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.

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.