PODCAST · business
15 Minutes of Finance
by James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC® and Brandon West, CPA
15 Minutes of Finance is your quick, easy to understand take on markets, taxes, and making smarter financial decisions! The show is produced by West and Walters Tax and Wealth Management, an RIA and tax firm based in Carlsbad, California. Hosted by James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC®, and Brandon West, CPA, co-owners of West and Walters, each episode gives you clear, honest, and actionable financial talk in the time it takes to drink your morning coffee!
Episodes
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Why Pensions Underperform and What You Need To Know For Markets This Week
Markets are facing another wave of uncertainty as inflation remains elevated, Treasury yields move higher, and investors try to figure out what the Federal Reserve may do next. In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, James and Brandon break down the latest market action, what higher interest...
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How Wealth Is Really Built in the Stock Market + 3 Things I Look For in Every Stock
In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, we break down what it really takes to build wealth in the stock market and why time may be the single biggest advantage an investor can have. We talk about the difference between building wealth through broad market index funds like the S&P 500 versus...
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Stocks Are Back at All-Time Highs… Is AI Just Getting Started?
The market is back at all-time highs, but investors are STILL nervous. In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, we break down why that may actually be a good thing for long-term investors and why we believe the biggest impact from the AI investment boom may still be ahead of us. We talk about: •...
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Markets Hit Record Highs, PLTR Soars 39%, and AI Is Already Paying Off
The markets are doing well, major indexes are near record highs, and earnings season has produced plenty of beats and raised forecasts. But whether stocks are soaring or falling, investors should remember one important lesson: this too shall pass. Negative headlines can make investors feel like...
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Impending DOOM? OR, Is This How Your $$ BLOOMS?!?
James Discusses market news, behavior psychology, and investing with or against progress... and progress always wins.
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SK Hynix Hits Nasdaq as the AI Boom Expands Worldwide
This week’s Market Friday recap covers IPOs, ADRs, international investing, crypto regulation, geopolitical risk and the continued AI industrial revolution. Our term of the day is IPO, which stands for initial public offering. SK Hynix was already publicly traded in South Korea, but the company...
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Tech Stocks Fall, Blue Chips Rally and Fed Rate Odds Shift
The market was closed Friday for the 250th anniversary of American independence, but investors still had plenty to digest from a surprising week. Blue chip stocks finally came alive as companies like Apple, McDonald’s, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson gained ground. Technology and memory chip…
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Kevin Warsh’s First Fed Meeting, Inflation and the Future of the Tech Rally
“A rising tide lifts all ships” means that when the overall stock market is moving higher, many individual stocks tend to rise along with it. But can the current technology-driven rally continue, or are investors becoming too dependent on a small group of major companies? In this episode, we...
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From Chaos to Clarity: How Small Business Owners Can Solve the Right Problems
Most small business owners spend almost all of their time working in the business, but not enough time working on the business. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Slater, a former Google executive with over a decade of experience in design strategy, to talk about how entrepreneurs and...
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Why the Stock Market Dropped Despite a Strong Jobs Report | Interest Rates, Iran, and the IPO Boom
The stock market had a rough week, with all three major indexes finishing lower despite a stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report. The economy added 172,000 jobs, unemployment remained steady at 4.3%, and investors immediately began reassessing the outlook for interest rates. Why would a strong...
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The Market Just Hit All-Time Highs… Is a Pullback Coming?
The stock market is back at all-time highs, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all closing at new records. The S&P 500 also posted its 9th straight week of gains, but as exciting as this moment feels, it is important to remember: this too shall pass. In this Friday market recap, James breaks down...
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Why Stocks Keep Rising But Haters Gonna Hate
The Dow closed at a record high today while the S&P 500 wrapped up its 8th straight week of gains, showing just how strong momentum has been despite constant concerns about inflation, interest rates, and global uncertainty. Nvidia once again crushed earnings, raised its dividend to $0.25 per…
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A Red Day in the Stock Market? Here’s What Actually Matters
“In the short run, the market is a voting machine. In the long run, it is a weighing machine.” – Benjamin Graham Markets had a strong week but closed Friday in the red. Was it headlines, politics, or the Middle East? Maybe partly. But the bigger story may be interest rates and Treasury yields...
