James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC® and Brandon West, CPA

15 Minutes of Finance

Business EN ↓ 215 episodes

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!

Author

James Walters, CIMA®, CRPC® and Brandon West, CPA

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

The Mindset of Great Investors and the 3 Concepts That Frame a Solid Investment Strategy 13.09.2025

In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, James breaks down the three core factors of investing: risk, reward, and volatility, and how they shape every financial decision. Drawing on a classic Charlie Munger insight about buying wonderful companies at fair prices, James explains why disciplined investing doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll also hear why everyday investors can manage their own p...

New Stocks to Watch | The Dark Truth About Analysts 10.09.2025

The market is hitting new highs, but does that really mean everyone is a genius investor? In this episode, James explains why judging performance in a bull market can be misleading and why it is critical to look deeper than the surface. He also reveals how Wall Street analysts use fear-driven headlines to manipulate retail investors into making costly mistakes, often pushing them to sell when they...

This Week in Markets: Rumors, Reality, and Real Estate 07.09.2025

In this episode, James breaks down the classic market phrase “buy the rumor, sell the news” and what it really means for investors today. He also highlights the key events to watch this week, from CPI data releases to major updates from companies like Meta and Nvidia . To wrap things up, James dives into the real estate market , exploring its role in a diversified portfolio, the challenges facing...

All Time Highs and All Time Lies+ What REALLY Forecasts a Bear Market 30.08.2025

James goes over one of the industry's best kept secrets and covers current market news during all time highs. He also discusses how headlines/articles are misleading and his preferred 8 indicators of what boom or bust actually looks like for markets and the economy.

Equities Surge, Investors Benefit, and a New Stock to Watch 23.08.2025

In this episode, James breaks down the latest stock market news, explaining how interest rate moves could impact equities for the rest of the year. He covers the recent dip in Palantir (PLTR) and why investors shouldn’t panic, then shares a timeless general portfolio allocation strategy for long-term growth. Plus, James adds a new pick to his ‘Stocks to Watch’ list for smart investors looking ahea...

The Proprietary 50-4-10 and How Planner Myths Rob Your Wallet 10.08.2025

James breaks down this week’s market moves, earnings buzz, and what could happen if inflation data looks good and the Fed starts flirting with rate cuts. He reveals his firm’s proprietary “ideal” allocation for long-term investors and then wades into a full-blown LinkedIn throwdown with a CFP who’s trying to talk TSP investors out of the C Fund...aka the S&P 500.

DO NOT FEAR, PALANTIR IS HERE: The Who, What, and How 04.08.2025

James covers market news and goes deep into PLTR earnings and why it's a beast in the investment world. The Who, What, and How of Palantir. The things that make PLTR tick and why people get the companies mission so wrong. Also James Dives into gross profit margin and how you can quickly evaluate a company's efficiency in making money- one of the most important factor in being healthy. Referring to...

Close Encounters of the Financial Kind: Boom, Doom, and Disclosure 26.07.2025

Is the market headed for liftoff-or a crash landing? In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance , James breaks down evidence for both a potential market boom and looming doom. He dives into the efficient frontier , explaining how it can help optimize your portfolio during uncertain times. Plus, James covers the latest market news and explores one of the strangest variables in market shaking global n...

Soaring Stocks & Sore Losers: This Week’s 5 Days of All‑Time Highs 19.07.2025

James goes over the all time highs and the important factors that could send it higher (or lower) and explains the value and concern of the oncoming Robo-advisor apocolypse. James also details a new stock to watch for his firm, West and Walters Tax and Wealth Management and dives into some that have already shown real performance promise!

Can We Get an Even Higher High? Market News & Stocks to Watch! 04.07.2025

As the holiday weekend approaches, James shares his top stock picks and breaks down the latest market movements. He also explains why interest rate levels matter—and how the right interest rate “sweet spot” can drive higher valuations and stronger investor returns. Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact - West & Walt...

Palantir Graduating From the Russell 2000, How Reconstitution Affects Stock Prices, and an AUDIT of the Podcast?? 27.06.2025

Every week, we talk about the market news and investment climate. Today, we talk about Palantir's big jump in graduating from the Russell 2000 small-cap index, we see how some of our channel's claims have panned out so far this year, and, we give some insight into the lack of expertise so many "financial professionals" have when giving you advice.

The Seven Deadly Sins of The Investment World, and How You can Avoid Them!! 25.06.2025

James goes into detail about the many ways the investment world tries to rip people like YOU, off. James covers things like: high fees, fear selling, many hands in the pot, and just plain BAD advice. Plus more! Tune in if you want to learn the ways to avoid them or how you can help someone you know to avoid falling into the same traps. Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future...

