In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores the topic of navigating stormy financial times with faith and prayer. Ralph emphasizes that life can bring unexpected storms, especially when it comes to finances. Job loss, economic downturns, and unforeseen expenses can leave individuals feeling anxious and uncertain. However, he reminds listeners that they are not alone in these challenging times. Ralph highlights the power of faith in providing strength, hope, and resilience during...
Jan 14, 2024•11 min•Season 6Ep. 14
Join Ralph Estep Jr. on today's show as he engages in a conversation with Attorney Kevin Baird from the law firm of Baird, Mandalas, Brockstedt & Frederico. Ralph and Kevin have an insightful discussion about estate planning and the essential documents that we should all have prepared, not only for when we pass away but also in case we become unable to make decisions for ourselves. Kevin debunks common misconceptions surrounding estate planning and clarifies the costs associated with these d...
Jan 13, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 13
The innocent spouse rules with the Internal Revenue Service are provisions designed to protect taxpayers from the tax liabilities of their current or former spouse. In this episode of the Ask Ralph podcast, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores this crucial area of tax law and its impact on individuals facing challenging situations. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail ...
Jan 12, 2024•11 min•Season 6Ep. 12
Deferred interest loans have become increasingly popular, particularly in the retail sector, as they allow consumers to make purchases without incurring any interest charges for a specified period. While these loans offer flexibility and the opportunity to build credit, there are potential risks that borrowers need to be aware of. Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he gets into the details of these loans so you don't get pinched! LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family! Submi...
Jan 11, 2024•11 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Ralph Estep, Jr. welcomes listeners to another episode of the Ask Ralph podcast, where he delves into taxes and financial matters. In this episode, he focuses on preparing for tax season and provides valuable guidance on finding a professional accountant, gathering necessary documents, and reviewing completed returns for accuracy. Estep emphasizes the benefits of working with a qualified accountant who can navigate complex tax laws, maximize deductions and credits, and provide tax planning advic...
Jan 10, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 10
In this episode of Ask Ralph, we explore the topic of raising your credit score by 200 points in less than five years. Host Ralph Estep Jr. breaks down the importance of credit scores and shares valuable insights on achieving this goal to improve your credit score. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Message Like us ...
Jan 09, 2024•12 min•Season 6Ep. 9
In the latest episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses financial New Year's resolutions for 2024. According to a study from WalletHub, almost half of all Americans plan to make finance-related resolutions in the coming year – a significant increase from last year. However, many individuals anticipate challenges in sticking to their financial plans due to economic uncertainties. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family! Submit your questions or id...
Jan 08, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 8
In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the retirement anti-bucket list – 10 experiences retirees don't want to encounter. He starts by addressing the misconception that one must work until a specific age or accumulate a certain amount of savings before retiring. With proper planning and guidance from a retirement professional, individuals may discover they can retire sooner or transition into part-time work while maintaining financial stability. LISTEN NOW Please ...
Jan 07, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Today, we're discussing how to save money on your next car purchase. Whether you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, these tips will help you get the best deal possible. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Message Like us on Facebook and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/askralphmedia Twitter ...
Jan 06, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Today, we're discussing common estate planning mistakes that you should avoid at all costs. Did you know that two out of three Americans don't have any estate planning documents? That's according to Caring.com’s 2023 Wills and Estate Planning survey. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Message Like us on Facebook and...
Jan 05, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he announces IRS updates regarding automatic penalty relief for taxpayers who had balances due in 2020-2021 but did not receive notices, covering eligibility criteria, ensuring address updated to receive refunds, and options if unable to fully pay like payment plans and offers in compromise. Other key points are creating an online IRS account to access tax information, importance of resolving IRS issues before escalation to liens/levies, and sharing the podcast. LISTEN N...
Jan 04, 2024•12 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Are you considering starting a small business? Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he interviews Amanda Nauman of Zenliven Wellness. Together, they delve into Amanda's journey as a massage therapist and wellness business owner, shedding light on the challenges she encountered when transitioning from being an employee to running her own venture. Amanda reveals how she established a solid groundwork for her business by collaborating with Saggio Accounting and other experts who helped her navigate unexpected ...
Jan 03, 2024•24 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the pros and cons of emergency withdrawals from 401(k) plans. He highlights that while hardship withdrawals provide immediate funds during crises without repayment requirements, they can deplete retirement savings and incur taxes and penalties. Additionally, emergency withdrawals often lead to an increase in credit card debt due to high-interest rates and potential difficulty in repayment. Ralph suggests alternatives such as creating an emergency fund, utilizing loan o...
Jan 02, 2024•10 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the issue of rising inflation in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He discusses areas where Americans have seen increased expenses and provides practical tips for saving money during times of inflation. Ralph suggests strategies such as downsizing or finding more affordable housing options, planning meals in advance to avoid impulse purchases, utilizing energy-efficient practices to reduce energy costs, and exploring alternative transportation methods. He emphasiz...
