A good plan means being ready for any life event — marriage, children and even death. For many couples, estate planning can be a very stressful and overall unpleasant task. Planning for tragedy can sometimes feel like testing fate. Nevertheless, estate planning is vitally important for families, ecspcially given the recent tax code overhaul that went into effect in 2018. On today's show, Ralph discusses marital estate planning so you can make sure everything is in order and your family is protec...
Jan 24, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Many individuals who are looking for fast cash to pay outstanding holiday bills, unexpected car repairs and skyrocketing heating bills are being bombarded with advertising pitches for tax refund advances. Although expected to grow in popularity, the prefund refund option should be approached with suspicion and caution of the costs. On today's show, Ralph outlines the growth of tax refund advances and gives tips on what you need to know before taking one this tax season. Submit your questions or ...
Jan 22, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 10
To avoid working all of your life and dreaming about retirement only to be disappointed when it arrives, you need to do more than just monitor the balance in your 401(k) plan. Taking time to check up on how your retirement savings are progressing and make sure you are still on track, or even better, adjust so you can improve your outlook. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for keeping your 401(k) and other retirement savings healthy so you can stay happy. Submit your questions or ideas for fu...
Jan 19, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 9
A small business checkup is similar to getting your car serviced. Often times we get caught up in the commute–the back and forth–and we do not take proper time to check under the hood and make sure everything is running properly. For small business owners, a regular checkup can prove vital in helping a business continue to grow and hit their goals. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for small business owners going into the 2018 tax year to make sure your business stays in good shape. Submit y...
Jan 17, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Every year, you get poked and prodded by your doctor to make sure you stay healthy. You should take similar care of your financial well-being with an annual checkup of essentials, such as your credit situation, retirement savings and life insurance. No needles or ice-cold stethoscopes required. On today's show, Ralph reviews personal debt and strategies to make the best out of your financial situation with our first episode of our annual check-up series. Submit your questions or ideas for future...
Jan 15, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The New Year is a great time to overhaul your life for the better, and one excellent place to start is by making solid financial resolutions that can help get you closer to your money goals, whether it means increasing your retirement savings or setting funds aside for a down payment on a house. On today's show, Ralph lists some new year's resolutions to make and better your financial picture this year. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at as...
Jan 12, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Tax season is rapidly approaching and it is important to do your homework before your the season begins. Getting organized early can save you hours of hassles when it comes time to do your taxes or hand them over to your accountant. On today's show, Ralph discusses ten steps to take to get ready for tax preparation. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) ...
Jan 10, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 5
If you are a fan of setting individual goals for the new year, you must make sure not to forget about your business. Take the opportunity to examine your company’s financial health and look for ways to make improvements. On today's show, Ralph reviews resolutions to make for your business to help it stay in shape in 2018. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphm...
Jan 08, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Paying an expert to prepare your taxes is simple and makes a lot of sense, but finding the right person to prepare your taxes can be difficult. It is important to make sure you thoroughly understand your preparer's competence and experience so that you aren't leaving money on the table. On today's shows, Ralph discusses how to find the best and most qualified tax preparer this tax season. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralph...
Jan 05, 2018•10 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Most Americans will get a tax cut this year under the plan Congress passed recently, but figuring out exactly how much your family will save is tricky. In fact, for many families circumstances can vary widely depending on factors like income, the number of children or where you live. On today's show, Ralph takes a look at how 8 different families will be affected by the newly passed tax bill set to take effect in the coming tax years. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at ...
Jan 03, 2018•11 min•Season 2Ep. 2
With tax season just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about not just when you will file your taxes, but how. In fact, you may be looking at hiring a professional to file your return on your behalf -- and if so, you wouldn't be alone. On today's show, Ralph reviews questions to ask when selecting a tax preparer this season. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us o...
Jan 01, 2018•10 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Originally aired on Saturday, December 30th, 2017 on WILM 1450 in Wilmington and WDOV 1410 in Dover, Delaware. On today's show Ralph talks tax preparer dos and don'ts, questions to ask when choosing someone this tax season, and outlines how 8 different American families will be affected by the new tax reform bill. If you have any questions or ideas for future shows, please email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralph...
Dec 30, 2017•30 min
Cash flow is a key indicator of financial health and the life-blood of any small business. Equally important to having a solid cash flow is the relationship a small business has with its community. If you are running your business well, chances are your most avid supporters are the people buying your product or service, thus keeping your cash flow manageable. On today's show, Ralph speaks with Ron Price , founder of Blue Earl Brewing Company in Delaware about the importance of managing cash flow...
Dec 29, 2017•10 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Moving expense deduction suspended, changes in employee fringe benefits, and all new tax brackets for individuals under the newly passed tax overhaul from Congress set to take effect starting in 2018 for many taxpayers. Lots of people asked us how the new law would affect them. On today's show, Ralph outlines more of the changes in the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2018 and what it means for your returns going into the new year. Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming sh...
Dec 27, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Standard deductions doubled, mortgage interest and SALT caps, and a phase-out of itemization are just a few of the big changes for taxpayers in 2018. If you are struggling to figure out exactly how the tax overhaul will affect you, you've come to right place. On today's show, Ralph gives is an overview of the new provisions and what it means for your returns in the new year. Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on...
