Ask Ralph: Financially Confident Christian

Episodes

Can't Pay the IRS? How can you Avoid Major Penalties with These 4 Strategies?
March 28, 2025

Can't Pay the IRS? How can you Avoid Major Penalties with These 4 Strategies?

Feeling the IRS pressure? You're definitely not alone! Today, Ralph Estep Jr. dives into the nitty-gritty of what to do when you can’t pay Uncle Sam. We’re laying down four simple strategies to help you dodge those pesky pena...
5 Important Things That Disappear When You Retire – Are You Ready?
March 27, 2025

5 Important Things That Disappear When You Retire – Are You Ready?

Today, we’re diving into the not-so-golden side of retirement. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about kicking back with a cold drink and enjoying endless naps. We’re chatting about five crucial things that tend to vanish when you...
How Can You Budget When Paychecks Are Unpredictable?
March 26, 2025

How Can You Budget When Paychecks Are Unpredictable?

Struggling to budget because your paycheck feels like a game of roulette? You’re not alone, and I’m here to help! Today, I’m diving into seven super practical tips to help you manage your finances, especially when the income ...
Is Cheap Advice Really Worth the Price?
March 25, 2025

Is Cheap Advice Really Worth the Price?

Cheap tax and accounting advice might sound like a sweet deal, but it can turn into a financial trap faster than you can say "audit." Today, we're diving into why investing in good guidance is like putting on a financial supe...
What Is the Taxpayer Advocate and How Can They Help Me?
March 24, 2025

What Is the Taxpayer Advocate and How Can They Help Me?

Feeling overwhelmed by the IRS? You’re not alone, and today, we're diving into a lifeline that could turn your tax troubles around—the Taxpayers Advocate Service (TAS). This episode is all about how TAS can help you navigate ...
How Do I Maintain My Faith During Difficult Economic Times?
March 23, 2025

How Do I Maintain My Faith During Difficult Economic Times?

Feeling crushed by money woes? You're definitely not alone! In today’s chat, we're diving deep into how to keep your faith strong even when your finances feel like they’re pulling a fast one on you. We’ve got some real talk o...
Why Can’t We Quit Paper Checks—and Are Scammers Cashing In?
March 22, 2025

Why Can’t We Quit Paper Checks—and Are Scammers Cashing In?

Are you feeling weighed down by debt or worried about your parents' finances? Well, you’re in good company! Today, we’re diving into these heavy topics with some real talk and a sprinkle of humor. We’ll tackle the struggles o...
Are These Common Banking Habits Draining Your Wallet?
March 21, 2025

Are These Common Banking Habits Draining Your Wallet?

Are you tired of feeling like your wallet is always on a diet? Well, today we're diving into the sneaky banking habits that might be silently draining your finances faster than you can say "overdraft fee." From those pesky AT...
Are Car Dealers Using the 4-Square Method to Outfox You?
March 20, 2025

Are Car Dealers Using the 4-Square Method to Outfox You?

Are you feeling like a deer in headlights when it comes to buying a car? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Today, we’re diving into the sneaky "four square method" that car dealers love to use to keep you confused and feeling...
Is Your Credit Card Costing You More Than You Think?
March 19, 2025

Is Your Credit Card Costing You More Than You Think?

Ever felt like your credit card is this sneaky little gremlin in your wallet, whispering sweet nothings while it drains your bank account? Today, we’re diving into the true cost of credit card debt and how it could be secretl...
Are You Still on the Hook With the IRS? How Far Back Can They Claim You Owe?
March 18, 2025

Are You Still on the Hook With the IRS? How Far Back Can They Claim You Owe?

Are you lying awake at night, worried the IRS might show up at your door like a surprise party you never wanted? We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of the IRS tax debt statute of limitations today, answering the burning quest...
Are You Following the World's Wisdom or God's Wisdom in Your Finances?
March 17, 2025

Are You Following the World's Wisdom or God's Wisdom in Your Finances?

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a money rut, just spinning your wheels? Well, today we’re diving into the question of how to ditch the world’s wisdom about finances and embrace God’s guidance instead. If you’ve ever found your...
Is It Time to Redefine What Being Rich Means to You?
March 16, 2025

Is It Time to Redefine What Being Rich Means to You?