Jan 01, 2024•12 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the steps for withdrawing an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He emphasizes the importance of reviewing eligibility criteria, gathering relevant documentation, determining the reason for withdrawal or amendment, and seeking guidance from a qualified tax professional. Ralph advises completing Form 941-X to make changes or withdraw an ERC claim and stresses the need to provide a clear explanation when submitting the form. He...
Dec 31, 2023•13 min•Season 5Ep. 40
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the best tax breaks for seniors in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He highlights tax-saving opportunities such as the extra standard deduction for seniors over 65, spousal IRA contributions, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), and the Medicare premium deduction. Ralph also suggests exploring state-specific senior tax benefits, downsizing homes to take advantage of capital gains exclusions, and reviewing eligibility for other credits like the Elderly or Di...
Dec 30, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 39
In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the important topic of self-employment tax. He explains that self-employment tax is what individuals who work for themselves must pay on their income, including both employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. Ralph provides a step-by-step guide on how to calculate self-employment tax and then explores concrete ways to reduce or avoid paying excessive amounts. These strategies include setting up a pa...
Dec 29, 2023•12 min•Season 5Ep. 38
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses IRS related identity theft in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He emphasizes the importance of responding promptly if the IRS contacts you regarding suspected identity theft and provides steps to take, including contacting the IRS directly and completing Form 14039 - Identity Theft Affidavit. Ralph also highlights the need to protect personal information, monitor credit reports regularly, and be cautious of scams and phishing attempts. He suggests using strong pa...
Dec 28, 2023•12 min•Season 5Ep. 37
Looking for a mortgage? Looking for the best rates? Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he interviews mortgage expert Jason Bockniak. A great discussion about the mortgage market and the overall economy. Jason dives deep into historical trends and points out some concerning signs he sees in overall economic trends and how that may impact the rates on mortgages. This is a much listen to episode if you are interested in learning about some real interesing parallels between today's economy and the late 1970'...
Dec 27, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 36
It's a tough choice - When should I take my social security? Let Ralph Estep, Jr., share with you some concrete ideas about the right age to select to take your benefits and the potential pitfalls of making the wrong decision for your specific situation. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Message Like us on Facebook...
Dec 26, 2023•12 min•Season 5Ep. 35
No more taxes on Social Security! Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he explores the lawsuit which could significantly disrupt the US tax system. As we eagerly await a US Supreme Court decision, listen as Ralph explores the Moore case and how it may impact your taxes and entire US tax system. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicema...
Dec 25, 2023•9 min•Season 5Ep. 34
What is the real reason for the season? Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he shares a special Christmas message about joy, hope and love during the holiday season. All of us at the Ask Ralph podcast wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!
Dec 25, 2023•8 min•Season 5Ep. 33
Have you ruined your credit score? Many of us have faced the issue of a low credit score that has impacted our ability to borrow, but don't be discouraged. Join Ralph Estep, Jr., and he explains how credit scores are determined, but more importantly how to fix your credit score. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Me...
Dec 24, 2023•12 min•Season 5Ep. 32
Money advice that works, but most people don't want to hear because it takes work to turn these ideas into action. Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he highlights the four pieces of money advice which will absolutely transform your financial present and provide for a bright financial future. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicema...
Dec 23, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 31
Don't make the costly mistake of characterizing someone as an independent contractor when they are really an employee. Ralph Estep, Jr., explores the details related to the process of determining the correct status of workers. Avoid significant penalties and sanctions by listening to this vital podcast. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast ...
Dec 22, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 30
If you are self-employed or a contract worker you need to listen to today's podcast where Ralph Estep, Jr., explores important tax tips to improve your tax situation. From accurate record keeping to entity considerations, Ralph dives into great ideas for significant tax savings. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Me...
Dec 21, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 29
Concrete tax tips and valuable discussion for those working as barbers and in the cosmetology industry. From accounting for tips to using cash apps, Ralph Estep, Jr., dives into beneficial tax assistance strategies. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Message Like us on Facebook and follow us on Facebook at https://w...
Dec 20, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 28
Now is the time to find a new Accountant if you are looking to make a change. As we make our New Year's resolutions - now is a great time to resolve to get your books in order. Ralph Estep, Jr., explores why to select a new accountant and what to look for in a new relationship. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Mes...
Dec 19, 2023•9 min•Season 5Ep. 27
People tend to panic when they owe the IRS, but Ralph Estep, Jr., provides the best way to reduce the stress and the remove the fear of the process. It's not something to ignore or put-off and there are steps which everyone should take when they find themselves owing the IRS. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Messa...
Dec 18, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 26
Payroll may be a daunting task and if you make mistakes there are significant penalties for not handling payroll correctly. Ralph Estep, Jr., explores why selecting an accountant to handle payroll is so important and explores some of the problems created when errors are made in payroll processing. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at ralph@askralph.com or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page Leave A Voicemail Message Like us on Facebook and follow us on Facebook...
Dec 17, 2023•10 min•Season 5Ep. 25
