Ask Ralph Podcast: Mastering Your Finances with a Christian Perspective

How do you truly live out your Christian faith through your finances? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. discusses how to live out one's Christian faith through financial decisions. He revisits an interview with Paul Granger, highlighting radical life choices made to follow God's calling. The show opens with a listener's question from Caroline about balancing spending, saving, and generosity according to Christian values. The episode features insights from Paul Granger's experience, stressing that financial security relies on trusting God's provision and practicing radical generosity. The conversation further delves into Ralph's personal stories of faith-driven financial choices, underlining that everything we have is entrusted to us by God. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/faith-through-my-finances/ 00:00 Episode Overview 00:38 Listener’s Question 01:34 Bible Verse 02:00 Interview with Paul Granger 02:20 Paul's Journey 04:24 The Gift of Salvation 11:36 Faith and Finance 17:29 The Struggle of Financial Fear Among Believers 22:23 Living in an Unconventional Way 31:43 A Miraculous Reconciliation 32:33 The Challenge of Loving Like Christ 33:20 God's Unexpected Provisions 37:47 Broadening Our Perspective 40:42 Experiencing Life Beyond Our Comfort Zone 45:03 The Paradigm Shift in Christian Finance 53:56 The Importance of Community and Accountability 57:20 Final Thoughts Paul’s Website - https://www.wheredidyouseegod.com/ Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. sheds light on an important question: why does your credit score matter even in retirement? Through the story of two retirees, Ralph demonstrates the surprising ways a credit score can impact your financial well-being long after you stop working. Learn how to maintain or improve your credit score in retirement and ensure a more secure financial future. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/even-in-retirement/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:00 Listener’s Question 02:51 Bible Verse 03:45 Stories of Ralph’s Clients: Tom & Jerry 09:30 Impact of Credit Scores on Retirees 10:22 Key Steps to Improve Your Credit in Retirement 12:51 Wrap Up Schedule an Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. discusses the potential tax burdens of inherited IRAs and how to protect your heirs from overwhelming financial obligations. Ralph shares actionable strategies, including Roth conversions, life insurance, and charitable remainder trusts, to help you minimize taxes and ensure your legacy benefits your loved ones. Through personal stories and real-life examples, Ralph guides listeners through the steps of effective estate planning. Whether you've recently inherited an IRA or are planning to leave one to your family, this episode offers practical insights on how to avoid hefty tax bills. Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Overview 01:03 - Listener’s Questions 02:56 Bible Verse 04:02 - Real-Life Example:Victor’s Inheritance Story 07:31 Strategy 1 - Roth Conversions Explained 08:00 Strategy 2 - Life Insurance to Cover Taxes 08:23 Strategy 3 - Using a Charitable Remainder Trust 08:50 Strategy 4 - Spend Down Your IRA 09:14 Strategy 5 - Split Over Multiple Beneficiaries 09:59 Strategy 6 Educating Your Heirs 11:59 Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Kathy's Problem 13:17 Recap https://www.askralphpodcast.com/burdening-my-heirs/ Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. addresses a crucial but often overlooked topic: what happens to your debts after you die. Ralph explores how debts are handled post-mortem, offering insights into the responsibilities of heirs and the impact on your estate. Whether you’re planning your estate or dealing with a loved one’s debt, this episode provides valuable information to help you navigate these challenging situations and protect your family's financial future. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/debts-after-you-die/ [00:00] - Introduction- The Reality of Debts After Death [01:19] - Listener’s Question: Blake’s Concern [03:24] - Bible Verse [04:06] - Bruce’s Story [06:07] - Understanding Debts After Death: Key Insights [08:08] - Bruce's Financial Resolution [09:16] - Actionable Steps to Prevent Burdening Family [12:10] - The Importance of Estate Planning [13:36] - Recap and Final Thoughts Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. delves into why writing checks remains relevant even in today's digital world. Ralph presents nine compelling reasons to keep using checks, highlighting their unique advantages through engaging client stories. Whether you're skeptical about the need for checks or simply curious about their benefits, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/still-write-a-check/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why Write Checks in 2024? 01:17 - Listener's Question 03:01 - Bible Verse 04:09 - Stories of Ralph's Clients - Sammy & Benny 07:24 - Nine Reasons to Still Write Checks 10:42 - Actionable Tips for Financial Record-Keeping 12:10 - Conclusion: Balancing Old and New Financial Practices Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. sits down with Karen Hackman, a couples financial expert, to explore effective strategies for managing finances together. Karen offers practical advice for couples struggling with financial alignment, providing insights on overcoming common challenges and building a unified financial strategy. Whether you're facing disagreements or simply looking to improve your financial partnership, this episode will equip you with actionable tips to achieve financial harmony. