15 Minutes of Finance

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Want Business, investment, and economic news from someone under the age of 75? Want someone who isn't doing it for the "money"? Someone whose honest to you about what's going on in the world? Then stay tuned- I run an investment firm but I am not the big banks, I run an investment firm but i am not the Bernie Madoffs, I run an investment firm but I am not the wolves of wall street... I am a passionate investor looking to do the right thing for my clients and encourage others to invest as well. I hope listening to this podcast gets you intrigued, curious, and excited about the investment world... There is a lot there for everyone to benefit from. Join me. Disclosure: My opinion on market insights, investment and economic research. This podcast is STRICTLY my own opinion. NOT advice. Should you want professional advice, please reach out via my website. The reason this shouldn't be construed as advice is because your situation, is completely unique of another person's. This podcast would never be able to give you the advice you are looking for because of that. It is meant to peak interests in investing and economic events. It is my belief that those who don't invest, simply don't understand it. I am here to change that. The experts make these topics seem hard on purpose- using big words and having even bigger egos... all so you give them your money and leave them alone. My goal- to get you fired up about investing. Because guess what, you can do it. And hey, if you are like my ideal client, and want a professional to handle your investments rather than yourself, I am happy to walk with you through the coming decades as your financial advisor. I hope you enjoy this podcast and my opinions on the investment world! Kindest regards, James A. Walters

James Walters


    • May 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 147 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from 15 Minutes of Finance

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 37:21


    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 us a direct message here: ⁠⁠Contact - West & Walters⁠⁠Want to talk to a professional investment advisor, or schedule your FREE financial planning meeting? ⁠⁠Schedule A Call - West & Walters

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 24:12


    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 until you see him in action. Similarly, it is the boring company that earns you the most return. You won't know until the game begins. Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here: ⁠⁠Contact - West & Walters⁠⁠Want to talk to a professional investment advisor, or schedule your FREE financial planning meeting? ⁠⁠Schedule A Call - West & Walters

    Churches Should be Growing Their Wealth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 21:03


    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 can have on church finances!Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here: ⁠Contact - West & Walters⁠Want to talk to a professional investment advisor, or schedule your FREE financial planning meeting? ⁠Schedule A Call - West & Walters

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 29:47


    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 & Walters⁠Want to talk to a professional investment advisor, or schedule your FREE financial planning meeting? ⁠Schedule A Call - West & Walters

    The Tools of the Wealthy: Tax Loss Harvesting Through SMAs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 20:57


    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 to capture losses to offset other income, without increasing risk exposure or sacrificing diversification. Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here: Contact - West & WaltersWant to talk to a professional investment advisor, or schedule your FREE financial planning meeting? Schedule A Call - West & Walters

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 26:45


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 24:56


    Send us a textBrandon 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 of your 401k plan. Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here: Contact - West & WaltersWant to talk to a professional investment advisor, or schedule your FREE financial planning meeting? Schedule A Call - West & Walters

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 17:55


    Send us a textIn 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 the mark by several percentage points. If you've ever wondered why stock analysis feels more like art than science, this episode is for you. Want your spot in May for a financial plan? Go to our website here: West and Walters and send us a message! And if you want to follow us on Instagram as we expand our social outreach (youtube coming soon), Follow us here: 15 minutes of finance 

    Here's How I Would Make a MILLION Dollars in Thirty Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 24:38


    Send us a textBrandon 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 exactly how I would confidently make a million dollars in just 30 years. I can all but guarantee you it is easier, and more doable, than you realize. Let's talk about some practical steps, investment principals, and investment options you can look at on your path to becoming a millionaire!Have a question or topic you want to hear covered in a future episode? Send us a direct message here: Contact - West & WaltersWant to talk to a professional investment advisor? Schedule a free meeting here: Schedule A Call - West & Walters

    FINALLY, a Green Week. Even the Best Investors Get it Wrong. And, Stocks to Watch!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 46:45


    Send us a textJames discusses current news, stocks to watch, and why even the best investors get it wrong. 

    How ONE Bad Financial Decision Can Hurt Your Retirement

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 20:51


    Send us a textBrandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we talk about the compounding effect of early financial mistakes. Why should we weather this current financial downturn, and how bad would selling on the drop be?? Plus, we dispel 3 of the most common pieces of bad financial advice that are being spread today.

    Taxes are NOT DUE on April 15th?? Avoid Getting Penalized for Underpayment of Taxes.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 18:01


    Send us a textBrandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we talk about the single most misunderstood aspect of taxation in the USA: when are taxes due?? I bet it's NOT when you think. Learn how to properly tax plan throughout the year and avoid costly penalties with the IRS! Plus, learn how we lowered a real estate professional's tax bill by almost $10,000 this tax season!

    The Art of The Deal- a Masterclass in Bluffing, and, a Case Study: Particulary Bad Advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 44:11


    Send us a textJames reviews tariffs, news and goes into detail on a case study of particularly bad finanical advice. 

