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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
Send us a textJames discusses current news, stocks to watch, and why even the best investors get it wrong.
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.
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!
Send us a textJames reviews tariffs, news and goes into detail on a case study of particularly bad finanical advice.
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??
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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.
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?
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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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?
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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.
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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 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.
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 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.
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 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!
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 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.
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.
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!
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 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!
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 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!
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.