Paying an expert to prepare your taxes is simple and makes a lot of sense, but finding the right person to prepare your taxes can be difficult. It is important to make sure you thoroughly understand your preparer's competence and experience so that you aren't leaving money on the table. On…
Most Americans will get a tax cut this year under the plan Congress passed recently, but figuring out exactly how much your family will save is tricky. In fact, for many families circumstances can vary widely depending on factors like income, the number of children or where you live. On today's…
With tax season just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about not just when you will file your taxes, but how. In fact, you may be looking at hiring a professional to file your return on your behalf -- and if so, you wouldn't be alone. On…
Cash flow is a key indicator of financial health and the life-blood of any small business. Equally important to having a solid cash flow is the relationship a small business has with its community. If you are running your business well, chances are your most avid supporters are the people…
Moving expense deduction suspended, changes in employee fringe benefits, and all new tax brackets for individuals under the newly passed tax overhaul from Congress set to take effect starting in 2018 for many taxpayers. Lots of people asked us how the new law would affect them. On today's show, Ralph outlines…
Standard deductions doubled, mortgage interest and SALT caps, and a phase-out of itemization are just a few of the big changes for taxpayers in 2018. If you are struggling to figure out exactly how the tax overhaul will affect you, you've come to right place. On today's show, Ralph gives is an overview of…
Women are opening up new small business at a faster pace than men according to recent reports. But many still face higher hurdles for success than their male counterparts. On today's show, Ralph sits down with Hope Lopez of El Azteca Mexican Restaurants in Dover to discuss what it takes to…
Being a new entrepreneur is stressful, and that stress is compounded when you start realizing just how little time there is in a day. Your energy and creativity may feel limitless, but your time isn't. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for making your workday more productive and efficient. Submit you questions…
There are many decisions that we all must make about retirement. One of the most perplexing relates to the types of retirement account options available, and where we should put our money first. On today's show, Ralph clears the air on the 401k vs. Roth IRA debate so you can…
For a startup or small business, any reduction in overhead lets you shift more revenue to operational growth, while simultaneously freeing up your time. Outsourcing can provide continuity, operational expense control and risk management. It can also improve your work/life balance. On today's show, Ralph sits down with Dr. Trevor Ennis of…
An audit is arguably the most dreaded outcome of the tax filing process, and the situation carries with it some unsettling mystique. The standard nightmare has IRS agents with badges showing up on your doorstep and seizing the your personal assets. On today's show Ralph debunks common myths about IRS audits.…
Throughout the year, many taxpayers contribute money or gifts to qualified organizations eligible for tax-deductible charitable contributions. However, the rules surrounding charitable donations can often be confusing. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips to help ensure your contribution pay off on your tax return this holiday season. Submit you questions or ideas…
Imagine unhurried office visits, same day or next day sick appointments, and direct contact with your doctor. Not a fantasy, but an option under direct primary care physicians (DPC). On today's show, Ralph sits down with Dr. Beth Renzulli of WELL Primary Care to discuss health coverage alternatives like DPC and…
The first route many small businesses take when faced with problems is to look for the latest and greatest high-tech solution. Newer does not always mean better. Sometimes going the low-tech, even no-tech, route can wind up giving your business the edge it needs. On today's show, Ralph discusses 7 low-tech…
Of all the choices you make when starting a business, one of the most important is the type of legal structure you select for your company. Not only will this decision have an impact on how much you pay in taxes, it will affect the amount of paperwork your business…
Opening your own business is often a tough and learn-as-you-go process. But, the more smart decisions you make early on, the better chance your company has for success. On today's show, Ralph discusses five tips for small businesses to help you grow and run your business more effectively. If you…
A tax audit is unlikely for most Americans, as fewer than 1% of tax returns are audited each year; however, there are some factors that could make your tax return more likely to attract the IRS's attention. On today's show Ralph shares his list of the top 5 most common…
If you are running a business, it does not matter whether you are an independent contractor, new start-up, or or established business owner, managing accounts payable is a key part of your everyday hassle. It’s tedious, it’s time-consuming, and it costs you money. On today's show, Ralph dives into everything you…
Ralph sits down with Candice Caruso of Pango Financial to discuss some new and innovative funding options for small business owners and entrepreneurs. To learn more about Pango Financial's DreamSpark Plan, visit www.pangofinancial.com/dreamspark-funding-options/ or contact them directLY at 1-855-WHY-PANGO (1-855-949-7264). If you have any questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us…
In part two of our FAQ series, Ralph answers more listener questions we received in time for our premiere week of shows. He discusses employer retirement plans, outlines the differences between employees and contractors, and when it is best to consult a professional tax preparer. If you have any questions or…
In this episode, the host of Ask Ralph, Ralph V. Estep Jr., introduces himself and his business, explains why he is doing a podcast and outlines what you can expect in future episodes. For more information about Ralph and the Ask Ralph Media, Inc. team Visit https://askralphmedia.com/ralph-v-estep%2C-jr-bio
With the open enrollment season in full swing for the Affordable Care Act's 2018 Marketplace, some may find themselves with higher prices, fewer options and an overall confusing process. Ralph discusses cost-saving alternatives to coverage in today's show. If you have any questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us…
Life in the military can demand sacrifice: some personal, some financial. Although nothing can make up for the hardship, the government does offer some special tax breaks for military professional to alleviate some of that burden. Ralph discusses military tax tips on today's show. If you have any questions or ideas…
One of the most important aspects of your small business is getting paid. On today's episode, Ralph outlines some steps to help manage and collect on you accounts receivable, ensure you have a steady cash flow and keep happy customers. If you have any questions or ideas for future shows, email…