I received a thought-provoking question from a listener that I couldn't wait to discuss: "Ralph, I've always thought investing was only for wealthy people. I don't have thousands of dollars lying around. Is there any way for someone like me to start…
In life, there are two certainties: death and taxes. For many, tax season is a time filled with dread and frustration. The forms, the receipts, the deadlines—just thinking about them can make you feel like the government is sitting in your bac…
How Can Getting Organized Now Save Me Tax Season Stress? Let me ask you something. Does the thought of tax season fill you with dread? Sifting through mountains of scattered papers and missing receipts? What if you could transform that annual scram…
I'm Ralph, and today, we're diving deep into a topic that affects every single one of us: the new tax bill, recently signed into law by President Trump. Often called the "One Big Beautiful Bill," this isn't just another piece of political news; it's…
How Do I Save My Mom From My Dad’s $200,000 IRS Nightmare – And Should I Even Try? The weight of a significant tax debt can be immense, casting a shadow of worry and uncertainty over an entire family. When that debt reaches a staggering…
Can't Pay the IRS? How can you Avoid Major Penalties with These 4 Strategies? Facing financial difficulties can be a stressful experience, and when that includes owing money to the Internal Revenue Service, it can feel particularly overwhelming. Fo…
Is Cheap Advice Really Worth the Price? The human instinct to seek out the best deal is powerful. Whether it's comparing prices on everyday goods or searching for discounts on larger purchases, the desire to save money is often a primary motivator.…
What Is the Taxpayer Advocate and How Can They Help Me? Dealing with taxes can often feel like navigating a complex maze. Whether it’s understanding a confusing notice from the IRS, resolving a discrepancy, or facing a significant financial c…
Are You Still on the Hook With the IRS? How Far Back Can They Claim You Owe? Do you ever lie awake at night, worried that the IRS might come knocking on your door, demanding payment for taxes from years ago? It's a common concern, and the thought o…
Confused About How Your Rental Property Affects Your Taxes? Owning rental property can be a great way to build wealth and generate income, but it's important to understand the tax implications. Rental income and expenses are treated differently tha…
Self-Employment Tax Got You Stressed? Learn Exactly What It Is and How to Pay Less Self-employment tax can feel like a burden, especially for those new to the world of freelancing or running their own businesses. But as the proverb says, "The wise …
Self-Filing Taxes: Are You Making These Painfully Common Errors That Could Land You in Trouble with the IRS? As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of our resources, and that includes being responsible with our taxes. This principle of st…
Are You Inviting Financial Trouble by Automatically Filing Taxes Jointly With Your Spouse? It's tax season again, and for many Christian couples, the question arises: Should we file our taxes jointly or separately? While the common advice is often …
How to Turn "Reasonable Cause" into IRS Penalty Forgiveness Many people are unaware that the IRS offers penalty relief for taxpayers who have a valid reason for not filing or paying their taxes on time. This relief, known as "penalty abatement due …
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
Unexpected IRS Refund? What You Should Know and Smart Ways to Spend It Receiving an unexpected check from the IRS can feel like winning a small lottery. However, before you start planning that dream vacation or shopping spree, it's important to tak…
Filing Without All Your Tax Documents? Why It’s Risky and How to Get What You Need Tax season is upon us, and for many, it can be a stressful time. It's tempting to just get your taxes filed as quickly as possible, especially if you're expect…
Could Your Tax Return Be Raising Audit Alarms? Hi friends, and welcome back to Ask Ralph – Christian Finance! Did you know that in 2021, the gap between taxes owed and taxes paid in the U.S. was a staggering $625 billion1? That's a lot of mon…
Got a Tax Notice? Now What? Receiving a letter from the IRS can be unsettling, but don't worry! It's not uncommon, and as Christians, we can face this challenge with faith and wisdom, knowing that God is our provider and guide. This blog post will …
Who’s Doing Your Taxes – and Can You Trust Them? Tax season can be a stressful time for many, filled with uncertainty and a sense of dread. It's tempting to simply hand over your financial documents to a tax preparer and hope for the be…