The Decidedly podcast is a place where Sanger Smith (Founder of Decidedly Wealth Management) and Shawn Smith, his dad, dive deep into what it means to make better decisions - whether it's growing your business, building wealth, improving your health, or strengthening relationships. Subscribe for weekly episodes!
RJ Finley: The Story Behind the Mission
RJ joins host Collin Bass on "Reeling It In" to explore how aligning wealth with personal values leads to a more intentional and fulfilling life. He shares his journey from studying finance at TCU to building a career in wealth management, showing how community, faith, and personal growth shaped his approach. RJ also explains how wealth can serve as a tool for meaningful impact rather than simple accumulation. Listen for more!
Hiring Fatigue Isn't a Culture Problem
When good employees keep leaving, most owners assume it's a culture problem. Often, it isn't. Benefits, or the lack of, are quietly driving turnover in ways that don't show up on any single invoice. Here's what the math actually looks like.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 5/6/2026
Retention is Usually a Math Problem
Turnover rarely feels like a systems problem. It feels like bad luck or bad timing. But if you've filled the same seat more than once in a year, it's a pattern. Here's how to calculate what it's actually costing you and what to do about it.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 5/13/2026
Benefits, Fine. Communication Isn't.
You might already be offering more benefits than you think. The problem is that employees don't know it. When benefits feel informal and inconsistent, they feel like favors, and favors don't create stability.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 5/20/2026
Need to Think Outside of the Office
Traditional benefits aren't the only way to keep good people. For businesses still in growth mode, some of the most effective retention tools cost very little. They only require you to notice that your employees have a life outside of work.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posting: 5/27/2026
A Fresh Look at Your Policies
Spring cleaning is easy when it is just closets and cabinets. It is a lot harder when the things collecting dust are quietly responsible for protecting your income, family, and future.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posting: 4/8/2026
Subscription Shakeout
Subscriptions rarely feel expensive in the moment. It is only later, when you finally look closely, that you see how much they have been quietly taking.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 4/15/2026
Reopen the Manila Folder
Somewhere in a manila folder, there is a set of instructions that once gave you a feeling of peace. Life progressed, and they quietly stayed the same.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 4/22/2026
The Wrong Side of Liquid
You do everything right on paper, then April taxes arrive, the market turns over, and your confidence tightens. This is about the gap between having money and being able to use it comfortably.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 4/29/2026
Back to the Basics
Some businesses make exceptional service look effortless. The secret is that they have a clear grasp of what they excel at, what they do not, and they work intentionally from that foundation.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 3/4/2026
Lean Into Your Strengths
Strength becomes a strategic edge only when you know how to use it. The smartest companies start by identifying what they can be the best at and then shaping their decisions around that.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 3/11/2026
Be Proud of Your Weaknesses
Weaknesses are a strategic choice rather than a flaw. The things you are glad to be bad at often reveal your real identity as a business. When you understand them, you stop wasting time trying to be everything to everyone.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 3/18/2026
See What Others Miss
Most business owners scan the horizon but miss the subtle signals that actually move a business forward. When you learn to read the outside world differently, you stop reacting and start pulling ahead.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 3/25/2026
Becoming a Business Dynasty
The Super Bowl is the highest stage in sports, where a championship can hinge on just a few yards. Business owners feel that same pressure around taxes, especially when navigating their nontaxable deductions.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 2/4/2026
Booking a Flight to Financial Freedom
Retirement planning is a lot like booking a flight where one choice can change the entire journey. Pick the right plan, and you’re cruising. Pick the wrong one, and you’re stuck on the tarmac.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 2/11/2026
The Tax Rule Business Owners Ask About Most
Tax season always brings big emotions, but this year one rule in particular has business owners tapping the brakes on moves they should already be making... and it’s slowing down real progress.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 2/18/2026
The Price of Doing it By Yourself
Self‑sufficiency is a badge of honor for entrepreneurs. But for Luke, handling every part of the business, including the taxes, came with a hidden price he never saw coming once things got more complicated.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 2/25/2026
Navigating the Business Slopes
If you were suddenly out of the picture, would your business keep moving forward? Learn how continuity planning builds resilience when life takes an unexpected turn on the mountain.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 1/7/2026
Who Guides You to the Summit?
