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…
Olga Steshuk
Professional Relationship Coordinator
Olga is a Professional Relationship Coordinator at Sound Financial Group, where she helps advisors and trusted professionals build deeper, more meaningful connections. She specializes in creating intentional, value-driven connections between financial advisors, CPAs, attorneys, and other experts who share a commitment to serving clients with excellence.
With a structured approach that includes personalized outreach, curated meeting briefs, and thoughtful follow-ups, Olga thrives handling the relationship-building process from start to finish.
Before joining Sound Financial Group, she built her foundation in project management, client service, and medical administration. Known for her contagious enthusiasm, positivity, and persistence, she brings a relational touch to every interaction. She is fluent in English and Russian.
Olga lives with her three children just North of Seattle. She has fallen in love with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and has recently taken up an interest in the outdoors and exploring picture worthy spots, all while not being eaten by a bear. She enjoys spending time with her big Russian family and finds joy in the little things.
If you’re a values-driven professional who believes in collaboration over competition, Olga would love to connect.
Lance Chisum
Associate Financial Advisor
Lance Chisum brings over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, operations, and strategic planning to his work with individuals and families looking to build a stronger financial future. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations navigate complex business challenges and drive sustainable growth — experience that now fuels his passion for helping people make thoughtful, confident financial decisions.
Lance earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration, with a focus on international business and finance, from Seattle Pacific University. After several years in the corporate world, he returned to school to complete his MBA at Seattle University, further deepening his strategic and financial expertise.
In 2014, Lance and his family relocated to Boise, Idaho, where they’ve found both community and adventure. Outside of work, he’s an avid skier, recreational pilot, and passionate outdoorsman who enjoys exploring all that Idaho has to offer with his wife and two children.
Marla Ocampo
Client Care Associate
Marla has always been drawn to roles that combine structure, creativity, and human connection. With a degree in communication arts and a career that spans over eight years in C-level executive support, project coordination, and graphic design, she brings a rare blend of operational efficiency and visual flair to every team she joins.
Known for her attention to detail and calm approach under pressure, Marla has worked with executives across the US, UK, Australia, and the Philippines—helping manage day-to-day operations, design client communications, and support internal teams with grace and precision.
Marla currently lives in the Philippines and spends her downtime exploring new creative outlets. She’s a self-confessed scent enthusiast. When not attending concerts, she often plans for her next travel escape—Iceland being the top of her bucket list!.
Elijah Fowler
Financial Advisor
Elijah was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Early in life, he recognized an inclination toward serving others through his involvement with a foster kid’s summer camp and various groups that travelled in the states and overseas to provide assistance to people in need. In addition to his desire to help others, Elijah found himself intrigued by strategy and critical thinking. While this started with strategic board games or advanced math classes as a youth, it developed into an interest in financial advising in college. Elijah obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska – Omaha with a triple major in Finance, Banking, and Investments. After graduating, his finance career began in a broker dealer firm, but this experience left Elijah looking for a firm like Sound Financial Group that prioritizes education and financial coaching over financial product sales. Elijah is passionate about helping individuals meet their goals with tailored investment strategies.
In 2021, Elijah moved to Everett, Washington with his wife, Jess. Together they spend their time exploring the beautiful scenery that Washington has to offer. Elijah enjoys playing softball, drumming on the worship team at his church, and hosting the occasional board game night.
Kwame Boateng
Senior Client Service Associate
Kwame has 15 years of middle and back-office experience at institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and most recently, Glass Lewis. Kwame’s skills emanate from his experience navigating complex systems to advocate for his clients and care for their concerns. He is most satisfied when he is resolving issues that stand in the way of clients’ success or peace of mind.
Born and raised in New York, he is the middle child of 5, whose family is originally from Ghana. From an early age, Kwame developed a passion to volunteer and help people, whether at church or school. He graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Economics. Some of Kwame’s favorite hobbies are basketball, softball, hiking, and traveling. He has future travel plans to tour East Asia.
Jackie Rains
Senior Client Service Associate
Jackie joined Sound Financial Group in December 2018 as a client relationship specialist with an extensive background in underwriting, marketing and office management. She has a strong track record of achievements with over 20+ years of experience in the insurance and financial industry. Jackie’s entire career has been devoted to helping people accomplish their goals, the right way. Her best moments are when team members and clients alike share how their lives are better because they’ve been touched by the work of SFG. Committed to excellence, Jackie operates from her personal core values of integrity and service.
Jackie has lived in Parker, Colorado since 1993. Jackie and her husband, David have been married for 25 years. Together, they enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and all things outdoors. They have three grown children who all live in Colorado as well.
Maranda Blackwell
Client Service Team Manager
Born in Alaska, Maranda moved to the greater Seattle area with her three siblings and parents at a young age. She grew up with a strong emphasis on family and community, which has been the main fuel for her lifelong passion to help others. Maranda’s ability to empathize and relate to a wide range of life experiences and personalities has made her a valuable asset on the SFG team. She has a talent for connecting with clients that allows her to quickly understand their concerns and priorities as she builds their relationship with SFG over time.
Maranda lives with her husband, their teenage daughter and a second child due in September 2025. She enjoys traveling abroad, live music, antique shopping, and the occasional DIY weekend project. She has travelled to Japan several times now and would love to own a second home there someday.
Cory Shepherd
President
Cory is the author of the books Cape Not Required and Your Business Your Wealth (with Paul Adams) as well as the cohost of More Than Commas, a 300+ episode financial podcast. He has also written for Authority Magazine and spoken at multiple events and conferences across various industries. Ever in pursuit of personal growth, Cory has attained the Chartered Financial Consultant® & Certified Financial Planner® designations, requiring thousands of hours of experience and rigorous training. He believes strongly in education as a core component of his work with clients, and he loves the opportunity to build a new spreadsheet.
Cory lives in Chicago with his wife Danielle, their two young children and their rescue dog Kubo. The family most enjoys frequent beach days on Lake Michigan and welcoming friends into their home for fine meals. Cory is an avid tennis player, runner, and lifelong fan of going to the movies.
Financial Advisor
Disclosure
Paul Adams
CEO & Founder
As CEO and founder of Sound Financial Group Paul leads a team of financial professionals dedicated to helping clients define their financial goals then developing unique, tailored strategies to reach them. Paul tells his clients often that they should always make their financial decisions based upon indisputable math and independent scholarship, not based on media hype, hearsay, or trend.
In addition to his specialized financial coaching, Paul is an accomplished speaker, conference panelist and author who has published two essential financial guides – Stop Burning Your Money, Sound Financial Advice and the soon to be released Your Business Your Wealth. He has been interviewed by Forbes, Entrepreneur and Inc. magazines to share his knowledge and passion for helping his clients maintain healthy balance sheets and better steward their finances. He also shares his knowledge as co-host of the long running, More than Commas podcast with more than 300 episodes.
Paul lives North of Seattle, Washington with his wife, Kristen, and their three children – Andrew, Reagan and Vivian. He enjoys traveling, hiking and continuing his personal and professional education. One of his great pleasures in life is spending time outdoors with his family. To facilitate a lifestyle that allows them to travel the country for months at a time he has transformed a traditionally in-person industry into a location independent enterprise.
Financial Advisor
Disclosure
