breaks down the common trap of chasing high investment returns and reveals a more reliable path to financial success—boosting your savings rate. Using a real-world example, he demonstrates how a simple shift in mindset can grow your portfolio by hundreds of thousands without the stress of market …

View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 309 – Buying Real Estate with Your IRA

  In this episode of More than Commas, Host Cory Shepherd discusses the challenges of owning real estate in a self-directed IRA. While it may seem like a smart way to diversify retirement investments, several factors complicate this strategy. Key points include the loss of tax benefits, as traditional deductions do not apply; prohibited transactions that restrict personal use and …

View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 308 – Starting a Business with your 401k

In episode 308 of the More Than Commas, Host Paul Adams is joined by Jeremy Ames to explore the Rollovers for Business Start-ups (ROBS) strategy, a unique funding option that allows entrepreneurs to use their retirement savings to launch or acquire a business without incurring penalties. Jeremy outlines the ROBS process, emphasizing the importance of forming a C-corporation and setting …

View Post

PODCAST EPISODE 307 – Assuming a 3% Mortgage

In episode 307 of More than Commas, Cory Shepherd and Todd Schwartz explore the strategy of assuming a seller’s low-interest mortgage in today’s high-rate real estate market. He explains how this approach allows buyers to take over existing loans, potentially saving thousands by accessing lower interest rates. Todd highlights key points such as the types of assumable loans (FHA, VA, …