Ready to rethink what being rich really means? Today, we’re diving deep into the idea that true wealth isn’t just about fat bank accounts and fancy cars. Nope, it’s about living a life packed with purpose, joy, and meaningful...
LIVE SHOW REPLAY: What's Changing in Your 401(k) in 2025—and What Does It Mean for You?
March 15, 2025

LIVE SHOW REPLAY: What's Changing in Your 401(k) in 2025—and What Does It Mean for You?

Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of financial freedom, and spoiler alert: it’s all about breaking free from that pesky financial stress. Our financial evangelist, Ralph Estep Jr., is here to guide us through some ser...
Confused About How Your Rental Property Affects Your Taxes?
March 14, 2025

Confused About How Your Rental Property Affects Your Taxes?

Are rental property taxes giving you a headache? Don’t worry, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of rental property taxes today! We’ll break down everything from dreaded IRS audits to those sneaky red flags you should avoid l...
Self-Employment Tax Got You Stressed? Learn Exactly What It Is and How to Pay Less
March 13, 2025

Self-Employment Tax Got You Stressed? Learn Exactly What It Is and How to Pay Less

Are you self-employed and feeling the pressure of self-employment tax? Trust me, you’re not alone! This episode dives headfirst into the nitty-gritty of self-employment tax—what it is, how it works, and most importantly, how ...
Self-Filing Taxes: Are You Making These Common Errors That Could Land You In Trouble With The IRS?
March 12, 2025

Self-Filing Taxes: Are You Making These Common Errors That Could Land You In Trouble With The IRS?

Are you feeling like tax season is a beast you just can't wrestle? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the wild world of self-filing taxes! Today, we're uncovering the most common pitfalls that could send you straight ...
Are You Inviting Financial Trouble by Automatically Filing Taxes Jointly With Your Spouse?
March 11, 2025

Are You Inviting Financial Trouble by Automatically Filing Taxes Jointly With Your Spouse?

Are you automatically filing taxes jointly with your spouse? Well, hold onto your calculators, because that might not be the best idea! Today, we’re diving deep into the potential pitfalls of joint filing and how it could lea...
How do you turn reasonable cause into IRS penalty forgiveness?
March 10, 2025

How do you turn reasonable cause into IRS penalty forgiveness?

Are IRS penalties keeping you up at night? Well, today we're diving into the world of reasonable cause, where there's a chance to wipe those pesky penalties off the books! Our listener, Tiffany, reached out for some relief, a...
Can you truly live generously on a tight budget?
March 8, 2025

Can you truly live generously on a tight budget?

Are you feeling the squeeze on your wallet but still want to give? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re tackling that big question: can you live generously on a tight budget? Spoiler alert: the answer is yes, and we’...
Is the 30% rule for housing costs still a wise guideline today?
March 7, 2025

Is the 30% rule for housing costs still a wise guideline today?

Is the 30% rule for housing still practical in today’s economy? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show , Ralph Estep, our financial evangelist, is joined by Craig Van Slyke to unpack this widely accepted guideline, exploring h...
Are you sacrificing your future by taking social security too soon?
March 6, 2025

Are you sacrificing your future by taking social security too soon?

Are you wondering if taking Social Security too soon could mess with your future? Today, we’re diving into a super important question that could totally shape your retirement game plan. We’ll break down how claiming Social Se...
Are you ready for the IRS when earning extra income?
March 5, 2025

Are you ready for the IRS when earning extra income?

Are you diving into the gig economy, raking in some extra dough from side gigs, freelance work, or selling stuff online? Well, buckle up, because we’re tackling the crucial topic of tax obligations that come with that newfoun...
Does divorce have to be painful? Avoiding financial and tax traps
March 4, 2025

Does divorce have to be painful? Avoiding financial and tax traps

Divorce can feel like a big ol' mountain, but today we're diving into how to make that climb a little less daunting. We're here to discuss about the financial and tax traps that can really catch you off guard during this toug...