In today's episode of Ask Ralph, Ralph Estep, Jr., discussed the crucial importance of never allowing your customer to hear the dreaded message, "The person you are calling has a voicemail box which is full." He explores alternative solutions for small businesses that rely heavily on their cell phones as…
Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he discusses why building an emergency savings plan is crucial for financial security and peace of mind. Living paycheck to paycheck without savings leaves individuals vulnerable to unexpected events like job loss, medical emergencies, or car repairs. By building an emergency savings fund, you create…
Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he discusses the important topic of reporting the sale of a primary residence. He provides information on the essential documents needed for accurate reporting, such as the closing statement, purchase and sales agreement, home improvement records, property tax records, and mortgage and loan information. Ralph…
In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores the wackiest business news stories that have made headlines. These stories remind us that entrepreneurship is full of surprises and that truth can often be stranger than fiction. The first story highlights the Million-Dollar Potato Salad campaign launched on…
In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the best technology for handling accounting tasks in small businesses and the benefits of partnering with a professional accounting firm. Ralph emphasizes that technology has revolutionized the way businesses are managed, including accounting. He highlights four popular accounting software…
In this episode of Ask Ralph, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores the topic of navigating stormy financial times with faith and prayer. Ralph emphasizes that life can bring unexpected storms, especially when it comes to finances. Job loss, economic downturns, and unforeseen expenses can leave individuals feeling anxious and uncertain.…
Join Ralph Estep Jr. on today's show as he engages in a conversation with Attorney Kevin Baird from the law firm of Baird, Mandalas, Brockstedt & Frederico. Ralph and Kevin have an insightful discussion about estate planning and the essential documents that we should all have prepared, not only for…
The innocent spouse rules with the Internal Revenue Service are provisions designed to protect taxpayers from the tax liabilities of their current or former spouse. In this episode of the Ask Ralph podcast, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores this crucial area of tax law and its impact on individuals facing…
Deferred interest loans have become increasingly popular, particularly in the retail sector, as they allow consumers to make purchases without incurring any interest charges for a specified period. While these loans offer flexibility and the opportunity to build credit, there are potential risks that borrowers need to be aware of.…
In this episode of Ask Ralph, we explore the topic of raising your credit score by 200 points in less than five years. Host Ralph Estep Jr. breaks down the importance of credit scores and shares valuable insights on achieving this goal to improve your credit score. LISTEN NOW Please…
In the latest episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses financial New Year's resolutions for 2024. According to a study from WalletHub, almost half of all Americans plan to make finance-related resolutions in the coming year – a significant increase from last year. However, many individuals…
In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the retirement anti-bucket list – 10 experiences retirees don't want to encounter. He starts by addressing the misconception that one must work until a specific age or accumulate a certain amount of savings before retiring. With proper…
Today, we're discussing how to save money on your next car purchase. Whether you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, these tips will help you get the best deal possible. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and family! Submit your questions or ideas…
Today, we're discussing common estate planning mistakes that you should avoid at all costs. Did you know that two out of three Americans don't have any estate planning documents? That's according to Caring.com’s 2023 Wills and Estate Planning survey. LISTEN NOW Please share our Podcast will all your friends and…
Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he announces IRS updates regarding automatic penalty relief for taxpayers who had balances due in 2020-2021 but did not receive notices, covering eligibility criteria, ensuring address updated to receive refunds, and options if unable to fully pay like payment plans and offers in compromise. Other…
Are you considering starting a small business? Join Ralph Estep, Jr. as he interviews Amanda Nauman of Zenliven Wellness. Together, they delve into Amanda's journey as a massage therapist and wellness business owner, shedding light on the challenges she encountered when transitioning from being an employee to running her own…
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the pros and cons of emergency withdrawals from 401(k) plans. He highlights that while hardship withdrawals provide immediate funds during crises without repayment requirements, they can deplete retirement savings and incur taxes and penalties. Additionally, emergency withdrawals often lead to an increase in credit card debt…
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the steps for withdrawing an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He emphasizes the importance of reviewing eligibility criteria, gathering relevant documentation, determining the reason for withdrawal or amendment, and seeking guidance from a qualified tax professional. Ralph advises…
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the best tax breaks for seniors in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He highlights tax-saving opportunities such as the extra standard deduction for seniors over 65, spousal IRA contributions, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), and the Medicare premium deduction. Ralph also suggests exploring state-specific senior…
In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses the important topic of self-employment tax. He explains that self-employment tax is what individuals who work for themselves must pay on their income, including both employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. Ralph provides…
Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses IRS related identity theft in today's episode of the Ask Ralph show. He emphasizes the importance of responding promptly if the IRS contacts you regarding suspected identity theft and provides steps to take, including contacting the IRS directly and completing Form 14039 - Identity Theft Affidavit.…
Looking for a mortgage? Looking for the best rates? Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he interviews mortgage expert Jason Bockniak. A great discussion about the mortgage market and the overall economy. Jason dives deep into historical trends and points out some concerning signs he sees in overall economic trends and…
It's a tough choice - When should I take my social security? Let Ralph Estep, Jr., share with you some concrete ideas about the right age to select to take your benefits and the potential pitfalls of making the wrong decision for your specific situation. LISTEN NOW Please share our…
No more taxes on Social Security! Join Ralph Estep, Jr., as he explores the lawsuit which could significantly disrupt the US tax system. As we eagerly await a US Supreme Court decision, listen as Ralph explores the Moore case and how it may impact your taxes and entire US tax…