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/effectively-as-a-couple/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:05 Listener’s Question 02:49 Bible Verse 03:32 Karen Hackman’s Personal Experience of Financial Struggles in Her Marriage 05:47 Advice for Newlyweds or Engaged Couples to Get on the Same Financial Footing Before Marriage. 15:13 - change to "I have completely lost my train of thought" 16:11 - change to "just got married" 16:27 - remove "it's," before the phrase "don't be ashamed" 16:29- remove the word "Let's," 16:33 - remove the word "create" (duplicate word) 16:39 - change to "things aren't going to go wrong" (the one on the video is "are going to go wrong") 18:22 remove "open arms, open arms" (only retain open eyes) 18:48 - remove "was" (grammatically incorrect) 18:50 - "We, the first," (doesn't make sense) 19:01 - remove the word "not" 19:11 - change the word "like" to "mind" 19:55 - Capitalize the word -"Target" (in reference to the store) 21:25 - Spell it this way - "Get on the Same Financial Page as Your Spouse" (capitalize the first letter of each word except for on, the, and as) 22:31 - remove "not" (duplicate) 22:42 - remove this phrase "with both, with open" 25:00 - Capitalize "Word" (in this context it refers to the Bible) 25:22 - remove the word "keep" (duplicate) 25:55 - remove "It's, it's, we" 26:36 - remove "I had" (duplicate) 27:09 - remove "so" (duplicate) 27:35 - remove "I'm also" 28:43 - remove "They have" 28:49 - remove "There are," 29:01 - remove "And they" 29:39 - remove "Yeah, we have" 29:45 - change to "He has a plan" 29:50 - remove "we just" 31:44 - change "Money" to money 31:48 - change "Exotic" to exotic 38:39 - Change "Someone" to "So I am gonna" https://money-and-marriage.ck.page/91cb5000c8 (Intentional Spending Plan) https://moneyandmarriage.net/ (Reach Karen Hackman) Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep Jr. explores the significance of cultivating a Christian community to support your financial journey. Addressing a listener’s question about feeling isolated in financial struggles, Ralph provides actionable advice on finding or creating a group of like-minded believers. From starting small with trusted friends to leveraging church resources and online communities, discover how to build a network that offers both practical financial guidance and spiritual encouragement. Tune in to learn how a supportive Christian community can transform your financial life. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/cultivating-christian-community/ 00:00 Episode Overview 00:49 Listener’s Question 01:22 Bible Verse 01:58 Ralph’s Personal Story 06:15 Practical Steps to Cultivate Christian Community focused on Financial Stewardship 09:00 Recap 09:52 Prayer 11:29 Final Thoughts Ask Ralph Podcast Insiders Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/468077585643405/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=K35XfP&rdid=h6YmY4g5tWvpalGc&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FW39nbmnKqtgqr9om%2F%3Fmibextid%3DK35XfP Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you ever wondered if you retired too early? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. delves into the common regrets of Americans who retire too early. He discusses financial strain, loss of purpose, boredom, strained relationships, and difficulty re-entering the workforce. Through the poignant story of a client named George, Ralph illustrates the realities of early retirement and offers actionable steps to avoid these pitfalls. Key strategies include thorough financial assessment, phased retirement, developing a purposeful retirement plan, and staying mentally and socially engaged. Ralph also emphasizes the importance of aligning retirement plans with spiritual growth. Tune in to prepare for a financially secure and fulfilling retirement. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/called-it-quits/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:31 Listener’s Question 02:51 Bible Verse 03:38 Case Study: George's Early Retirement Regrets 06:12 Common Regrets of Early Retirees 10:32 Actionable Steps to Avoid Retirement Regrets 17:06 Conclusion: Planning for a Fulfilling Retirement Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep Jr. dives into crucial money lessons that can set your children on the path to financial success. Ralph addresses a listener's concern about preparing kids for future financial challenges and shares practical advice for instilling good money habits from an early age. He discusses effective strategies, including real-life examples, to help parents teach their children about saving, spending, and giving. Tune in to learn how to equip your kids with the financial skills they need to thrive. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/lessons-to-teach-your-kids/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:06 Listener’s Question 01:52 Bible Verse 02:26 Understanding Money Lessons for Kids 05:52 Key Takeaways and Action Steps 06:55 Practical Strategies for Teaching Financial Literacy 09:52 Conclusion Schedule an Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Is your life insurance taxable? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the question of whether life insurance payouts are taxable. Ralph explains that in most cases, life insurance proceeds are not taxable to the beneficiary, but there are exceptions. He underscores the importance of keeping beneficiaries informed and regularly updating policy details. Ralph shares personal stories to highlight the potential pitfalls and challenges beneficiaries may face, such as unexpected tax liabilities and difficulties in locating policies. He also discusses how to avoid these issues through proper planning and communication. Tune in for insights on ensuring your life insurance meets your intended financial goals without unwanted tax surprises. