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 moments like this often create opportunity for long term investors. When fear spikes, prices drop, and that is usually when the best buying windows open.We also cover a major issue investors need to watch out for: insurance being sold as an “investment.” James explains why “insurance sold to you as an investment is neither good insurance nor a good investment,” why “infinite banking” is often misleading, and how products like whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life insurance can come with extremely high fees that quietly destroy long term returns.Then we shift to what could be the biggest driver of market direction: major earnings next week. With companies like Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Meta, and more reporting, we talk about what to watch for, why volatility could pick up, and how investors sitting on cash may find some real buying opportunities.Finally, James closes with an update on gold and silver, where they stand now, what has been driving the move, and whether they can keep pushing higher from here.If you are investing for the long run, this is the kind of week that can create the best setups if you know what to look for.Subscribe for weekly market breakdowns, investing strategy, retirement planning, and tax smart financial planning.All Information is educational in its intent and distribution! Please do not consider this personal financial advice. We believe all clients have unique situations and thus require unique advice.

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, Brandon breaks down the three stages of small business growth and explains how to maximize each phase so you can keep more money, grow faster, and build a business that supports the life you actually want.Stage 1 is the Startup Phase. This is the stage where you’re building momentum, reinvesting into your business, and laying the foundation for future growth. Brandon talks about how to think through tax write offs the right way, how to make smart purchases that support growth, and how to position your business financially so you’re not just surviving, you’re building something scalable.Stage 2 is the Growth Phase, which usually happens a few years in once things start working and your marketing and ROI are becoming more predictable. This is where the big financial moves begin to matter, including when it makes sense to shift from a sole proprietorship to an S Corp, how paying yourself the right way can reduce taxes, and how to take advantage of business benefits like health insurance. Brandon also explains how retirement accounts like a SEP IRA or Solo 401k can become a major part of your long term strategy as income increases.Stage 3 is the Plateau Phase, where you’ve reached many of your goals and ambitions, but now your focus shifts to sustainability and long term vision. This is the phase where business owners start asking bigger questions like how to make more while working fewer hours, how to structure the business to reduce stress and burnout, and what success really looks like moving forward. Whether that means optimizing operations, changing the way you work, or even planning for a sale one day, Brandon walks through how to think about the long term path with clarity and intention.Drop a comment below, which stage are you in right now, 1, 2, or 3? And if you want more videos on small business strategy, tax planning, wealth building, and long term investing, make sure to subscribe.All Information is educational in its intent and distribution! Please do not consider this personal financial advice. We believe all clients have unique situations and thus require unique advice.

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 into 2026. We cover how the Federal Reserve, interest rates, inflation, and credit conditions can influence financial company performance and what investors should be watching as the economy transitions into the next phase of the cycle. You will also get a gold and silver update after their strong 2025 run, why we view precious metals as more defensive and risk averse investments, and why it is unlikely we see another year like 2025 across the board. To close it out, we give a practical breakdown of why the Fed remains the most important character in the market, what today’s headlines really mean, and where long term investors should stay focused.Subscribe for weekly market updates, investing strategy, retirement planning, and tax smart financial planning.All Information is educational in its intent and distribution! Please do not consider this personal financial advice. We believe all clients have unique situations and thus require unique advice.

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 wealth building at the same time.From affordable luxury housing and world class food to international travel and flexible work schedules, this conversation shows how smart financial planning and remote income can unlock a completely different way of life. Living abroad is not just about adventure, it can be a powerful wealth strategy when done right.If you have ever thought about leaving the 9 to 5, working remotely, or moving overseas to live better for less, this is a must 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 expect from the market and the economy next year.The conversation also covers tariffs and why their impact often shows up months after the initial shock, how the threat of tariffs can be used as a negotiating tool, and what recent market behavior may be telling us.They dive into the ongoing debate around the AI bubble, Michael Burry closing his firm and betting against companies like Nvidia and Palantir, and what Warren Buffett’s large cash position at Berkshire Hathaway is actually meant for.Finally, they emphasize why boring investment plans and dollar cost averaging tend to work over time, discuss how AI is likely to integrate into nearly every business, and wrap up with three stocks James is watching for 2026: CrowdStrike, Lumen, and Nebius.

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 what that means for investors. #investing #marketnews #15minutesoffinance #economy #S&P500All Information is educational in its intent and distribution! Please do not consider this personal financial advice. We believe all clients have unique situations and thus require unique advice.

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 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! All Information is educational in its intent and distribution! Please do not consider this personal financial advice. We believe all clients have unique situations and thus require unique advice.

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 money moves.Unlike most of what you see in the finance space, our insights come from the perspective of credentialed advisors who work with real clients every day, breaking down complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies anyone can understand.If you’re looking for honest, professional guidance on building wealth, managing your taxes, and improving your financial future, you’re in the right place.Subscribe for weekly videos covering investing and market insights, tax planning strategies, wealth management principles, and real world financial literacy tips. Let’s grow together, and thank you for being part of the first 100.