In this episode of The 256 Investor Podcast, Huntsville, AL wealth and financial advisor Cameron West stops by to share advice and insight through a life in money management. Cameron and JD discuss how to create and enjoy the benefits of real estate investing, alternative strategies for tax avoidance, why other investing outside of real estate is important, and how to help good people worry less about their finances.  

Topics Covered with Timestamps

00:00 | The Great Divide Between Real Estate Agents & Financial Advisors
Why the two industries often clash — and how diversification bridges the gap.

02:00 | From Preachers to Portfolio Managers
Cameron shares his family legacy in finance, growing up with Dave Ramsey’s first endorsed providers, and how it shaped his financial mindset.

06:00 | First Steps in Real Estate & Owning a Coffee Shop
How a financial advisor got into property ownership and small business investing.

08:00 | Diversifying Without Overextending
Cameron explains the value of spreading investments across real estate and markets — and the inefficiencies that make real estate profitable.

13:00 | Creative Tax Strategies for Investors
Breaking down 1031 Exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (721s), and REIT conversions to defer taxes and retain income potential.

17:00 | Flipping Homes Using a Self-Directed IRA
How Cameron uses self-directed retirement accounts to flip homes tax-deferred — a smart workaround to avoid ordinary income taxes on short-term flips.

23:30 | Smart Budgeting in the Real World
Why automation beats micromanagement — and which budgeting tools actually work (Mint, Monarch, YNAB, EveryDollar, Copilot, etc.).

29:00 | The Psychology of Spending & the Dave Ramsey Effect
Understanding financial peace vs. financial freedom — and when discipline beats emotion.

36:00 | Maxing Out Your 401(k) — Or Not?
When it’s smart to invest outside retirement accounts to maintain flexibility and liquidity for business opportunities.

42:00 | Teaching Kids About Money
How to instill financial confidence in the next generation — from “spend/save/give” envelopes to early investment accounts.

46:00 | Generational Investing & Compound Growth
The story of a 31-year-old millionaire whose father started investing $5 birthday gifts early — proof that small seeds grow big wealth.

52:00 | Love, Marriage & Money Management
Handling financial imbalance between spouses — from budgeting conversations to automation and emotional awareness.

58:00 | Subscriptions, Overspending & Hidden Costs
Modern money traps: unused memberships, streaming overload, and the importance of tracking recurring expenses.