Videos

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. explores the significance of cultivating a Christian community to support your financial journey. Addressing a listener’s question about feeling isolated in financial struggles, Ralph provides actionable advice on finding or creating a group of like-minded believers. From starting small…

In our digital world, online communities can be a powerful tool for support and learning. Join Christian finance forums or social media groups, like our Facebook Insiders group, to ask questions and share experiences. While they won’t replace in-person connections, they can be a great starting point! #OnlineCommunity #FinancialStewardship #ChristianFinance…

Have you ever wondered if you retired too early? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. delves into the common regrets of Americans who retire too early. He discusses financial strain, loss of purpose, boredom, strained relationships, and difficulty re-entering the workforce. Through the poignant…

Retirement should be more than just leaving work behind—it's a new phase with purpose. Before retiring, take time to reflect on how you can serve God and your community. Whether it's mentoring, volunteering, or becoming a missionary, having clear goals will make this stage of life more fulfilling. #RetirementWithPurpose #ServeInRetirement…

A thorough financial assessment is the first step to a secure retirement. Don't just rely on generic rules—work with a financial advisor who understands your financial situation and faith-based values. Retirement isn't just about savings; it's also about aligning your spending with your values, especially when factoring in healthcare and…

Retirement doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Consider a phased retirement, where you gradually scale back your workload, allowing for a smoother financial and emotional adjustment. Many find semi-retirement rewarding, keeping connections and purpose while reducing daily responsibilities. #PhasedRetirement #SemiRetirement #RetirementPlanning #WorkLifeBalance #SmoothTransition

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep Jr. dives into crucial money lessons that can set your children on the path to financial success. Ralph addresses a listener's concern about preparing kids for future financial challenges and shares practical advice for instilling good money habits from…

Making money lessons engaging can help your kids learn more effectively. Use games, real-life scenarios, and hands-on activities to make financial education enjoyable and impactful. #FunLearning #KidsAndMoney #FinancialEducation

Teaching your kids about money is crucial for their future success. Start early with simple lessons on saving, spending, and giving. Help them understand the value of money and how to manage it wisely. #MoneyLessons #FinancialEducation #ParentingTips

The earlier you start teaching your children about money, the better prepared they will be for financial independence. Use practical tools like savings jars and allowances to instill good habits. #FinancialLiteracy #ParentingAdvice #MoneySkills

Life insurance is meant to provide financial security, but that can only happen if your loved ones know it exists and the details are current. Don’t leave them struggling to track down a hidden policy. Regularly review beneficiaries and ensure everything is to avoid future complications. #LifeInsurance #FinancialSecurity #UpdateYourPolicy #BeneficiaryManagement…

Life changes, and so should your beneficiary designations. Whether it’s a new grandchild, a loss, or a divorce, regularly updating your life insurance ensures your intentions are honored. Don’t let outdated info cause unnecessary complications—stay on top of this essential task. #LifeInsurance #BeneficiaryUpdate #FinancialPlanning #StayPrepared #ProtectYourFamily

Is your life insurance taxable? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the question of whether life insurance payouts are taxable. Ralph explains that in most cases, life insurance proceeds are not taxable to the beneficiary, but there are exceptions. He underscores the importance…

Ensuring your loved ones know the details of your life insurance policy is just as important as having one. Make sure they know the company, the policy number, and where to find the documents. This step ensures they can easily collect when the time comes, fulfilling the purpose of the…

Did you know you can ask your bank to reimburse you for ATM fees? It's wild, but I see many clients pay fees to access their money. On top of that, there are fees for meeting with a teller and monthly service charges. Don’t let the bank nickel and dime…

Review your bank statements carefully, especially those recurring fees. You might be losing $10, $20, or even $50 a month without realizing it. I had a client paying over $150 monthly fees—$1,800 a year, just gone. Don’t let your hard-earned money slip away unnoticed. #FinancialAwareness #CheckYourStatements #MoneyMatters

Set up account alerts, like low balance alerts, to avoid those costly $35 overdraft fees. Many banks and credit unions offer this feature, helping you stay on top of your finances. Remember, your bank should work for you, not vice versa. Don’t hesitate to shop around for an institution that…

Have you ever wondered what secrets banks are keeping from you? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep Jr. discusses a revealing article from a bank teller's perspective, exposing 10 secrets banks don't want customers to know. He covers topics such as the importance of reading…

Have you ever received a QR code that seemed a little fishy? In this episode of The Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. dives deep into the world of squishing scams, a devious type of fraud involving malicious QR codes designed to steal personal and financial information. Ralph shares…

Never enter personal or financial information after scanning a QR code—legitimate businesses won't ask for sensitive data this way. Stay protected by keeping your phone's software up to date. Regular updates are your first line of defense against new threats. #CyberAwareness #TechTuesday #UpdateYourPhone

Before you do anything else, be skeptical whenever you receive an unsolicited QR code. Whether it comes through email, text, or pops up unexpectedly, take a moment to ask yourself, "Was I expecting this?" Pausing to question it can protect you from potential scams, just like Tom did when he…

If you do anything online, enable two-factor authentication. It adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it much harder for scammers to gain access, even if they have your password. This simple step could save you from potential breaches and prevent issues like tthers have faced today.…

Have you ever felt intimidated and taken advantage of in the car dealership's finance office? In this episode of The Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. shares a personal story from his childhood that transformed his perspective on car buying and navigating the often predatory world of auto finance.…

Remember, you're in control. The dealership needs your business more than you need that car. Don’t let the finance office intimidate you—stay informed, take your time, and never hesitate to ask questions or walk away. Protect your financial well-being above all else. #CarBuyingPower #StayInControl #SmartConsumer #FinancialWellBeing