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Retirement Episodes

March 27, 2025

5 Important Things That Disappear When You Retire – Are You Ready?

Today, we’re diving into the not-so-golden side of retirement. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about kicking back with a cold drink and enjoying endless naps. We’re chatting about five crucial things that tend to vanish when you...

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March 15, 2025

LIVE SHOW REPLAY: What's Changing in Your 401(k) in 2025—and What Doe…

Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of financial freedom, and spoiler alert: it’s all about breaking free from that pesky financial stress. Our financial evangelist, Ralph Estep Jr., is here to guide us through some ser...

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March 4, 2025

Are you truly ready to retire or are these financial habits holding y…

Ready to dive into the wild world of retirement? We're tackling the big question: Are your financial habits keeping you from the golden years you’ve been dreaming of? Spoiler alert: If you’re worried about outliving your savi...

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Feb. 28, 2025

Which Retirement Expenses Should You Never Cut Corners On?

Worried about running out of cash in retirement? Don’t sweat it! Today, we’re diving into the retirement expenses you absolutely should never skimp on. Spoiler alert: we’re talking healthcare, housing, utilities, and nutritio...

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Feb. 19, 2025

Changing Jobs? Don’t derail your 401-K Here’s how to get it right.

Thinking about what to do with your 401k when you switch jobs is like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube—it's confusing and a little stressful! Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of managing that retirement savings. Candic...

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Feb. 15, 2025

LIVE REPLAY: What Are 10 Easy Tax Deductions and Credits to Cut Your …

Ever felt like you're handing over way too much dough to the taxman? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into 10 super easy tax deductions and credits that can help you lighten that tax load. We’ll also dig into the jui...

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Feb. 8, 2025

Are You Taking These 10 Smart Steps to Maximize Your Retirement Savin…

Crushing debt got you feeling like you’re stuck in quicksand? Fear not! We’re diving into the financial deep end with Ralph Estep Jr., the financial expert who’s come out swinging after his own battles with money woes. We’re ...

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Dec. 30, 2024

What are the 7 best things for retirees to spend their savings on?

Are you concerned about how to wisely spend your retirement savings while honoring God? Ralph Estep Jr. addresses this common dilemma by exploring the seven best ways Christian retirees can manage their finances for meaningfu...

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Dec. 20, 2024

Why should I designate a trust as a retirement account beneficiary?

Are you worried about what will happen to your retirement accounts if the unexpected occurs? Today, Ralph dives into the critical topic of naming a trust as a beneficiary for retirement accounts, a decision that can save your...

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Dec. 11, 2024

What are 5 common investment choices which kill your returns?

Are you feeling anxious every time you check your retirement account? You're not alone in this struggle, as many people worry about their financial future and the possibility of losing their hard-earned savings due to poor de...

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Dec. 5, 2024

What are 9 retirement expenses which I may not have considered?

Are you prepared for the unexpected costs that can arise during retirement? Many retirees find themselves blindsided by expenses they never planned for, which can significantly derail their financial plans. This episode dives...

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Dec. 2, 2024

How much cash should I keep on hand once I retire?

Are you worried about having enough cash on hand during retirement? Ralph Estep Jr. tackles this crucial concern by sharing a powerful story about a client, Tom, who faced unexpected financial challenges shortly after retirin...

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Nov. 25, 2024

What percentage of my salary should I be putting into retirement?

Are you anxious about whether you're saving enough for retirement? You're not alone, as many Christians share this concern, especially when faced with the reality of financial insecurity in their later years. This episode tac...

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Nov. 23, 2024

Can I use my 401-K to purchase a home?

Isabella from Tennessee shares her heartfelt struggle with the realities of renting and the desire for home ownership, raising the poignant question of whether to use retirement savings for a down payment. Ralph dives into th...

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Nov. 21, 2024

What are 5 common RMD mistakes to avoid?

Are you worried about making costly mistakes with your required minimum distributions (RMDs)? This podcast episode dives into five devastating RMD mistakes that could lead to thousands of dollars in penalties, highlighting th...

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Nov. 16, 2024

My parents failed to prepare for retirement and are now 70 – what can…

Are you worried about your aging parents' financial situation? This episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast dives into practical ways to support them, especially if they haven't adequately prepared for retirement. Ralph Estep Jr. ex...

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Nov. 12, 2024

How can I avoid losing my retirement benefits to an online scammer?

Are you worried about losing your retirement savings to online scammers? Ralph Estep Jr. tackles this critical concern by sharing personal stories and practical advice for protecting your financial future. He emphasizes the i...

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Nov. 9, 2024

What are common things that most people don’t know about social secur…

Are you lying awake at night, worried that Social Security won't be enough to cover your retirement? You're not alone; many Christians share this concern about their financial future. Ralph dives into nine critical insights a...

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Nov. 8, 2024

What are 7 alternatives to buying a home in your golden years?

Feeling overwhelmed by the maintenance of a large family home during retirement? You're not alone, and today, Ralph Estep Jr. challenges the notion that homeownership is the only way to enjoy your golden years. He shares powe...

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Nov. 4, 2024

What are the biggest financial challenges for those couples retiring …

Navigating retirement can be a complex journey, especially for married couples with significant age differences. This podcast dives into real stories of couples who have successfully managed different retirement timelines, hi...

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Oct. 29, 2024

How can I use my retirement account as an emergency ATM?

Are you feeling the financial squeeze and considering tapping into your retirement account to cover unexpected expenses? Ralph dives into the complexities of using retirement funds as an emergency ATM, exploring the potential...

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Oct. 18, 2024

How much money do I need to have saved to cover health care costs in …

Are you worried about the staggering healthcare costs in retirement? Ralph dives into the critical question of how much money you really need to save for medical expenses as you age, highlighting that the average couple retir...

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Oct. 17, 2024

What is the rule of 55 and how can I use it to reduce my taxes?

Are you feeling trapped in your job and dreaming of an early retirement? The rule of 55 might just be your ticket to accessing your 401(k) funds without penalties before reaching 59 and a half. Ralph dives deep into this litt...

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Oct. 14, 2024

What are the 5 most common places retirees spend their money in retir…

Retirement can bring unexpected financial surprises, and understanding where your money is likely to go is crucial for enjoying your golden years. This episode uncovers the five most common areas where retirees tend to spend ...

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