Dec 25, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Women are opening up new small business at a faster pace than men according to recent reports. But many still face higher hurdles for success than their male counterparts. On today's show, Ralph sits down with Hope Lopez of El Azteca Mexican Restaurants in Dover to discuss what it takes to successfully run a small business and the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face in today's economy. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@ask...
Dec 24, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Originally aired on Saturday, December 23rd, 2017 on WILM 1450 in Wilmington and WDOV 1410 in Dover, Delaware. On today's show Ralph discusses the most recent tax code overhaul, reviews how it is going to affect you in the coming year, then speaks with the founder of Blue Earl Brewing Company and local brew master, Ron Price, about the importance of managing cash flow and building strong local relationships when growing your business. Check out Blue Earl Brewing Company in Smyrna at 210 Artisan ...
Dec 23, 2017•30 min
Being a new entrepreneur is stressful, and that stress is compounded when you start realizing just how little time there is in a day. Your energy and creativity may feel limitless, but your time isn't. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for making your workday more productive and efficient. Submit you questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmed...
Dec 21, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 22
There are many decisions that we all must make about retirement. One of the most perplexing relates to the types of retirement account options available, and where we should put our money first. On today's show, Ralph clears the air on the 401k vs. Roth IRA debate so you can make the best financial decision possible for your retirement savings. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us...
Dec 19, 2017•10 min•Season 1Ep. 21
For a startup or small business, any reduction in overhead lets you shift more revenue to operational growth, while simultaneously freeing up your time. Outsourcing can provide continuity, operational expense control and risk management. It can also improve your work/life balance. On today's show, Ralph sits down with Dr. Trevor Ennis of Middletown Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center to discuss the benefits of outsourcing for businesses seeking to manage time and better patient/client care. S...
Dec 18, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Originally aired on Saturday, December 16th, 2017 on WILM 1450 in Wilmington and WDOV 1410 in Dover, Delaware. On today's show Ralph reviews options for Roth IRA and 401K planning, lists some top time wasters for entrepreneurs and sits down with Hope Lopez, co-owner of El Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Dover to discuss being a female small business owner. If you have any questions or ideas for future shows, please email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitte...
Dec 16, 2017•30 min
Of all the choices you make when starting a business, one of the most important is the type of legal structure you select for your company. Not only will this decision have an impact on how much you pay in taxes, it will affect the amount of paperwork your business is required to do, the personal liability you face and your ability to raise money. On today's show, Ralph discusses how to choose the right legal entity for your business and best fits your needs. Submit your questions or ideas for f...
Dec 14, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 19
The holiday season is in full swing which also means scammers are out in full force. From gift card scams to "secret shopper" swindling, scam artists crank into high gear during the holiday season. Cybercriminals are stepping up their game to steal your money and personal information during the holidays. On today's show, Ralph discusses some holiday scams to be on the look out for this season so that your holiday can stay merry and bright. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet u...
Dec 13, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 18
There is still uncertainty over when or if tax reform will be implemented; regardless, you may be able to save a bundle on your taxes if you make the right moves before the end of the year. On today's show Ralph outlines some end of the year tax planning strategies for reducing 2017 tax liability. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askral...
Dec 10, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Originally aired on Saturday, December 9th, 2017 on WILM 1450 in Wilmington and WDOV 1410 in Dover, Delaware. On today's show, holiday scams to avoid, deciding on the type of entity for your new business and Ralph sits down with Dr. Trevor Ennis of Middletown Chiropractic & Rehab Center to discuss the benefits of outsourcing for businesses seeking to manage time and better patient/client care. If you have any questions or ideas for future shows, please email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com ...
Dec 09, 2017•30 min
An audit is arguably the most dreaded outcome of the tax filing process, and the situation carries with it some unsettling mystique. The standard nightmare has IRS agents with badges showing up on your doorstep and seizing the your personal assets. On today's show Ralph debunks common myths about IRS audits. Submit you questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit ...
Dec 08, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 16
The internet has increased access to the global community, created a new online shopping economy and made sharing cat videos even easier. These innovations go hand-in-glove with intrusions from marketers and threats from criminals. On today's show, Ralph discusses steps to take control, protect yourself and keep your data safe. Submit you questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askr...
Dec 05, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Imagine unhurried office visits, same day or next day sick appointments, and direct contact with your doctor. Not a fantasy, but an option under direct primary care physicians (DPC). On today's show, Ralph sits down with Dr. Beth Renzulli of WELL Primary Care to discuss health coverage alternatives like DPC and the benefit to patients. Submit you questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitte...
Dec 03, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Originally aired on Saturday, December 2nd, 2017 on WILM 1450 in Wilmington and WDOV 1410 in Dover, Delaware. On today's show, Ralph gives pointers for protecting yourself online, outlines some end of the year tax planning strategies, and debunks common IRS audit myths. If you have any questions or ideas for future shows, please email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. Advertisers: ...
Dec 02, 2017•30 min
Throughout the year, many taxpayers contribute money or gifts to qualified organizations eligible for tax-deductible charitable contributions. However, the rules surrounding charitable donations can often be confusing. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips to help ensure your contribution pay off on your tax return this holiday season. Submit you questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitte...
Nov 30, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 13