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S&P 500 All Time High… Melt Up or Market Crash Next? (AI Boom Explained)
The market just hit a new all time high, with the S&P 500 pushing toward 7400 and the Nasdaq closing its 5th straight week of gains. So what happens next… are we heading for a melt up or a pullback? In this video, we break down: Why the market feels great right now… and why that can change fast....
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2026 Market Outlook: Santa Rally, AI Bubble, Buffett’s Cash & Stocks to Watch
In this episode, Brandon and James recap the market as we head toward the end of the year and discuss overall investor sentiment going into 2026. They break down what the S&P 500 has done over the past year, explain the idea behind the Santa Claus rally, and talk about what to realistically…
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All Time Highs and How the Companies That Spend on CAPEX Will Benefit From Progress
James discusses news for the week, current conditions for the market, and an anecdote about emotional investing consequences.
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The Money Chica on Budgeting, Scarcity Mindset, Debt, and Financial Clarity
In this conversation, Brandon sits down with Karen Calderon aka The Money Chica, a certified financial coach whose brand centers on helping people feel clear, confident, and in control with their money. They talk about budgeting, behavioral finance, scarcity mindset, cultural differences in...
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Stock Market Outlook for the Rest of 2026
Is the 2026 stock market sitting on the edge of something bigger? In this video, we talk through why it feels like we are at the precipice, with major uncertainty surrounding the economy, inflation, mortgage rates, real estate, oil prices, and the war in Iran. We break down how all of these…
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The New Reality of the Stock Market (Volatility, Risk, and Investor Psychology)
Volatility is back in a big way.Large daily market swings are becoming more common, and investors are navigating an environment where sentiment can shift quickly.In this interview, Brandon and James break down why the stock market has become more volatile and how different generations approach…
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What Is the Real Cost of Dying Without a Trust? Estate Planning, Probate, and Protecting Your Family
Brandon sits down with Brittany Cohen, Esq., Attorney at Law at Peaceful Warrior Law, APC in San Diego, California, for an important conversation about estate planning, trusts, probate, and protecting your family. Brittany’s boutique law practice focuses on estate planning, trust creation, elder...
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The Market Pulled Back This Week… But 2% Advisor Fees Are the Real Shock
This week, James breaks down stock market news and events this week. Nvidia sank after strong earnings, the Dow dropped over 500 points, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also moved lower. Inflation data (PPI and Core PPI) came in hotter than expected. One of the biggest takeaways has nothing to do with...
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The Rebound We All Needed: Dow Hits 50,000, Volatility Whipsaws, and a Space ETF to Watch
This week felt like a free fall at times, the kind of tape that makes you question everything, and then the market turned around and finished Friday on a much better note. In this episode, James breaks down what happened, why weeks like this are exactly when investor behavior matters most, and…
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1031 Exchanges Explained: How Real Estate Investors Defer Capital Gains Taxes
Selling real estate doesn’t have to mean handing a big check to the IRS. In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, we break down 1031 exchanges: What they are, how they work, and how real estate investors can legally defer capital gains taxes when selling investment property. We’re joined by Adam...
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Trump Makes His Pick, Earnings Reports, and Wishing Wells
James covers market news, trumps new fed pick Kevin Warsh, and goes over earnings reports, stocks he bought, and investing habits that will make you rich or poor. All Information is educational in its intent and distribution! Please do not consider this personal financial advice. We believe all...
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Why Next Week Could Set Up the Next Few Months (Earnings + Geopolitics + Gold & Silver)
Next week could be one of the most important market weeks we’ve seen in a while, and it may set the tone for the next few months.In this episode, James breaks down why the market reacted so sharply to Trump’s latest headlines involving Greenland, NATO, and rising geopolitical uncertainty, and why...
