What Should You Consider When Choosing Between a Lump-Sum or Annual Retirement Payout? Retirement brings plenty of financial decisions, and one of the biggest is how to receive your savings. In this episode of The Ask Ralph Podcast, financial exper…
What Steps Can You Take to Avoid a Tax Time Bomb in Retirement? Your retirement savings may seem secure, but what if it's hiding a potential tax time bomb? In Episode 270 of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. explores the steps you can take to pre…
How can I keep from burdening my heirs with an inherited IRA? Protecting your loved ones from a hefty tax bill when they inherit your IRA can be a complex concern. The tax implications of inheriting an IRA can be significant, and navigating the rul…
What Happens to Your Debts After You Die? Understanding how your debts are managed after your death is crucial for effective estate planning. In Episode 262 of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. addresses this significant concern, providing insigh…
Is life insurance taxable? In most cases, life insurance payouts are not taxable to the beneficiary, meaning they receive the death benefit tax-free. It's always good to be aware of any potential exceptions or nuances in tax law regarding life insu…
What are 8 common reasons for getting audited by the IRS? There are several factors that might trigger an IRS audit. Being aware of these triggers can help ensure accurate and compliant tax filing. Join Ralph Estep Jr. on the Ask Ralph Show as he a…
How do I prepare for an audit of my home office expenses? Many people worry that claiming a home office deduction could trigger an IRS audit. It's a common concern, especially with the strict guidelines around what qualifies as a legitimate deduction…
Where should you pull money from first in retirement to optimize your taxes? In this episode of The Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. provides listeners with valuable strategies for minimizing taxes in retirement. From understanding the t…
I Just Got Married – Do You Have A Newlywed Tax Checklist For Me To Follow? When you get married, your tax situation can change in a few ways. Join Ralph Estep Jr. on this Tax Talk Thursday edition of the Ask Ralph Show as he discusses the va…
How Do I Reduce My Taxes When I Take Money from My 401K or Other Retirement Account? Are you about to retire and worried about the IRS shrinking your hard-earned 401k with taxes? You're not alone. This common concern often causes confusion and anxi…
What Is The Secure Act 2.0 And How Does This Affect My Retirement? Are you feeling lost in the maze of retirement planning? Does the term "SECURE Act 2.0" sound like financial gibberish to you? Don't worry – you're not alone. Today, we …
Do You Ever Wonder Where a Chunk of Your Paycheck Goes? Do you ever look at your paycheck and wonder where a chunk of your hard-earned money is going? Those mysterious FICA taxes can be confusing. Today, we will dive into FICA taxes, where the mone…
How Do I Handle Taxes When I Work in Multiple States? Handling taxes when you work in multiple states can be quite complex and often confusing. The tax ramifications vary depending on the specific laws of each state, including how they treat income…
Which Tax Mistakes Trigger Audits? 4 Filing Errors to Avoid Worrying about an unexpected IRS audit is a common concern that can definitely disrupt your peace of mind. The tax code often leaves many feeling overwhelmed with questions about fil…
What Really Happens If You Cheat on Your Taxes? Many people might feel the temptation to cut corners on their taxes, especially when facing high bills or financial pressure. However, it's important to remember that taking shortcuts can lead to seri…
Maximizing Your Retirement Income with Strategic RMD Planning Navigating Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can be confusing, especially when trying to manage them effectively in retirement. It's important to understand the rules and deadlines t…
Mastering Tax Planning: A Guide to Avoiding IRS Penalties We've all been there - tax season rolls around and you realize with dread that you owe more than expected. Not only is there a balance due, but you may face hefty penalties too. No one wants…
Tax Refund Discrepancies: Steps to Take When the Unexpected Happens Have you ever filed your taxes, excited to get a nice refund, only to find that the amount was much lower than you expected? Or maybe you even got a bill in the mail from the IRS? …
Demystifying Quarterly Tax Payments: A Financial Wisdom Journey with Ralph Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of quarterly tax payments? Do you dread sorting through intimidating notices from the IRS or feel puzzled over the…
Navigating College Savings: The 529 Plan Explained Hey there, college savers! Are you feeling the weight of planning for your child's or grandchild’s education expenses? The looming tuition bills can be a source of stress for many families. B…
Empowering Your Financial Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Roth IRAs Welcome to a deep dive into Roth IRAs, a powerful retirement savings vehicle that could be the key to securing your financial future. In this blog post, we will explore the ins an…
Unveiling Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouses: A Comprehensive Guide Did you know that even after a divorce, you may still be eligible for social security benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record? The world of social security be…
Navigating Gift Taxes: A Comprehensive Guide from a Christian Perspective In our daily lives, the act of giving and receiving gifts is a common practice that brings joy and strengthens relationships. However, have you ever stopped to consider the t…
Unveiling the Hidden Income: A Guide to Untaxed Income according to IRS Have you ever wondered if there are legal ways to earn income that the IRS doesn't tax? Well, the answer might surprise you. In this blog post, we will delve into the intriguin…