    How Are YOU Building Wealth For Retirement?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 26:41


    Send us a textBrandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we talk about wealth building in 3 categories: fixed income, real estate, and retirement accounts. Do YOU know how much money you'll retire with? How do you stack up against the average American? Let's talk about it. Plus, best investment return in decades??

    The Apprentice: You Get a Tariff, You Get a Tariff, YOU ALL GET A TARIFF!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 31:32


    Send us a text Trump's Trade Tactics & What It Means for Your Wallet 

    Market News, A Successful Company You Have Never Heard Of, AND, Story Time With James!?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 21:04


    Send us a textIn this Saturday morning episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, James from 77 Financial Group dives into the latest market news, including the impact of hot Tariff impact, Lululemon's stock tumble, and the hidden gem American Water Works (AWK).Then—story time. James shares an original allegorical tale, The Tale of the Three Farms, inspired by classics like Animal Farm and Hatchet. This financial fable breaks down the concept of unfair trade, undervalued opportunity, and long-term investing in a way that's both entertaining and enlightening.Perfect for those curious about inflation, undervalued companies, and creative ways to understand market dynamics.

    Not Filing Tax Returns as a Protest Against DOGE?? I'd Reconsider.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 19:15


    Send us a textBrandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we talk about the rising resistance against Elon Musk's DOGE initiative. Taxpayers are saying DO NOT FILE YOUR TAXES as a form of protest. Is this a good idea? Let's talk about whether the IRS is actually too belabored to come after you, and what the consequences of not filing taxes could be. Plus, did you know that investments in the S&P 500 at the same rate we contribute to social security would make the average American a millionaire in retirement?

    Markets Finally Have a Green Week: Buy the Dip, Big Stock Moves, and the Underrated Power of the Secretary of Commerce

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 20:03


    Send us a text In this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, James from 77 Financial Group celebrates the market's first green week in over a month and explains why it matters for investors. We break down the latest stock market rally, including gains across the NASDAQ, S&P 500, and Dow Jones, plus key moves from companies like Tesla, Nike, FedEx, and Micron. James also explains the concept of “buying the dip” and how to use downturns as opportunity. The episode features a “Term of the Day” spotlight on the U.S. Secretary of Commerce—what the role is, why it matters, and how it impacts economic growth, trade, and financial markets. Whether you're a long-term investor, new to the market, or just trying to keep up with the financial headlines, this episode delivers a sharp, insightful recap in under 15 minutes. Tune in for weekly market updates, actionable finance tips, and a straight-talk approach to building wealth. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. 

    The Small Business Tax Primer Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 29:49


    Send us a textBrandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Today, we talk about what qualifies as a "write off" to an entrepreneur, and dive into some of the more detailed tax write offs such as vehicle depreciation, home offices, and self-employed retirement accounts. If you aren't sure if you are maximizing your tax deductions, or you aren't actively investing your self-employed earnings through your business, this is the episode for you!

    Does your portfolio hit 3/10? Market news, and, does your advisor OWN their claims? Do they even make claims?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 16:39


    DONT PANIC: History teaches us your investments are going to be just fine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 31:55


    Send us a textBrandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, investors face a major threat to keeping their money: steeling themselves to weather this market downturn and maintain their investments. Let's dive into a history of market declines and volatility to see how worried you really should be about your investments. 

    panic investments cpa history teaches us
    The Small Business Tax Primer Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 16:02


    Send us a textBrandon West, CPA walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we talk about how an S Corporation can save small business owners TONS of taxes. We also explore many of the less often discussed reasons S Corporation owners may benefit beyond the tax implications.

    MARKET DOWN 1.7%- Bad news or buying opportunity?, Tom Lee insight on rest of year, and, what exactly is a 50 day moving average?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 16:22


    What does another 4 years of Trump mean for YOUR tax bill?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 30:12


    Send us a textThe Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we talk about what taxes might change under a Trump administration. Look, I don't want to go against the grain here... but the world might not ACTUALLY be ending? 

    Wait, James says Tariffs are the BEST thing to happen to makets since the internet?!?! and, what exactly is a Tariff?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 19:08


    EXCITING moves in the market, Palantir the next Microsoft, and, James is talking about Crypto?!?! Whaaaa?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 24:01


    How backdoor Roth conversions can save you tens of thousands of dollars and provide you retirement freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 19:44


    Send us a textThe Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we talk a more advanced topic: backdoor Roth conversions to convert pre-tax money into a tax-free Roth account. Roth accounts avoid the RMD restrictions that affect retired taxpayers, and allow money to compound tax FREE forever. Learn how to utilize this powerful wealth building tool. 

    The DEEP FAKE that is Deep Seek, buying this dip BIG time, and, what competition does for great companies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 22:47


    2 Gents 2 Cents: Is it worth it to have an advisor you pay 1%?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 35:48


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we talk about an important concept for any investor: is it worth it to work with an advisor? Listen as we discuss the advantages of an AUM fee advisor who charges a percentage, as opposed to fixed fee financial planners. 

    The Tax Plan: Important 401k concepts with investment and tax implications

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 18:03


    The Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we talk everybody's 401k plans. What types of contributions can you make, how to maximize your employer's match, and how your investment choices will impact your long-term wealth. 

