Videos

Credit cards, when used responsibly, can offer great perks like cashback, travel rewards, and purchase protection. However, these benefits come at a cost. Credit card companies aim to profit by enticing us with attractive offers, hoping we'll overspend. Be mindful of your spending to benefit from these perks truly. #CreditCardTips…

Don't settle for the first credit card offer you receive—shop around! With a good credit score, you can compare rates and rewards programs to find a card that matches your spending habits and financial goals. Look for perks that align with your lifestyle, like travel rewards if you travel frequently.…

Have you ever been enticed by a credit card offer that seemed too good to be true? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast, host Ralph Estep Jr. dives into the world of credit card perks, helping you separate the blessings from the burdens. Discover how to maximize credit…

Does the thought of retirement fill you with excitement or dread? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast, host Ralph Estep Jr. addresses the common fears surrounding retirement and provides actionable steps and spiritual encouragement to face the future with confidence. Learn how to replace fear with faith and…

Before diving into financial planning, start with prayer. Bring your anxieties to God, seeking His wisdom for the future. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Practicing gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, setting…

Creating a budget isn't about restriction but freedom. By being intentional with your money, you can achieve your financial goals, including a comfortable retirement. Track your income and expenses to see where your money goes, cut back where needed, and redirect those funds towards retirement savings. #Budgeting #FinancialFreedom #RetirementPlanning #SmartSpending…

As we age, rising medical expenses and inflation can strain our finances, and retirement might leave us searching for purpose. These concerns are real, but don't let fear hold you back. Embrace your role as a steward of God's gifts by planning wisely for the future. #AgingWisely #FinancialPlanning #PurposefulLiving #FaithAndFinance…

Considering buying out your leased car? It's already yours, and you could save on disposition fees and avoid mileage penalties, especially if you've kept it in great shape. However, be prepared for continued car payments and possibly needing a loan to cover the residual value. #CarLeaseBuyout #AutoFinance #CarOwnership #LeasingProsAndCons

Ending your car lease means freedom from monthly payments and the chance to drive something new. However, be aware of potential disposition fees and mileage overage costs. While you'll start fresh with no equity, the excitement of a new ride is worth it. #CarLeasing #NewCar #LeaseEnd #AutoTips #CarFinance

As your auto lease ends, you have options: turn in the car, purchase it, or lease another one. Buying it can be a great deal if you have equity, but always compare the market value to the residual value and negotiate wisely. Lower payments might make leasing again attractive. Remember,…

Are you nearing the end of your car lease and unsure about your next steps? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast, host Ralph Estep Jr. explores the three main options available when your car lease ends: turning in the leased car, buying the leased car, or leasing another…

Stop financially enabling your adult children if you want them to stand on their own two feet. Eliminate allowances, stop paying for streaming subscriptions, cell phone bills, and any other monetary support. Living independently is impossible without relying on the Bank of Mom and Dad. Removing this safety net encourages…

Setting a clear and reasonable move-out deadline for your adult children is crucial. Communicate a firm timeline tied to concrete milestones, like college graduation, securing a post-grad job, or saving enough for an apartment down payment. Establish these expectations well in advance to ensure it’s not a surprise. This helps…

Are you having trouble motivating your grown-up children to move out and lead independent lives? As every parent with an adult child living at home understands, it may be quite difficult to find a balance between encouraging and pushing your adult children to become self-sufficient. In this episode of the…

Adult children living at home can easily get comfortable and stay indoors. However, their non-work hours at home won’t help them build independent lives. Encourage them to volunteer, pursue hobbies, attend religious services, network, and engage in other activities. These experiences can help them grow and develop independence while contributing…

Did you know your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an IRA isn't a fixed amount? It's based on your previous year-end balance and the IRS life expectancy tables. For instance, at age 73, with a $500,000 balance and a 25.6-year expectancy, you'd need to withdraw about $19,531 to avoid penalties.…

Charitably inclined? Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a smart way to manage your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). By directly transferring up to $100,000 from your IRA to a qualified charity, you can avoid recognizing that amount as income on your tax return, reducing your taxable income and potentially lowering your…

Are you confused about Required Minimum Distributions and how to manage them effectively in retirement? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast, host Ralph Estep Jr. addresses the most common problems retirees face regarding RMDs, such as heavy tax penalties for non-compliance and uncertainty around minimizing taxes. Tune in…

Are you considering converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? It can be a savvy move, especially if you expect a higher tax bracket in the future. Although you'll pay taxes on the conversion now, your money grows tax-free in a Roth IRA, and qualified distributions in retirement are…

We are called to be compassionate, to show mercy, and to offer a helping hand to those in need, including those struggling financially. While numbers matter and AI often makes accurate decisions, without human connection, we miss opportunities to help those willing to work hard and honor their finances. AI…

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast, host Ralph Estep Jr. explores the risks and opportunities of AI in lending. While algorithms can analyze more data faster, making lending decisions based solely on numbers risks creating an inefficient system that favors the financially secure while leaving the struggling behind.…

Supporters of AI in lending argue it can eliminate human bias, making the process faster, cheaper, and more objective. In a world grappling with prejudice and discrimination, purely data-driven systems can be alluring. However, as with any new technology, there are potential downsides. As Christians, we have a crucial role…

Despite the data's suggestion, we approved their loan, and they never missed a payment. They turned their financial life around, built their dream home, and became some of our most valued members. Would an algorithm have made that same decision, seen past the numbers, and recognized their growth potential? That's…

Are you worried about the amount of time your children are spending on their smartphones and the potential impact it may have on their development? In today's society, owning a smartphone is commonplace, but it is important to consider the appropriate age for children to have one. In this episode…