Episodes
Nov. 26, 2023
The Financial Impact of Putting a Loved One in a nursing home
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 ti...
Nov. 25, 2023
Top 10 Year End Business Tax Savings Ideas
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.
Nov. 24, 2023
Listener Questions about Personal Finance
Join Ralph Estep, Jr., on today's podcast as he reviews some listener submitted questions about personal finance. Ralph provides powerful information about budgeting, saving and retirement planning.
Nov. 22, 2023
Ask Ralph Relaunch
The Ask Ralph podcast relaunch. Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he welcomes everyone back the podcast. During this show Ralph takes listener questions about personal finances. Ralph explores business year-end tax savings strategies...
Nov. 17, 2023
The Ask Ralph podcast is coming back!
The Ask Ralph podcast is coming back! We are working on some great new content.
April 30, 2019
Stop Wasting Time at Work
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 tod...
April 25, 2019
Estimated Tax Payments
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...
April 23, 2019
An Innocent Spouse
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, an...
April 18, 2019
Median Americans
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 ...
April 13, 2019
Avoid These 4 Mistakes in Tax Filing
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 ...
April 11, 2019
The Great Refund Debate
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 anxious...
April 10, 2019
Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer
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...
April 4, 2019
Do You Need to File a Tax Return?
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, ...
April 3, 2019
Home Ownership Tax Myths
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...
April 2, 2019
Business Versus Hobby
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 ...
March 28, 2019
Tale of the Ghost Tax Preparer
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...
March 27, 2019
Respond Don't React
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 ...
March 21, 2019
VA Home Loans
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 Co...
March 14, 2019
How Scammers Steal Your Money
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 ...
March 12, 2019
3 Reasons to Hire a Tax Professional this Year
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, R...
March 7, 2019
IRS Audit Red Flags for TY18
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...
March 5, 2019
Why File Early?
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 ga...
March 2, 2019
Interview with Stefan "The Freak" Talabisco
A special bonus for our listeners is the full interview with Stefan "The Freak" Talabisco to talk with Ralph about his life as a veteran and up and coming professional boxer. With goals of boxing in venues far and wide, he re...
Feb. 28, 2019
Tax Changes for Military Members
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...