    2 Gents 2 Cents: What to keep in mind as the year comes to a close

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 18:39


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we break down good financial habits to exercise when years end. Check the yearly returns on your investments, ask your CPA some questions, and make sure your financial strategies are still in line with your goals.

    The Tax Plan: Roth vs Traditional retirement account contributions and why it's the single MOST important thing you'll ever understand about money

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 21:41


    The Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we talk about (no clickbait) the single most important concept for the average investor to understand. Learn how you can easily, at almost any income level, retire a millionaire with TAX FREE income. 

    Why I think financial planners are a SCAM, Why YOU need to be excited about the next few years, AND, Do you know what a penny stock is?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 22:50


    2 Gents 2 Cents: Let's celebrate the Holidays with the best ways to give

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 31:17


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we get in the spirit of the Holidays with a dive into the ways to give to others. From tax-sheltered contributions to invested charitable gifts, we break down how to better compound your generosity!

    The Tax Plan: Let's be thankful for family this week and talk about the child tax credit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 17:49


    The Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we focus on family and talk about the Child Tax Credit. Learn about what your income needs to be to earn the full amount of the credit, how to claim the credit, who qualifies, and how much this could help you at tax time. Plus, learn the basics of the Childcare Tax Credit and what to do to substantiate this credit at tax time. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Investment news, WAIT THE MARKET IS GOING TO CRASH, 34 Trillion in DEBT?!!?! "Relax Dawg" - James

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 16:43


    2 Gents 2 Cents: Let's recap our stock picks and see how the market is performing

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 58:48


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we take an honest look at some of our stocks we've been watching this year to see how they've performed. Subscribers to the newsletter will recognize many of these stocks. And, let's talk about our investment philosophy and our expectations for future market performance overall.

    The Tax Plan: Are my charitable contributions ACTUALLY going to be deductible??

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 17:18


    The Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we discuss charitable contributions. Spend 15 minutes learning what contributions are deductible and why you might not be getting the tax deduction you think you are! Plus, learn a tip for what to do if your contributions in any given year aren't deductible. 

    Wait, I should invest in Domino's!!?!?! the Market performance for the week, AND why you should consider a green thumb!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 22:46


    2 Gents 2 Cents: The Great Wealth Transfer will pass on 84 TRILLION dollars in the next 20 years: will you build generational wealth or be unprepared?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 57:13


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we talk about one of the most important market factors in recent history: the upcoming "Great Wealth Transfer" that will pass over 80 TRILLION dollars to younger generations. Statistics say most people are not prepared to effectively manage a financial windfall. Learn how to be prepared so you can avoid the common pitfalls of inheritors.

    EVERYTHING is to the MOON! Veterans Day, and, how high can this bull market go?!?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 17:31


    The Tax Plan: Save $7,5000 with the electric vehicle tax credit!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 19:04


    The Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we discuss the EV tax credit! Learn if you qualify, how to claim it, and some tips designed to maximize your taxes saved with this credit. Do everything right, and get up to $7,500 back on your taxes this year!

    October snaps a 5 month streak! Nvidia gets a cool little nod, And, the creepy Aunt from James in the Giant peach!!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 22:15


    Market news, performance up up up and.... still up? And, How to learn if your advisor is hiding dirty secrets from you!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 14:44


    2 Gents 2 Cents: When is it time for insurance?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 25:37


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we talk about insurance :when you should get it, what type of insurance you need, and why insurance as an investment is a terrible option.

    The Tax Plan: Rental real estate taxation and how to legitimize your rental as a business activity

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 23:44


    The Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we discuss rental real estate. Learn some key concepts to understand if you rent out your personal residence during the year. And, learn the IRS rules for treating rental properties as business activities, qualifying you for the QBI deduction, more write offs, and active loss recognition!

    Wait a second, how high could the S and P Go?!?! what are trumps economic plans for Tariffs? and, Historical election year performance!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 20:45


    Two Gents Two Cents: When is it time to sell?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 32:46


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we talk about a constant worry of investors, "is it time to sell?" Let's dive into how different investors answer this question and whether or not any investor can beat the market and perfectly time their investments.

    The Tax Plan: Traditional vs "Roth" retirement accounts and how to choose which is best for you

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 20:16


    The Tax Plan walks you through various tax planning strategies to help you keep more of your hard earned money. Today, we discuss "traditional" vs "roth" contributions to retirement accounts, such as 401(k)'s and IRA's. Learn how both contributions to and withdrawals from these accounts differ, and gain the knowledge necessary to make the right account choice for your situation! Plus, a bonus pop culture analysis of some "Love Is Blind" financial advice. Hint: don't take your financial advice from reality tv!

    Two Gents Two Cents: What is risk tolerance, and how do you design a portfolio to lower risk

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 33:29


    Brandon West, CPA and James Walters, CRPC discuss weekly topics surrounding personal finance, small businesses, investing, tax strategy, and retirement planning. In this episode we talk about the concept of "risk tolerance." Let's explore investment strategies that can lower risk in your portfolio.

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