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3 Stages of Small Business and How to Maximize Each Step
If you’re a small business owner, you’re not just running a business, you’re moving through stages. And the strategy that works in the beginning is not the same strategy that works when you’re growing, and it’s definitely not the same strategy once you’ve reached a plateau. In this episode…
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Financials are the 2026 Play, Gold and Silver Cool Off, and the Fed and DOJ Drama
Stock Market Update and 2026 Outlook is here. In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, we break down the biggest financial news moving markets right now, then dive into why financial stocks such as banks, insurance, and financial services could be one of the best sector opportunities heading…
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Interview with a Digital Nomad: How He Makes Finances and Living Abroad Work
In this episode, James sits down with a successful investor who built a location independent career and now lives abroad while working remotely. They break down how geographical arbitrage makes it possible to dramatically lower your cost of living, upgrade your lifestyle, and accelerate your…
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2026 Market Outlook: Santa Rally, AI Bubble, Buffett’s Cash & Stocks to Watch
In this episode, Brandon and James recap the market as we head toward the end of the year and discuss overall investor sentiment going into 2026. They break down what the S&P 500 has done over the past year, explain the idea behind the Santa Claus rally, and talk about what to realistically…
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This Week in Market News: Rate Cuts, Acquisitions, and Linked In Fights.
In this episode James covers the latest market and economic news, breaks down a LinkedIn discussion he had about the S&P 500, and explains why waiting is sometimes the best move for investors. He also revisits his stock pick on Warner Brothers Discovery and how Netflix is set to acquire them and...
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5 Ways Investment Bankers Get Information Faster Than You! And How You Can Start Using Them!
James Breaks down the 5 ways investment professionals get information before YOU, the retail investor, and how you can start getting information just as fast as them! That way, you can make informed decisions off the data, instead of off their headlines! 15 Minutes of Finance is your quick, easy…
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The Why Behind 15 Minutes of Finance
In this milestone episode, Brandon and James share why this channel is different from most financial content online. Our goal isn’t hype, it’s help. We’re licensed professionals bringing real world experience in investing, taxes, wealth management, and financial literacy to help you make smarter...
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How Buffet Chooses Companies to Invest in and is he Really Waiting for a Market Crash?
In this episode we break down the often misunderstood investment strategy of Warren Buffett, exploring why one of the greatest investors of all time continues to hold hundreds of billions of dollars in cash. We unpack the reasoning behind Berkshire Hathaway’s massive cash reserves, including...
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Market News Monday and an Exciting Week of Earnings!
James covers market news and the hype around buffet retiring and where exactly you can find companies investments on their filing reports.
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Why Stock Splits Are Bullish + Market News & a New Stock to Watch
In this week’s episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, James breaks down the latest market news and explains why stock splits are usually a bullish signal for investors. He covers the psychology behind stock splits, why companies like Netflix have split shares in the past to make them more accessible,...
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Case Study: How to Handle a Settlement. Spend, Save, or Invest?
In this episode, Brandon and James walk through a real-life case study on how to handle a financial settlement the smart way. They break down how to decide what to spend, what to save, and what to invest to make the most of a one-time payout. You’ll learn the key mistakes people make after...
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Case Study: A Real Client’s Insurance Policy Exposed
In this episode, James and Brandon break down a real client’s insurance policy and reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly. They explain how this policy was sold as an “investment,” why that pitch is misleading, and what it actually means for the client’s long-term finances. You’ll learn how to…
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The One Big Beautiful Tax Bill (OBBB) Explained: Part 2
In this episode, Brandon explains The One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for taxpayers in 2025 and beyond. This is Part 2 of a two part series where he walks through the most important tax changes, how they could affect your filing strategy, and what opportunities may exist for smarter tax...
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The One Big Beautiful Tax Bill (OBBB) Explained: Part 1
In this episode, Brandon explains The One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for taxpayers in 2025 and beyond. This is Part 1 of a two part series where he walks through the most important tax changes, how they could affect your filing strategy, and what opportunities may exist for smarter tax...
