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.

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