DIY investment tips, tax saving ideas, market commentary/ economy news, opinion pieces, professional investment opinion pieces

"15 Minutes of Finance" began three years ago when I transitioned from managing over half a billion dollars at a large firm to starting my own practice. My vision was to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to manage their investments. Alongside Brandon West, a CPA and fellow graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University, we created this podcast to provide concise, actionable financial insights. We cater to listeners of all ages but focus on those in their late 20s to late 30s. Our goal is to be a free resource that helps you make informed decisions for financial freedom, whether you choose to DIY or seek professional guidance. We cover investment news, tax strategies, and insider tips to help you achieve your financial goals. We believe that with just 15 minutes a day or week, you can gain the knowledge needed to excel in your financial journey.
 

I started "15 Minutes of Finance" to offer something different in the industry. Many financial advisors and professionals prefer to keep clients in the dark, expecting them to hand over their money without question. I don't believe in that method. I see financial health much like maintaining a car—you can do it yourself, but sometimes it's more convenient to have an expert help. I wanted to create a transparent and honest resource, empowering people to take control of their financial goals, with the option of professional support if desired.

It took me about 25 minutes from deciding to start the podcast to recording the first episode, and now with over 120 episodes and a dedicated studio space, our presence on platforms like Spotify has grown significantly. Our goal remains to be known as experts who advocate for transparency and empower our listeners to make informed financial decisions.
 

I found the time and resources to start this podcast much like many others who begin from scratch—I just took the plunge. If you wait for the perfect moment, you'll never start. Initially, I had about 20% of the knowledge I have now, and in ten years, that might be just 5%. But I knew my integrity was in the right place, and I firmly believe that with diligence, determination, and integrity, everything else follows. This podcast is an integral part of my week, and we strive to provide consistent, valuable content, including tax episodes at the beginning of the week and additional episodes at the end. We’re now looking to incorporate interviews as well.

From humble beginnings in my parents' basement, we've grown to have a professional studio space, and our podcast presence on platforms like Spotify has expanded significantly. We're not at Dave Ramsey's level yet, but we're steadily growing, and I'm excited about what the future holds.
 

Podcasting has provided us with significant benefits. It's given us stature and credibility in our industry, which is especially valuable given that many professionals in our field don't typically share their insights in this way. By consistently putting our opinions out there, we've built a foundation of trust and expertise that sets us apart. It's also been a great way to offer a free resource to our listeners while increasing our credibility. Although we've had opportunities for sponsorship, we haven't accepted any yet as our focus remains on delivering quality content. With around 400 downloads per month and about 60 per episode, we're steadily growing and excited about the future.
 

Our podcasting process is straightforward. We use Audible and Buzzsprout for hosting, along with industry-standard microphones. Currently, our podcast is audio-only, which means our content is mostly off-the-cuff and live, allowing us to be our authentic selves. As we prepare to transition to video, our editing remains minimal. Each episode is prepared differently: I start my day early, often before 6 a.m., to stay ahead of market news and ensure our content is timely and relevant.

As for interviews, we're planning to start soon, using various methods like Skype, Zoom, and in-person sessions. We have industry connections and some well-known guests lined up. Right now, our priority is consistently delivering high-quality content for our listeners.
 

When it comes to marketing, we haven't done much. February was the first time we tried Spotify marketing, spending $500. Apart from that, our growth has been entirely organic and driven by referrals. We believe that finance podcasts tend to build a loyal listener base, so word-of-mouth has been our strongest asset. It's a more personal experience, and our listeners are very loyal. We're just dabbling in marketing for now and focusing on providing valuable content.
 

My advice to aspiring podcasters is to always have integrity. Be certain about what you're discussing, and ensure it comes from the heart. In industries with uncertainty, like finance, it's crucial to provide strong, concise opinions without giving specific advice. Consistency is key- just keep going. Growth might be slow at first, but once you gain traction, it feels great and motivates you to improve. The initial phase can be challenging, but perseverance leads to confidence and makes you a better podcaster.
 

If you'd like to learn more about our podcast, the best way is to listen to it! "15 Minutes of Finance" is available on Spotify, Apple, and other podcast platforms. We also have a growing presence on Twitter and Instagram under the same name.

To learn more about our work, visit our websites: West & Walters Tax and Wealth Management at westandwalters.com, which is our personal practice. We also own 77 Financial Group, our parent company, which allows other advisor teams to join under our brand while maintaining their individuality.