2025 Best Christian Finance Podcast in the U.S., awarded by Best of Best Review.
Financially Confident Christian

Saving Money Episodes

202
July 21, 2026

Why Did My Summer Electric Bill Jump and What Can I Do About It?

Feeling blindsided by a hefty electric bill this summer? You’re not alone! We dive into why your bill might’ve spiked from 150 to 205 bucks with no change in your electricity habits. Spoiler alert: it’s not just random chance, and there are definitely things you can do about it! Why Did My Summer Electric Bill Jump and What Can I Do About It? We break down the culprits behind those pesky jumps, like appliance inefficiencies and peak usage times, and share some savvy tips to help you take control...
250
Sept. 7, 2025

Why Is It So Hard to Start Saving Anything At All?

Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of saving money, and trust me, it’s not as impossible as it seems. Ralph’s here to remind us that waiting for the "perfect" moment to save is just a trap—if you think you’ll start once you make more cash, spoiler alert: you might be waiting forever! We’re breaking down why it feels like saving is just out of reach and how even the tiniest step can lead to big changes. Seriously, even if you can only stash away five bucks, it’s all about making saving a p...
217
Aug. 5, 2025

Are Your Subscriptions Still Serving Your Budget This Fall?

Are your subscriptions secretly draining your wallet? If you’ve got Netflix, Spotify, or any of those fancy meal kit services still hanging around, it might be time to take a good, hard look at what’s actually worth your cash. I’m diving into how to stop those sneaky charges from munching away at your budget. We’re all about reclaiming that hidden cash today, so stick with me and let’s figure out what’s still serving you and what’s just taking up space. Trust me, a little review can lead to some...
154
June 3, 2025

How Can Saving Money Actually Reduce My Stress? (Building Your Ark of Assurance)

When unexpected expenses hit, the stress can feel overwhelming—but what if you were prepared? In this episode, Ralph shares how building an emergency fund isn’t just about having money set aside—it’s about cultivating peace, practicing stewardship, and deepening your faith in God's provision. Through biblical wisdom and real-life examples, you'll discover how saving even a small amount can shift your mindset from panic to peace. Tune in to learn why saving reduces stress and builds spiritual res...
139
May 19, 2025

Want to Save Consistently? Why Not Automate It?

Ever plan to save money—but somehow never follow through? You’re not alone. In this episode of Ask Ralph, Ralph unpacks why great intentions often fall apart when life gets busy, bills pile up, and willpower fades. But there’s a simple, consistent solution: automation. When you set up automatic savings, you remove the pressure to remember or the temptation to spend. If you want to build lasting financial peace, start with a plan that makes saving effortless. This episode will help you turn good ...
129
May 9, 2025

Could You Save Money by Shopping Your House First?

Ever rush to the store for something, only to realize you already had something like it at home? In this episode of Ask Ralph, Ralph challenges the impulse to buy something new before checking what God has already provided. From forgotten pantry items to tucked-away clothing, books, or tools, Ralph shares how the simple practice of taking inventory can lead to creativity, savings, and deeper gratitude. If you’re ready to cut clutter, spend more wisely, and grow in contentment, start with this mi...
67
March 8, 2025

Is the 30% rule for housing costs still a wise guideline today?

Is the 30% rule for housing still practical in today’s economy? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep, our financial evangelist, is joined by Craig Van Slyke to unpack this widely accepted guideline, exploring how rising living costs and individual financial situations impact its effectiveness. They also break down the tax implications of inherited savings bonds, offering straightforward advice to help you make the most of these financial gifts. Plus, Ralph and Craig dive into the w...
60
March 1, 2025

Could Diligence and Discipline Slash Your Shopping Bill?

It's all about breaking free from that pesky financial despair today! Ralph Estep Jr., our financial evangelist, tackles the real-world struggles of living paycheck to paycheck, crushing debt, and the dream of a stress-free retirement. So grab your favorite snack and get comfy as we explore how discipline and diligence can transform your spending habits and bring you closer to financial freedom. Plus, we’ll dish out practical tips to help you conquer debt, decide whether to invest or pay it off ...
53
Feb. 22, 2025

What’s the secret to deducting home equity loan interest? Find out now!

Feeling trapped by debt and living paycheck to paycheck? Well, there's a light at the end of that tunnel! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into how to break free from financial stress and align your cash flow with what really matters in life—like God’s purpose. Ralph Estep Jr., our financial evangelist, shares tips on managing home equity, saving at the grocery store, and tackling everyday expenses that can drain your wallet faster than you can say "budgeting." So grab your favorite snack, ...
22
Jan. 22, 2025

Can Spending More on Healthcare Now Actually Save You Thousands Later? My interview with Dr. Alex Watson of Admire Medical

Are you tired of feeling trapped by rising medical bills? Ralph Estep Jr. sits down with Dr. Alex Watson from Admire Medical to explore how preventive healthcare can transform your financial future. They discuss the concept of "prehabilitation," a proactive approach that not only improves health outcomes but can also save you thousands in future medical costs. Through real success stories, including a patient who eliminated insulin dependency, they highlight the tangible benefits of investing in...
330
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 tackles a crucial question: What percentage of your salary should you be putting into retirement savings, and is it too late for you to start? Ralph Estep Jr. offers practical strategies to master your retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of biblical stewardship alon...
255
Sept. 11, 2024

What are 10 things that banks don’t want you to know which could cost you money?

Have you ever wondered what secrets banks are keeping from you? Tune in to this episode of the Ask Ralph Show with Ralph Estep Jr. as he talks about bank secrets that could cost you money. What are 10 things that banks don’t want you to know which could cost you money? With Ralph Estep, Jr. In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep Jr. discusses a revealing article from a bank teller's perspective, exposing 10 secrets banks don't want customers to know. He covers topics such as the...