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 spot common red flags, understand what makes good insurance versus bad insurance, and why insurance sold as an investment is rarely a win for the buyer.If you’ve ever wondered whether your policy is helping or hurting you, this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance gives you the inside look most agents won’t.

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 planning. Whether you file on your own or work with a professional, this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance breaks down complex updates in simple terms so you can be prepared for what is ahead.

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 planning. Whether you file on your own or work with a professional, this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance breaks down complex updates in simple terms so you can be prepared for what is ahead.

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 time can derail long term success. James also shares why staying invested, even during volatility, often leads to better results and why waiting might be the hardest thing you can do as an investor.If you have ever wondered when to buy, when to sell, or whether to sit out of the market, this episode offers perspective on the discipline and patience required to win over time.Subscribe for weekly insights on market news, investing strategy, and financial planning.#stockmarket #investing #retirement 15 Minutes of Finance is produced by West & Walters Tax and Wealth Management, an independent financial advisory and CPA firm in Carlsbad, California. West & Walters provides comprehensive wealth management, tax planning, and accounting services for individuals and businesses. For more information, visit westandwalters.com. Advisory services offered through 77 Financial Group, a registered investment adviser. 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 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 last major tech mania.You’ll learn:-Why today’s AI leaders like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google are profitable powerhouses instead of hype machines.-How modern infrastructure, global adoption, and automation make the AI revolution more grounded than the 1999 internet frenzy.-What fundamentals actually matter when evaluating AI stocks in 2025.-A fourth bonus metric that truly separates the dot-com era from today’s AI revolution: proven profitability across entire ecosystems, not just isolated companies.-Whether you’re an investor, advisor, or tech enthusiast, this episode helps you separate innovation from speculation and decide whether AI is the next big thing or just the next big bubble.

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. Shellee emphasizes the need for students to market themselves effectively and the importance of understanding financial implications when planning for college. The conversation also touches on alternatives to traditional college paths and offers valuable resources for families navigating the college preparation journey.

Shellee's Books: Paying for College 101

Schedule a FREE Consultation: www.collegereadyplan.info

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 misleading picture. James also tackles common misconceptions about valuation, including why a “high” P/E doesn’t always mean a stock is overvalued. Whether you’re a long term investor or just trying to understand how Wall Street prices stocks, this episode gives you clear, no-jargon insight into today’s markets and what it all means for your portfolio.

Minor correction Costco trades at a 49 Forward P/E and Nvidia at a 30 Forward P/E

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 market movers, key financial headlines, and what they mean for long-term investors. Whether you’re new to investing or refining your strategy, James shares clear, practical insights designed to help you navigate volatility and grow your portfolio with confidence. If you want to understand how smart investors think during market dips and how to use these moments to your advantage, this conversation is a must watch.