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/life-insurance-taxable/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:06 Listener’s Question 01:52 Bible Verse 02:26 Understanding Life Insurance Taxation 05:52 Key Takeaways and Action Steps 06:55 Exceptions to Tax-Free Life Insurance Payouts 09:52 Conclusion Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you ever wondered what secrets banks are keeping from you? 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 importance of reading the fine print, the difficulties of closing accounts, hidden fees in 'free' checking accounts, the benefits of credit unions, and the pitfalls of overdraft protection. He provides actionable steps to save money, including reviewing bank statements, negotiating with banks, and setting up account alerts. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/cost-you-money/ 00:00 Episode Overview 00:52 Listener's Question 02:16 Bible Verse 02:50 10 Things Banks Don't Want You to Know 05:36 Personal Story: From Bank to Credit Union 11:56 Actionable Steps to Save Money 15:17 Conclusion: Reflecting on September 11th Article mentioned in the show: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/m-bank-teller-10-things-120025449.html What is your bank not telling you about using your debit card? https://www.askralphpodcast.com/using-your-debit-card/ Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you ever received a QR code that seemed a little fishy? In this episode of The Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. dives deep into the world of squishing scams, a devious type of fraud involving malicious QR codes designed to steal personal and financial information. Ralph shares real stories from victims like Tom and Jessica, who experienced severe financial loss and identity theft after falling for such scams. He offers practical advice on recognizing and avoiding these scams, such as being skeptical of unsolicited QR codes, verifying sources, inspecting URLs, and using security-enhanced QR code scanners. Ralph emphasizes the importance of keeping your software updated and enabling two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Tune in to learn valuable lessons and tips to safeguard yourself from becoming the next victim. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/victim-of-a-squishing-scam/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:08 Listener's Question 01:22 Understanding Squishing Scams 02:45 Bible Verse 04:07 Real-Life Stories of QR Code Scams 07:46 How to Protect Yourself from Squishing Scams 10:58 Conclusion Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you ever felt intimidated and taken advantage of in the car dealership's finance office? In this episode of The Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. shares a personal story from his childhood that transformed his perspective on car buying and navigating the often predatory world of auto finance. As a 12-year-old, Ralph witnessed his mother nearly fall victim to hidden fees, unnecessary add-ons, and high-pressure tactics from the finance manager. This experience taught him valuable lessons about the importance of financial knowledge, asking questions, and not being afraid to walk away from a bad deal. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/beat-the-dealership/ 00:00 Episode Overview 00:49 Listener’s Question 02:39 Bible Verse 03:05 Ralph’s Personal Story 08:41 Key Things to Watch Out for in the Finance Office 11:47 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself 13:37 Recap 14:22 3 Action Steps You Can Take Today 15:03 Final Thoughts Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Are you struggling to find your true purpose in life? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the struggles of finding true purpose and the calling to a greater path despite the fear of leaving a comfortable job. Ralph reads a listener's question from Tomi, who faces a dilemma between her high-paying finance job and a calling to ministry. Ralph shares the transformative story of his client John, who left a lucrative investment banking career for ministry. The episode explores themes of faith, courage, and fulfillment in following God's calling. Ralph provides practical steps for discerning and pursuing one's Christian calling, emphasizing prayer, seeking wise counsel, starting small, preparing practically, and trusting in God's timing. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/my-christian-calling/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:00 Listener's Question 01:59 Ralph's Personal Journey 03:23 Bible Verse 03:50 John's Story: A Leap of Faith 10:33 Steps to Discern Your Calling 14:15 Conclusion and Prayer 15:51 Final Thoughts Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you ever wondered how to choose the right insurance agent or broker? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. examines the critical significance of selecting the right insurance agent or broker. He answers a listener's question about choosing a trustworthy agent and provides five essential tips for making an informed decision. Ralph uses two contrasting real-life stories to illustrate the potential financial consequences of having inadequate coverage versus the benefits of comprehensive insurance. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/choosing-an-insurance-agent/ 00:00 Episode Overview 00:57 Listener's Question 03:21 Bible Verse 04:11 Real-Life Stories: The Impact of Choosing the Right Insurance Agent 08:07 5 Essential Tips for Choosing an Insurance Agent 11:36 Personal Story: The Importance of Comprehensive Insurance 13:59 Conclusion Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Are you over 50 and concerned about your financial future? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the financial anxieties of those over 50 by identifying and providing solutions to 7 common money mistakes that can derail retirement plans. Ralph emphasizes the importance of having a diversified retirement plan, accurately estimating healthcare costs, avoiding new debt, setting boundaries with adult children, prioritizing estate planning, adjusting investment strategies, and planning for taxes in retirement. He shares real-life client stories to illustrate these pitfalls and offers strategies to avoid them. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/those-over-50/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:11 Listener's Question 02:21 Exploring Finance Through a Christian Perspective 03:00 Bible Verse 03:46 7 Money Mistakes That Could Derail Your Retirement 04:11 Real-Life Stories of Financial Mistakes 13:40 Strategies to Avoid Financial Pitfalls 17:59 Recap and Final Thoughts 18:40 Conclusion Episode mentioned in the show (Where should you pull money from first in retirement to optimize your taxes?): https://www.askralphpodcast.com/first-in-retirement/ Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you ever thought about what could cause an IRS audit? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the anxiety-inducing topic of IRS audits. He starts by delving into a listener's question regarding audit concerns for small business owners. Ralph outlines the 8 most common IRS audit triggers, including unreported income, home office deductions, excessive business expenses, and round numbers, sharing real-life client stories to illustrate the risks involved. He offers practical advice and strategies to avoid triggering an audit, emphasizing honesty, accurate record-keeping, and promptly responding to IRS notices. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/common-reasons-for-getting-audited/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:21 Listener's Question 03:26 Bible Verse 04:02 Top 8 Reasons for IRS Audits 17:38 Strategies to Avoid an IRS Audit 18:56 Conclusion Prior Show (How do I prepare for an audit of my home office expenses?) https://www.askralphpodcast.com/home-office-expenses/ Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

How can I help my newborn start off on the right financial path? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores how to set up your newborn for financial success, emphasizing the importance of building and protecting their credit from an early age. Ralph answers a listener's question about starting her first child's financial journey and discusses steps such as freezing the child's credit, protecting their Social Security number, and eventually adding them as an authorized user on a credit card. He also highlights the importance of parental modeling of good financial habits and shares a cautionary tale about infant identity theft to stress the significance of these measures. Additionally, Ralph offers personalized financial guidance to listeners looking to improve their own finances or set their children up for a successful financial future. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/course-to-great-credit/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:16 Listener's Question 03:16 Bible Verse 05:43 Protecting Your Child's Credit 07:33 Steps to Safeguard Your Child's Credit 09:47 Practical Tips for Building Your Child's Credit 15:59 Financial Wisdom for a Lifetime 17:30 Final Thoughts Prior episode on safeguarding documents: https://www.askralphpodcast.com/documents-i-should-always-keep/ Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you ever thought about how a VPN operates and why it's so important in today's online world? In this enlightening episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep Jr. dives into the importance of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in safeguarding your online activities. Drawing from shocking real-life stories of cybercrime, Ralph explains how VPNs function as secure, encrypted tunnels for your internet traffic, protecting you from hackers on public Wi-Fi networks. He discusses the critical features to look for in a VPN service and emphasizes the ease of setup. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/need-a-VPN/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:10 Listener's Question 02:41 Bible Verse 03:40 Real-Life Cyber Attack Stories 06:24 What is a VPN and How Does it Work? 08:22 Benefits of Using a VPN 11:06 Choosing the Right VPN 12:55 Action Steps: Implementing a VPN 15:01 Conclusion To see your IP address without using a VPN https://www.whatismyip.com/ Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Are you unknowingly putting your finances at risk with your debit card? In this episode of The Ask Ralph Show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. shares a shocking story about a client who had their bank account drained due to debit card fraud. Ralph delves into the hidden risks of using a debit card and explains why credit cards offer better protection against financial losses. He provides actionable steps listeners can take to safeguard their money and avoid the devastating consequences of debit card fraud. Don't let your debit card become a gateway to financial ruin. Tune in to this eye-opening episode and learn how to make smarter financial choices that will keep your money secure. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/using-your-debit-card/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:10 Listener’s Question 02:56 Bible Verse on Becoming Wise Stewards of our Finances 05:44 Electronic Funds Transfer Act 06:21 Comparison of debit and credit card usage 08:21 Pros and cons of using a debit card 10:52 Actionable steps to protect finances 13:22 Conclusion and preview of next episode The Electronic Funds Transfer Act - https://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/caletters/2008/0807/08-07_attachment.pdf Where you should not use your credit card? - https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/risky-places-to-use-debit-card/

