Videos

Join Ralph Estep, Jr., on today's podcast as he explores the consequences of ignoring your credit score. Ralph offers practical advice on how to improve your credit score and explores the costs of not honoring your credit.

Join Ralph Estep Jr., on today's podcast as he explores the financial impact of putting a loved one in a nursing home. Ralph explores the difficult financial decisions which may need to be made during this highly emotional time and details the financial impact of these often overlooked impacts.

Join Ralph Estep, Jr., on today's podcast as he explores the Top 10 Year End Business Tax Savings Ideas. If you are a business owner, Ralph will share critical steps you may be able to take at year-end to save on your taxes.

Recorded Zoom meeting where we discussed some 2021 payroll processing updates.

A recent study taken by American workers found that only 11% of the respondents were able to complete all of their given tasks within the workday. A startling statistic, but one that rings understandable to most of us. On today's show, Ralph outlines some strategies for reducing delay, procrastination and…

The American tax system operates on a "pay as you go" basis, meaning, the IRS wants taxes paid as you earn your income, not after. For employees, this means payroll withholding. For retirees, this means opting for withholding on Social Security and retirement distributions. For the self-employed or operator outside…

When filing a joint federal tax return, the law holds you and your spouse jointly responsible for the entire tax liability. What this means is that the IRS may collect the tax due from the both of you or either one of you, and is true regardless of future divorce…

Ever wonder how you and your household compares with spending to the average American? We all know what the biggest expenses, i.e. housing, groceries, utilities and health insurance. But variations in these core expenses and a wide range of others varying based on your location, age and other demographic groups.…

As Tax Day inches closer and closer, it can be tempting to rush through your tax returns while preparing, but we urge you, that could be a bad idea. Rushing tends to result in mistakes, over justifications, lapses and a wide array of errors that can slow the processing of…

Are your personal finances a highly-organized, well-oiled machine? Or is there a lot of room for improvement? The answer to that question is more important than you might think, especially during tax time. Most people anxiously await a big check from Uncle Sam in April, but it turns out a…

More than 50% of taxpayers hire a professional to prepare their taxes. With that being said, hiring a profession doe not absolve you of your legal responsibility for what is on your tax return. Mistakes and their consequences are the responsibility of the individual, married couple, or business whose name…

You are required to file a federal income tax return if your income is above a certain level. That level varies quite a bit, depending on your filing status, your age and the kind of income you’re reporting. On today's show, Ralph outlines whether or not you need to file…

Home ownership is a lifelong dream for millions, and one that comes with its own unique set of pleasures and challenges. But for all the true benefits of homeownership, there are an equal number of myths about what it is like to own and maintain property. On today's show, Ralph…

You have started a business and you aren't making a profit. You've heard that the IRS won't accept business deductions if it considered your business a "hobby", but what it the truth? On today's show, Ralph discusses how the IRS distinguishes between legitimate business and hobby activities, for the purpose…

Ghost preparers, according to the IRS, “look to make a fast buck by promising a big refund or charging fees based on a percentage of the refund. These scammers hurt honest taxpayers who are simply trying to do the right thing and file a legitimate tax return.” So how do…

On today's show, Ralph talks about his experience with responding and not reacting during interactions and how we all can benefit from practice in taking a breath, thinking logically and responding appropriately. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Like…

The share of service members using VA mortgage loans instead of conventional ones to purchase their first homes more than doubled from before the housing crisis hit to after the dust settled, according to a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. On today's show, Ralph discusses exactly what a…

With the onset of the tax season comes the annual onslaught of the various types of Form 1099. Among others, you have Form 1099-INT for interest income, 1099-DIV for dividend income, 1099-B for sales of securities and the dreaded 1099-MISC, which reports such income as rents received or nonemployee compensation.…

Cybercrime has been a lucrative business for swindlers since the early days of the internet. Despite the advancements in security, hackers and criminals will always be one-step ahead of us. That is why it is important for us to become knowledgeable on the common ways that scammers use to steal…

Sleepless nights, panic attacks and pounding headaches are feelings that are far too familiar for taxpayers during the spring. But how do you know if you really need the help of a professional tax preparer? On today's show, Ralph discusses reasons why you may need to recruit a tax preparer…

While the overall risk of being audited is generally low, new changes resulting from the enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) could impact your susceptibility of being audited this tax season. On today's show, Ralph discusses some of the most impactful red flags to be aware of this tax…

Whether you do them yourself or pay someone else to do them for you, preparing your income taxes is probably not one of your favorite chores. Knowing you have a refund coming can make the whole process somewhat easier, but gathering your paperwork and ensuring the forms are completed correctly…

Recent changes in tax law mean that many in uniform could see big returns when they file their 2018 taxes. On today's show, Ralph discusses how many services members and their families are likely to see substantial reductions in their overall federal taxes for 2018. Submit your questions or ideas…

Is a tax on the net worth of the ultrarich a good idea? Under Senator Warren’s plan, the tax rate on wealth would be two per cent, but it would only apply to American households worth at least fifty million dollars. On today's show, Ralph discusses his thoughts on this…