In this episode we break down the often misunderstood investment strategy of Warren Buffett, exploring why one of the greatest investors of all time continues to hold hundreds of billions of dollars in cash. We unpack the reasoning behind Berkshire Hathaway’s massive cash reserves, including historically high market valuations, the limited number of attractive investment opportunities within Buffett’s “circle of competence,” and his long term focus on patience and discipline; waiting for the perfect pitch before taking a swing. If you’ve ever wondered why Buffett isn’t buying more stocks when markets are soaring, this video will give you clear insight into how the Oracle of Omaha thinks about value investing and capital allocation.#stockmarket #warrenbuffet #investing #15minutesoffinance #economy Warren Buffet's Investment Philosophy Article:https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/ownman.pdf15 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.
James covers market news and the hype around buffet retiring and where exactly you can find companies investments on their filing reports.
In this week’s episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, James breaks down the latest market news and explains why stock splits are usually a bullish signal for investors. He covers the psychology behind stock splits, why companies like Netflix have split shares in the past to make them more accessible, and why others such as Berkshire Hathaway choose never to split. James also highlights a new stock to watch for long-term investors and discusses what to look for before adding it to your watchlist. If you’re an investor trying to understand how stock splits impact valuation, investor demand, and liquidity, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Brandon and James walk through a real-life case study on how to handle a financial settlement the smart way. They break down how to decide what to spend, what to save, and what to invest to make the most of a one-time payout. You’ll learn the key mistakes people make after receiving a large sum, how taxes can impact your decisions, and practical strategies to turn a settlement into long-term financial stability. Whether your settlement came from an injury, inheritance, or legal case, this episode of 15 Minutes of Finance helps you make confident, informed choices with your money.
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.
James breaks down the biggest events moving the markets this week, including major company earnings reports and key economic data like the CPI. Learn how inflation trends and corporate results are shaping investor sentiment and what it could mean for the weeks 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.
Everyone’s worried about the AI bubble, but they’re missing the real balloon quietly inflating behind the scenes; private equity. Trillions in dry powder(cash on hand), overleveraged buyouts, and inflated valuations have turned the private markets into a ticking time bomb. While retail investors chase the next AI stock, institutional portfolios haven’t been marked to reality in years. High interest rates are squeezing valuations, funds are struggling to exit deals, and liquidity risk is building beneath the surface. In this episode, we break down why private equity could be the biggest bubble in global finance, why public markets might actually be safer right now, and what this shift means for investors and the next market cycle. If you’re worried about a bubble that could make you money but ignoring the balloon that could cost you money, this conversation is for you. Watch more insights on our “15 Minutes of Finance” podcast and subscribe to our channel for weekly investing breakdowns
James breaks down how investors can profit from the explosive growth of artificial intelligence without having to chase the biggest AI names. He explains the full AI ecosystem and how investing from the bottom of the funnel to the top can reduce risk, limit volatility, and remove the guesswork of trying to pick the ultimate AI winners. In this episode, you’ll learn how supporting companies that power or benefit from AI behind the scenes can create strong, consistent returns. James also shares real-world examples of “bottom of the funnel” and “top of the funnel” businesses that became highly successful without ever being the main product or platform driving the trend. If you want to understand the smarter way to invest in AI and position your portfolio for long-term growth, this discussion is for you.
Join us for this week’s Market News Monday! We’re breaking down the latest moves in the stock market, economic updates investors need to know, and one sleeping giant you probably haven’t heard enough about; Hippo Holdings (HIPO). Hippo is transforming the insurance technology space, and we’ll explain why this company could be one of the most undervalued growth stories in today’s market. From financial performance and analyst sentiment to potential catalysts ahead, we dive into the numbers and the story behind this stock’s massive potential.
In this episode, James helps viewers sift through the FUD created by clickbait titles and articles. He dives deep into leading economic indicators, particularly the PMI (Purchasing Managers Index), and explains how this often overlooked tool can help investors improve their analysis and sleep better at night.
James covers current events and news and breaks down the entire supply chain of chips and AI and how investors can make money on any point in the cycle.
In today’s episode of 15 Minutes of Finance, we cover the latest JOLTS data and what it signals about the strength of the labor market, the history and impact of government shutdowns on the economy, and the ongoing debate around artificial intelligence, highlighting why experts argue AI is still in an exponential growth phase and not a bubble.
James covers market news and updates this week and discusses Intels rising path. He also dives deep into how professional money managers take profits for their clients and when YOU should take profits.