Have you ever said something you instantly regretted? Do you struggle to control the words that come out of your mouth? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep Jr. discusses the challenging but crucial topic of taming the tongue. Ralph shares a personal story about how his harsh words negatively impacted his family relationships and emphasizes the long-term, lifelong process of changing one's speech habits. He will share some strategies like the "THINK" method, implementing a "pause button", finding an accountability partner, keeping a gratitude journal, and using the "sandwich" approach when offering criticism. Whether you're someone who frequently finds yourself apologizing for harsh words or you simply want to be more intentional about the power of your speech, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you harness the life-giving potential of your tongue. Stay tuned to discover how you can make positive changes that will ripple through every area of your life. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/tame-my-tongue/ 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode 01:10 Listener’s Question 03:54 Bible Verse 04:34 Ralph's Personal Experience with Taming the Tongue 07:09 Practical Techniques for Taming the Tongue 13:46 Final Thoughts and Recap 15:12 Conclusion and Topic for Tomorrow’s Show Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you thought about buying a business? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep Jr. discusses the critical considerations one must evaluate when buying a business to avoid making costly mistakes driven by emotions. Through real-life stories of clients who faced financial ruin due to emotional decisions, Ralph highlights the importance of a cool, calculated approach. Key insights include scrutinizing financials, understanding the customer base, analyzing market position, assessing legal issues, and documentation of business processes. Ralph emphasizes the need for objective analysis, seeking outside advice, and being willing to walk away if the numbers don’t add up. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/buying-a-business/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:00 Listener's Question 02:56 Biblical Perspective on Financial Responsibility 04:30 Real-Life Stories: Emotional Decisions Gone Wrong 07:43 Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Business 12:41 Practical Steps to Remove Emotion from Business Decisions 15:52 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Feeling overwhelmed by student loans? Unsure which loan option is the right choice for your future? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. addresses the concerns of students overwhelmed by the complexities of student loan options. He explains the differences between direct subsidized, direct unsubsidized, direct PLUS, and private student loans, emphasizing the benefits of federal loans over private ones. Ralph shares a heartfelt story about a client named Michael to highlight the long-term impact of uninformed loan choices and provides practical action steps to manage student loans wisely. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/types-of-student-loans/ 00:00 Episode Overview 00:52 Listener's Question 02:54 Bible Verse 03:34 Understanding Different Types of Student Loans 10:21 Tax Implications and Common Questions 13:14 Action Steps and Final Thoughts 15:12 Conclusion Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Ever worried that claiming a home office deduction could lead to an IRS audit? In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep Jr. addresses the common concern of whether claiming home office deductions could trigger an IRS audit. Ralph offers practical advice on how to legally and confidently claim these deductions without fear. He shares a listener's question about home office expenses, highlighting the importance of proper documentation and the pitfalls of incorrect deductions through compelling examples. Ralph also covers the IRS guidelines for qualifying a home office, allowable expenses, and red flags that might attract an audit. He underscores the necessity of honest and thorough record-keeping to avoid any issues with the IRS. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/home-office-expenses/ 00:00 Episode Overview 00:39 Listener's Question 02:06 Bible Verse 02:47 The Importance of Proper Documentation 04:26 Common Mistakes in Home Office Deductions 07:12 Qualifying and Documenting Your Home Office 10:34 Action Steps for Home Office Deductions 11:21 Recap and Final Thoughts Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839

Have you thought about whether to start collecting Social Security benefits early? The timing could impact whether you just get by or enjoy a financially secure and generous life. In this episode of the Ask Ralph show, host Ralph Estep, Jr. explores the critical decision of when to start collecting Social Security benefits. Ralph breaks down the pros and cons of claiming at age 62, full retirement age, or age 70, sharing compelling real-life stories of individuals who made different choices. One story highlights Jim, who struggled after claiming early, while another celebrates Margaret, who thrived by waiting until 70. Key points to consider include health, financial situation, retirement plans, spousal coordination, and legacy impact. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/social-security-benefits-early/ 00:00 Episode Overview 01:17 Listener's Question 03:39 Bible Verse 04:21 The Pros and Cons of Claiming Social Security Early 04:58 Real-Life Stories: Jim and Margaret 10:50 Key Considerations for Your Decision 12:45 Recap and Final Thoughts Schedule Appointment with Saggio Management Group, Inc. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/fabfb9f2/appointment/8258839/calendar/2141336?appointmentTypeIds[]=8258839