Is the 30% Rule for Housing Costs Still Wise Today? The 30% rule has long been a cornerstone of personal finance, advising that no more than 30% of one's gross monthly income should be allocated to housing expenses. This includes rent or mortgage p…
Are You Sacrificing Your Future by Taking Social Security Too Soon? Retirement. It's a time many of us dream about – a time to relax, enjoy hobbies, and spend more time with loved ones. But with retirement come important financial decisions 1…
Are You Ready for the IRS When Selling Online? Selling online has exploded in popularity in recent years, with platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify making it easier than ever to launch a business from your own home. But with the convenience and…
Does Divorce Have to be Painful? Avoiding Financial and Tax Traps Divorce is one of the most stressful life events a person can experience. It can turn your world upside down and make it hard to get through the workday and stay productive1. But wit…
Are You Truly Ready to Retire, or Are These Financial Habits Holding You Back? Retirement. It's the golden dream many of us work towards for decades1. A time to finally relax, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and spend our days pursuing passions and …
What Happens to Your Debt When You're No Longer Here? Imagine this: you've just lost a loved one, and amidst the grief and emotional turmoil, you're suddenly faced with the daunting task of sorting through their finances. To your surprise, you disc…
How Can Faith and Wisdom Break the Chains of Debt? Debt can feel like a suffocating weight, holding you captive and stealing your peace. But as Christians, we have a powerful weapon against debt: our faith in God and the wisdom found in His Word. T…
Mastering Your Finances: A Christian Perspective Welcome back to Ask Ralph – Christian Finance, where we explore the intersection of faith and finances. Today, we'll delve into three crucial aspects of financial stewardship: how diligence and…
Which Retirement Expenses Should You Never Cut Corners On? Retirement. That blissful period of life where work takes a backseat and you're free to pursue passions and hobbies. But with this newfound freedom comes the responsibility of managing your…
How Do You Safeguard Family Wealth From the Grip of Slot Machines? Slot machines, with their flashing lights and the promise of quick riches, can be a dangerous temptation, especially for those struggling with addiction. For Christians, the Bible o…
Should You Always Pay Cash, or Is There a Better Way? In our consumer-driven society, we're constantly bombarded with messages urging us to spend, spend, spend. Credit cards, store cards, and "buy now, pay later" schemes make it feel like everyone …
What If Achieving Financial Fitness Was as Easy as Your Daily Workout? Many people find managing their finances overwhelming. They might feel like they're always struggling to keep up with bills or that they're not saving enough for the future. But…
Overwhelmed by Tax Prep? How to Decide Between Software and an Accountant with Confidence Tax season. Those two little words can strike fear into the hearts of many. As Christians, we want to be good stewards of our resources and fulfill our obliga…
How Do You Trust God When Your Finances Are Falling Apart? Have you ever felt like your world is crashing down around you because of financial troubles? Like you're drowning in debt and don't know how you'll ever stay afloat? It's easy to trust God…
Ask Ralph – Christian Finance: Home Equity Loans, Grocery Savings, and Everyday Expenses Are you tired of feeling like your money is slipping through your fingers? Do you ever wonder where it all goes at the end of the month? Many people face…
Can My Marriage Survive the Secret of My Financial Infidelity? Imagine discovering a secret credit card statement with thousands of dollars in charges you didn't know about. How would you feel? What would you do? This is the reality for many couple…
Lost a Loved One and Facing Tax Questions? Here’s Everything You Should Know Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience. As Christians, we find comfort in our faith and the hope of eternal life, but we still face the …
Changing Jobs? Don’t Derail Your 401(k) – Here’s How to Get It Right Congratulations on the new job! It’s an exciting time filled with new opportunities and possibilities. But amidst all the excitement, don’t forget ab…
How Secure Is Your Phone? 9 Shocking Risks You Might Be Ignoring In today's world, our phones are practically an extension of ourselves. We use them for everything from banking and shopping to staying connected with loved ones and accessing vital i…
Why Did I Get This 1099? Understanding Your Tax Forms and Avoiding Costly Mistakes Have you ever received a 1099 form in the mail and wondered, "Why did I get this?" or "What am I supposed to do with it?" If so, you're not alone! Many people find 1…
How Can a Side Hustle Help You Fulfill God’s Plan for Your Finances? Many Christians struggle with their finances. They may feel like they're not making enough money or that they're not using their money in a way that honors God. A side hustl…
What is your topic for today? Welcome back to Ask Ralph – Christian Finance show, where we explore the intersection of faith and finances. As Proverbs 27:23-24 wisely advises, "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful atten…
Why is the IRS Eyeing Your Digital Wallet? The world of finance is rapidly changing, and with the rise of digital wallets and cryptocurrencies, the IRS is taking notice. As faithful stewards of our finances, it's essential to understand why the IRS…
Long-Term Care Without Insurance: Can You Afford to Skip It? Planning for long-term care is a crucial part of a comprehensive financial plan, especially for those who value responsible stewardship and caring for loved ones. As Christians, we are ca…