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 giant tax refund might not be so great after all. On today's show, Ralph discusses the pros and cons towards getting a big refund at tax time! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askra...
Apr 11, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 162
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 appears at the top of the return. On today's show, Ralph reviews his tips for picking the best tax preparer this filing season! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @ask...
Apr 11, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 161
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 a tax return this 2019 tax 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 on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit ww...
Apr 04, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 160
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 debunks some important home ownership myths you need to know! 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 Tw...
Apr 04, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 159
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 of taxes and what that means for you. 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...
Apr 02, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 158
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 you figure out if you are being scammed by your preparer? On today's show, Ralph discusses the steps on how to not get "ghosted" when choosing a tax preparation service. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us a...
Mar 28, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 157
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 us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to s...
Mar 28, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 156
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 VA home loan is, how to use one and what benefits surround their use in home financing. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@ask...
Mar 22, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 155
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 your hard-earned money so that we can thwart any threats before they become a problem. On today's show, Ralph discusses how scammers and grifters con you out of your money in today's new technology age. Su...
Mar 15, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 153
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 this year. 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.ask...
Mar 13, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 152
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 year 2018 filing 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 on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or vis...
Mar 08, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 151
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 can still be both time-consuming and stressful. On today's show, Ralph discusses the reasons for why it is best to file early when filing your tax returns. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, ...
Mar 06, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 150
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 reminisces about his start, what he loves most and his upcoming event, Saturday March 30, 2019, for the Night of Live Boxing! at the Hockessin Pal Center. For more information, check out his Facebook (@frankiepaul) or purchase tickets by calling 609-868-4243. For more content,...
Mar 03, 2019•19 min
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 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.askralphmedia.com for more information...
Feb 28, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 149
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 presidential contender's plan to tax the rich. 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) o...
Feb 27, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 148
What is the best retirement plan for a self-employed person? Which is the best retirement plan for a small business owner? More importantly, which is the right retirement plan for you – as a business owner? On today's show, Ralph discusses how to find the best retirement plan for you and your small business. 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...
Feb 22, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 147
The first few years after college graduation are full of milestones. In addition to getting your degree, starting your career, moving out from your parents home and starting your new life, you will eventually need to file your taxes. On today's show Ralph discusses what graduates should take special note of when preparing their returns this year and going forward. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Fa...
Feb 19, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 146
A special bonus for our listeners is a special segment from Ralph discussing all of the hype surrounding tax refunds during this 2018 tax season as aired originally on our radio broadcast from Saturday February 16, 2019at 8:00AM on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. For more content, subscribe to our podcast on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter ...
Feb 16, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 147
Paying off your mortgage before the loan is up might feel light years away, but it is doable if you plan your finances right. If you pay off your mortgage early, you could save a lot of money on interest. On today's show Ralph discusses how to and why paying off your mortgage early might be right for you! 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 ww...
Feb 15, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 145
Whether you plan to make some New Year’s resolutions or not, there’s no better time than the beginning of the year to review your finances. On today's show, Ralph talks finances and how to get better at them in the new year! 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.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's ...
Feb 12, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 144
Trying to get your first credit card can be as frustrating as trying to land your first job. Employers want experience, but you can’t get experience unless someone hires you. Similarly, a credit card is the quickest way to build a good credit history, but without a good credit history it’s hard to get a credit card. On today's show, Ralph discusses how to establish credit when you have little or none at all. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us ...
Feb 08, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 143
On today’s show Ralph outlines what you need to do and know to give yourself a financial check up this new year! 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.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for ...
Feb 06, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 142
According to IRS estimates, American business underpay their taxes by $125 billion each yea r and as a result of this evasion the government can be out for almost $400 billion annually. Tax evaders, as a result, are a hot ticket item for the IRS and the agency is constantly looking for ways to catch tax cheats. On today's show, Ralph discusses ways the IRS is looking to use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter in its ongoing quest to catch tax cheats. Submit your question...
Jan 31, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 141
Millions of Americans contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plan each year without any real strategy and at the end of the day, when retirement rolls around, having a strategy could make a real difference. On today's show, Ralph discusses strategies for maxing out your 401(k) so that when you retire, you will be ready! 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 (@askral...
Jan 29, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 140
New Year, new you as the saying goes and for many small businesses, the new year means new resolutions. This mean means putting changes into place that continue throughout the next 12 months, not just for a few weeks in January. On today's show Ralph takes a look a some important resolutions for business to ensure success! 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 (@askralph...
Jan 24, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 139
Yes, tax reform eliminated or drew back a lot of popular write-offs. It is also true that many more people will now take the standard deduction instead of itemizing. But there are still plenty of hidden tax-saving opportunities to be found. On today's show, Ralph completes his discussion on the top overlooked tax deductions for filers with a talk on refinancing mortgage points, state taxes and other income types like jury pay for recording on filings. Submit your questions or ideas for future sh...
Jan 22, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 138
Yes, tax reform eliminated or drew back a lot of popular write-offs. It is also true that many more people will now take the standard deduction instead of itemizing. But there are still plenty of hidden tax-saving opportunities to be found. On today's show, Ralph continues his discussion on the top overlooked tax deductions for filers with a talk on moving expenses, child and dependent care and the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @ask...
Jan 17, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 137
Yes, tax reform eliminated or drew back a lot of popular write-offs. It is also true that many more people will now take the standard deduction instead of itemizing. But there are still plenty of hidden tax-saving opportunities to be found. On today's show, Ralph begins his discussion on the top overlooked tax deductions for filers with a talk on sales tax, dividends from reinvestment, charitable expenses and student loan interest. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @as...
Jan 15, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 136
A special bonus for our listeners is the full radio broadcast of our Saturday, January 12th, 2019 show! Ralph discusses the top tens ways to prepare for tax season as the filing season preparations surge forward. 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.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team, contac...
Jan 12, 2019•30 min
If you find yourself with a tax bill instead of a refund, it is imperative that you take it seriously and do not push those anxieties to the side. Failure to pay can damage your credit score, cost you interest and additional penalties and, in extreme cases, lead to criminal prosecution. On today's show, Ralph talks tax payments when you the taxpayer cannot pay the bill and the various options available for when/if this situation arises. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us a...
Jan 10, 2019•11 min•Season 3Ep. 135
