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Ask Ralph: Christian Finance

Episodes

Jan. 21, 2024

Practicing Spiritual Frugality - Poor in Life - Rich in Spirit

Join Ralph Estep, Jr., on today’s show where he explores the topic “Poor in Life, Rich in Spirit”: Practicing Spiritual Frugality. In our fast-paced and consumer-driven world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material wealth and possessions. However, there is a deeper spiritual dimensio…
Jan. 20, 2024

Avoiding "The Mailbox is Full"

In today's episode of Ask Ralph, "Avoiding the Mailbox is Full." Ralph Estep, Jr., discussed the crucial importance of never allowing your customer to hear the dreaded message, "The person you are calling has a voicemail box which is full."
Jan. 19, 2024

Building An Emergency Savings Fund

Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he discusses why building an emergency savings fund is crucial for financial security and peace of mind. Living paycheck to paycheck without savings leaves individuals vulnerable to unexpected events like job loss, medical...
Jan. 18, 2024

Tax Implications of Selling Your Home

Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he discusses the important topic of reporting the sale of a primary residence. He provides information on the essential documents needed for accurate reporting, such as the closing statement, purchase and sales agreement, home...
Jan. 17, 2024

Wacky Business Story Headlines

In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores the wackiest business news stories that have made headlines. These stories remind us that entrepreneurship is full of surprises and that truth can often be stranger than fiction. The first...
Jan. 16, 2024

Best Accounting Software for 2024

In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the best accounting software for handling accounting tasks in small businesses and the benefits of partnering with a professional accounting firm. Ralph emphasizes that technology has revolutionized...
Jan. 15, 2024

Using Your Core Compentencies to Manage Business Success

In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep Jr. addresses the common struggle of finding motivation as a small business owner and offers a solution: focusing on core competencies instead of chasing after the competition. Ralph emphasizes that...
Jan. 14, 2024

Using Prayer to Navigate Financial Hard Times

In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores the topic of navigating stormy financial times with faith and prayer. Ralph emphasizes that life can bring unexpected storms, especially when it comes to finances. Job loss, economic...
Jan. 13, 2024

Estate Planning Chat with Attorney Kevin Baird

Join Ralph Estep Jr. on today's show as he engages in a conversation with Attorney Kevin Baird from the law firm of Baird, Mandalas, Brockstedt & Frederico. Ralph and Kevin have an insightful discussion about estate planning and the essential legal documents which we all need to have in place.
Guest: Kevin Baird
Jan. 12, 2024

Innocent Spouse Relief

The innocent spouse rules with the Internal Revenue Service are provisions designed to protect taxpayers from the tax liabilities of their current or former spouse. In this episode of the Ask Ralph podcast, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores this crucial...
Jan. 11, 2024

Deferred Interest Loans - Don't Get Pinched!

Deferred interest loans have become increasingly popular, particularly in the retail sector, as they allow consumers to make purchases without incurring any interest charges for a specified period. While these loans offer flexibility and the...
Jan. 10, 2024

Getting Ready for Tax Time

Ralph Estep, Jr. welcomes listeners to another episode of the Ask Ralph podcast, where he delves into taxes and financial matters. In this episode, he focuses on preparing for tax season and provides valuable guidance on finding a professional...
Jan. 9, 2024

7 Ways to Raise Your Credit Score by 200 Points

In this episode of Ask Ralph, we explore the topic of raising your credit score by 200 points in less than five years. Host Ralph Estep Jr. breaks down the importance of credit scores and shares valuable insights on achieving this goal to improve your...
Jan. 8, 2024

New Years Financial Resolutions

In the latest episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses financial New Year's resolutions for 2024. According to a study from WalletHub, almost half of all Americans plan to make finance-related resolutions in the coming year – a...
Jan. 7, 2024

10 Experiences You Don't Want as a Retiree

In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the retirement anti-bucket list – 10 experiences retirees don't want to encounter. He starts by addressing the misconception that one must work until a specific age or accumulate...
Jan. 6, 2024

Saving Money on Your Next Car

Today, we're discussing how to save money on your next car purchase. Whether you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, these tips will help you get the best deal possible.   Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family!...
Jan. 5, 2024

Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Today, we're discussing common estate planning mistakes that you should avoid at all costs. Did you know that two out of three Americans don't have any estate planning documents? That's according to Caring.com’s 2023 Wills and Estate Planning...
Jan. 4, 2024

IRS Penalty Review - Breaking News!

Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he announces IRS updates regarding automatic penalty relief for taxpayers who had balances due in 2020-2021 but did not receive notices, covering eligibility criteria, ensuring address updated to receive refunds, and options...
Jan. 3, 2024

Starting a Small Business - An interview with Amanda Nauman

Are you considering starting a small business? Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he interviews Amanda Nauman of Zenliven Wellness. Together, they delve into Amanda's journey as a massage therapist and wellness business owner, shedding light on the challenges...
Guest: Amanda Nauman
Jan. 2, 2024

Emergency Withdrawals From 401-K Plans - Pros and Cons

Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the pros and cons of emergency withdrawals from 401(k) plans. He highlights that while hardship withdrawals provide immediate funds during crises without repayment requirements, they can deplete retirement savings and incur...
Jan. 1, 2024

Inflation Woes - Where Americans Say Their Expenses Have Gone Up

Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the issue of rising inflation in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He discusses areas where Americans have seen increased expenses and provides practical tips for saving money during times of inflation. Ralph suggests...
Dec. 31, 2023

Steps For Withdrawing An Employee Retention Credit Claim

Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the steps for withdrawing an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He emphasizes the importance of reviewing eligibility criteria, gathering relevant documentation, determining the...
Dec. 30, 2023

Tax Breaks for Seniors

Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the best tax breaks for seniors in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He highlights tax-saving opportunities such as the extra standard deduction for seniors over 65, spousal IRA contributions, qualified charitable...
Dec. 29, 2023

Self-Employment Tax

In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the important topic of self-employment tax. He explains that self-employment tax is what individuals who work for themselves must pay on their income, including both employer and...