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Market News Monday and Important Data This Week
James breaks down the biggest events moving the markets this week, including major company earnings reports and key economic data like the CPI. Learn how inflation trends and corporate results are shaping investor sentiment and what it could mean for the weeks ahead.
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Weekly Market Recap and Why Waiting is for Winners
In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, James shares real life client situations and talks about the latest market news, highlighting why timing the market is one of the hardest challenges investors face. He explains how emotions, fear of missing out, and the temptation to wait for the right…
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"AI" Vs. the ".com Crash": 3 Key Differences + 1 Key Bonus Metric
In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, host James Walters breaks down the three biggest differences between today’s AI boom and the dot-com crash of 2000. From Pets.com to ChatGPT, we explore how technology cycles evolve, why AI is fundamentally different, and what investors can learn from the...
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The Secrets of Getting Into the College of Your Dreams | Shellee Howard Interview
In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, Brandon West interviews Shellee Howard, the CEO and founder of College Ready. They discuss the importance of early preparation for college, the competitive nature of college admissions, and the common mistakes parents and students make during the process....
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Market news Monday and why valuation does not tell the whole story
In today’s episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, we break down the latest market news and what investors should really watch for beneath the headlines. We dive into the forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, Explaining how current P/E is used to value stocks and why it can sometimes paint a…
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Market Movers Friday and Why Growth Portfolios Must Rip on the Dip
James breaks down what it really means to buy the dip when markets pull back and why staying invested matters more than timing every move. He explains the only four ways to build lasting wealth and why sitting on the sidelines is often the same as losing. This episode also covers today’s biggest...
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Everyone's Scared of the AI Bubble but Ignoring the Private Equity Balloon
Everyone’s worried about the AI bubble, but they’re missing the real balloon quietly inflating behind the scenes; private equity. Trillions in dry powder(cash on hand), overleveraged buyouts, and inflated valuations have turned the private markets into a ticking time bomb. While retail investors...
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How to Profit Off AI Without Owning AI Companies
James breaks down how investors can profit from the explosive growth of artificial intelligence without having to chase the biggest AI names. He explains the full AI ecosystem and how investing from the bottom of the funnel to the top can reduce risk, limit volatility, and remove the guesswork of...
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A New Stock to Watch and Market News Monday
Join us for this week’s Market News Monday! We’re breaking down the latest moves in the stock market, economic updates investors need to know, and one sleeping giant you probably haven’t heard enough about; Hippo Holdings (HIPO). Hippo is transforming the insurance technology space, and we’ll...
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The Top Economic Indicator Every Investor Should Know
In this episode, James helps viewers sift through the FUD created by clickbait titles and articles. He dives deep into leading economic indicators, particularly the PMI (Purchasing Managers Index), and explains how this often overlooked tool can help investors improve their analysis and sleep...
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The Supply Chain of AI Wealth and How Chips = Money in 2025 and Beyond
James covers current events and news and breaks down the entire supply chain of chips and AI and how investors can make money on any point in the cycle.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
15 Minutes of Finance is your quick, easy to understand take on markets, taxes, and making smarter financial decisions! The show is produced by West and Walters Tax and Wealth Management, an RIA and tax firm based in Carlsbad, California. Hosted by James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC®, and Brandon West, CPA, co-owners of West and Walters, each episode gives you clear, honest, and actionable financial talk in the time it takes to drink your morning coffee!
HOSTED BY
James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC® and Brandon West, CPA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does 15 Minutes of Finance have?
15 Minutes of Finance currently has 204 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 15 Minutes of Finance about?
15 Minutes of Finance is your quick, easy to understand take on markets, taxes, and making smarter financial decisions! The show is produced by West and Walters Tax and Wealth Management, an RIA and tax firm based in Carlsbad, California. Hosted by James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC®, and Brandon West,...
How often does 15 Minutes of Finance release new episodes?
15 Minutes of Finance publishes regularly with 204 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to 15 Minutes of Finance?
You can listen to 15 Minutes of Finance on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts 15 Minutes of Finance?
15 Minutes of Finance is created and hosted by James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC® and Brandon West, CPA.
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