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Retirement Episodes

Dec. 20, 2024

Why should I designate a trust as a retirement account beneficiary?

Are you worried about what will happen to your retirement accounts if the unexpected occurs? Today, Ralph dives into the critical topic of naming a trust as a beneficiary for retirement accounts, a decision that can save you…
Dec. 11, 2024

What are 5 common investment choices which kill your returns?

Are you feeling anxious every time you check your retirement account? You're not alone in this struggle, as many people worry about their financial future and the possibility of losing their hard-earned savings due to poor d…
Dec. 5, 2024

What are 9 retirement expenses which I may not have considered?

Are you prepared for the unexpected costs that can arise during retirement? Many retirees find themselves blindsided by expenses they never planned for, which can significantly derail their financial plans. This episode dive…
Dec. 2, 2024

How much cash should I keep on hand once I retire?

Are you worried about having enough cash on hand during retirement? Ralph Estep Jr. tackles this crucial concern by sharing a powerful story about a client, Tom, who faced unexpected financial challenges shortly after retiri…
Nov. 25, 2024

What percentage of my salary should I be putting into retirement?

Are you anxious about whether you're saving enough for retirement? You're not alone, as many Christians share this concern, especially when faced with the reality of financial insecurity in their later years. This episode ta…
Nov. 23, 2024

Can I use my 401-K to purchase a home?

Isabella from Tennessee shares her heartfelt struggle with the realities of renting and the desire for home ownership, raising the poignant question of whether to use retirement savings for a down payment. Ralph dives into t…
Nov. 21, 2024

What are 5 common RMD mistakes to avoid?

Are you worried about making costly mistakes with your required minimum distributions (RMDs)? This podcast episode dives into five devastating RMD mistakes that could lead to thousands of dollars in penalties, highlighting t…
Nov. 16, 2024

My parents failed to prepare for retirement and are now 70 – what can I do to help them?

Are you worried about your aging parents' financial situation? This episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast dives into practical ways to support them, especially if they haven't adequately prepared for retirement. Ralph Estep Jr. e…
Nov. 12, 2024

How can I avoid losing my retirement benefits to an online scammer?

Are you worried about losing your retirement savings to online scammers? Ralph Estep Jr. tackles this critical concern by sharing personal stories and practical advice for protecting your financial future. He emphasizes the …
Nov. 9, 2024

What are common things that most people don’t know about social security?

Are you lying awake at night, worried that Social Security won't be enough to cover your retirement? You're not alone; many Christians share this concern about their financial future. Ralph dives into nine critical insights …
Nov. 8, 2024

What are 7 alternatives to buying a home in your golden years?

Feeling overwhelmed by the maintenance of a large family home during retirement? You're not alone, and today, Ralph Estep Jr. challenges the notion that homeownership is the only way to enjoy your golden years. He shares pow…
Nov. 4, 2024

What are the biggest financial challenges for those couples retiring at different times?

Navigating retirement can be a complex journey, especially for married couples with significant age differences. This podcast dives into real stories of couples who have successfully managed different retirement timelines, h…
Oct. 29, 2024

How can I use my retirement account as an emergency ATM?

Are you feeling the financial squeeze and considering tapping into your retirement account to cover unexpected expenses? Ralph dives into the complexities of using retirement funds as an emergency ATM, exploring the potentia…
Oct. 18, 2024

How much money do I need to have saved to cover health care costs in retirement?

Are you worried about the staggering healthcare costs in retirement? Ralph dives into the critical question of how much money you really need to save for medical expenses as you age, highlighting that the average couple reti…
Oct. 17, 2024

What is the rule of 55 and how can I use it to reduce my taxes?

Are you feeling trapped in your job and dreaming of an early retirement? The rule of 55 might just be your ticket to accessing your 401(k) funds without penalties before reaching 59 and a half. Ralph dives deep into this lit…