Losing a key leader can feel like hitting a wall on the hiking trail. A strong plan and the right guide ensures your business has the footing to reach the peak.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 1/14/2026
Lessons from Team Roping
A strong buy-sell agreement keeps your business partnership secure when surprises occur. Just like team ropers rely on timing and trust, this plan ensures ownership and operations stay under control when the ride gets rough.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 1/21/2026
Locking the Digital Doors
Leaving your business unprotected online is like leaving your front door wide open. Strong cybersecurity measures create the layers of defense you need to keep your data and operations safe from intruders.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 1/28/2026
Stock Smart for the New Year
Imagine holiday shopping without the stress and last-minute scramble. This article talks about how to make business inventory planning a thoughtful process that sets your business up for a bright year.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 12/3/2025
The Hunt for Top Talent
Finding the right team member is like picking the perfect Christmas tree. The earlier you start, the better your choices. Begin now and you could secure top talent that sets the tone for the New Year.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 12/10/2025
Plotting Your Route for 2026
A great road trip begins with a plan and so does a successful year. Map your route, refuel properly, and make sure everyone is ready for the ride, because 2026 is just around the corner.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 12/17/2025
Planning Not to Be Strategic
Some of the greatest masterpieces were created in less time than you think. Learn why working smarter and living fully can help you paint your best picture in 2026!
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 12/31/2025
Magnify the Impact of Your Giving
Giving strategically can feel just as rewarding as picking out the perfect present for a friend. Whether it’s appreciated assets, IRA distributions, or smart timing, the right approach turns generosity into a win-win.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 11/5/2025
Building a Culture That Gives Back
When giving becomes a shared experience at work, it transforms your team from coworkers into changemakers. By integrating generosity into your company culture, you spark deeper connection in the workplace.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 11/12/2025
Aligning Your Mission: Buy One, Give One
When your business stands for something bigger, your consumer begins to notice. Aligning your product with a meaningful mission can spark loyalty, drive business growth, and create impact that lasts.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 11/19/2025
Cooking Up a Legacy That Lasts
Charitable giving is a lot like preparing a great meal. It starts with the right ingredients and a clear sense of purpose. With the right recipe you can feed both your values and your financial goals.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 11/26/2025
Insurance Isn't a Checkbox
Business insurance can't be a one-and-done approach. It needs to evolve with your company to ensure coverage keeps pace with growth, new risks, and the fine print that could cost you.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 10/1/2025
Protect Your Hustle
Your hustle deserves more than just hope. Life and disability insurance are essential tools for protecting your business, your future. Discover the key questions every entrepreneur should ask to make sure their success isn’t left to chance.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 10/8/2025
The Coffee Shop Crash
One slip at a coffee shop almost cost this business owner her dream. Small business insurance isn’t just about having a policy, it’s about having the right policy. Learn five critical coverage areas that can protect your business from costly surprises.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 10/15/2025
Holding Back the Flood
Coverage gaps in your insurance can quietly build until they burst, leaving your business exposed. Learn three overlooked areas where small businesses often lack protection and how to close those cracks before they become costly.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 10/22/2025
Strategic Team Building for Business Owners
Hiring the right people isn’t just a business decision, it’s a growth strategy. Learn how intentional team building, value-driven culture, and fractional talent can help you scale smarter, not just bigger.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 9/3/2025
Capital Decisions for Fueling Expandsion
Every business reaches a point where hustle alone isn’t enough, capital becomes the key to unlocking growth. Smart funding decisions protect your vision, fuel expansion, and position your business for success.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 9/10/2025
Operational Efficiency Moves to Stay Afloat
Speed without stability sinks businesses faster than slow growth ever could. This article shows how to tighten your systems and empower your team so your business can set sail without risking structural cracks.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 9/17/2025
Avoiding Common Growth Pitfalls
Scaling a business isn’t just about growing fast, it’s about growing right. Learn how to avoid the most common mistakes that derail momentum by staying true to your mission, your culture, and the people you serve.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 9/24/2025
Emotional Side of a Business Sale
After selling a business, many founders face unexpected emotional challenges like loss of identity, purpose, and community. This piece explores how to navigate that transition with meaning.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 8/6/2025
Managing a Concentrated Position
How can executives with concentrated stock positions reduce financial risk and plan for long-term impact without feeling like they’re walking away from what they helped build?
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 8/13/2025
Preparing for a Smooth Transition
Founders wonder how they can prepare both their business and themselves for a smooth, meaningful transition to ensure the legacy they’ve built continues with clarity and purpose.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 8/20/2025
What is Your Business Really Worth?
This article helps business owners understand how to bridge the emotional and financial gap between what their business means to them and how the market values it, so they can prepare for a successful and rewarding sale.
Written by: RJ Finley
Posted: 8/27/2025