Market Updates, Why Interest Rates Won’t Budge, and the Power of Patience" 20.06.2025

James goes over Market news for the week and focuses on topics like- Israel-Iran conflict, Interest rates, and Warren Buffett's take on patience in the market! Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact - West & Walters⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to talk to a professional investment advisor, or schedule your FREE financial planning meeting?...

Market News, Stocks to Watch, and the Surprising Truth About War and Wall Street 14.06.2025

James goes over Stable coins, wars and stocks, market news and everyone’s favorite- stocks to watch! You’ll learn about the company Circle Internet Group, why diversification is for the average investor and not the diligent investor, and lastly, what stocks James and Co. are watching!

The 5 Habits of Successful Investors 12.06.2025

Brandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we talk about the habits of successful investors. Higher earners often fall into "lifestyle inflation" where they never feel they can get ahead. Implement these habits to successfully build your wealth, regardless of your tax bracket! Have a question or topic you want to hear...

Don vs Elon, AI Chip Bubble, and, The Fiscal Debt vs National Debt! 07.06.2025

James Walters, CRPC, delivers the market news for the week diving into how PLTR has hit new highs, how Chip makers are seeing an increased demand for their chips, and how there can't be a bubble for AI when the business is so good even companies are faking it! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! James also covers the feud between President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk and why th...

What Type of Real Estate Investor Are YOU? Your Status Could be Costing You Thousands. 04.06.2025

Brandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we talk about whether you are a passive real estate investor, a "Real Estate Professional," or in operation of a trade or business involving real estate. Each of these designations come with tax deductions and strategies, so understanding them can help save you thousands on y...

I'm Fired Up and YOU Should be Too: Stop Losing Money Because of Bad Advice 27.05.2025

Brandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we get really honest about your money! Are you sure you're working with the right people to handle your investments? Learn how to start getting better financial knowledge and avoid industry pitfalls! Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send...

Market News, Tariffier Keeps Tariffing, And, Does your Portfolio Have a Caitlin Clark? 23.05.2025

James discusses the current market news and dives deep into short interest- A very powerful tool to see if all the hate for a company is the real deal or just word salad from someone on CNBC. Also, James discusses how desigining a portfolio is a lot like being the captian on the playground having to pick teams- Sometimes it is the short chubby guy who is the best player, but you just can't tell un...

Churches Should be Growing Their Wealth 19.05.2025

Brandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, I'm going to cover a taboo but important topic: why and how should churches (and other 501(c)(3) organizations) invest their wealth to multiply the giving of their members. We talk about how church investments are different from other entities, and the effect a growth mindset...

Market News, Why 8% is the Magic Number, and, What the Best Investors of All Time Said When the Market Crashed on Tariff Talk. 17.05.2025

James goes into market news for the week and discusses his ideal allocation for individual equities in a portfolio. At the end of the episode James deep dives into direct quotes from some of history's best investors- Ray Dalio, Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, and Tom Lee. Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here:  ⁠Contact - West & Walte...

The Tools of the Wealthy: Tax Loss Harvesting Through SMAs 14.05.2025

Brandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, I'm going to cover one of our more complex topics we've discussed: tax-loss harvesting through Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs). Let's dive into one of the tools of the ultra high net worth individual, where investments are separately managed in a brokerage account designed...

There's a New Tarriff In Town, Market news, And, What Does a Company's Earnings Report (10-Q) Show? 09.05.2025

James dives deep into market news, reading a companies quarterly earnings report, and why one puzzle piece doesn't mean the whole picture is ruined. If you'd like your FREE financial plan for the month of May, schedule here ! If you would like to follow us on instagram, follow us here !

The Most Common Mistakes You're Probably Making Right Now in Your 401k Plan 07.05.2025

Send us a text Brandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, I'm going to tell you the mistakes I already know you're making in your 401k plan and explain why they're costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement! Let's discuss fees, investment options, and long-term planning goals to help you make the most...

The Market setting records, 57% YTD return is a beautiful thing, and, Apple complains too much! 02.05.2025

Send us a text In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance , James breaks down the latest market news, shares insights on why Palantir (PLTR) remains one of his favorite companies, and dives into the world of valuation ratios. He explains how different analysts often interpret financial metrics like P/E, PEG, and EV/EBITDA in varied ways—and why these estimates are almost never spot on, often missing...

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