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Are you a Christian longing to honor God in every aspect of your life, including your finances? The Ask Ralph Podcast is your guide to finding financial freedom, making wise money decisions, and aligning your resources with your faith. Your host, Ralph Estep, Jr., brings a unique combination of expertise and genuine experience to the table. He's an accountant, a business coach, a podcast host, an author, a farmer – but above all, a husband, father, and a man seeking to follow Jesus wholehear ...
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Sending money through cash apps can be nerve-wracking, especially with the risk of scams that can lead to significant financial losses. Ralph shares a cautionary tale about a client who lost $5,000 to a cash app scam, highlighting the importance of security and awareness when using these financial tools. He emphasizes that convenience must never co…
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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, highlighting how communication and strategic planning can bridge potential gaps. Ralph addresses a listener's concern about the…
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Finding joy amidst life's troubles can feel like an impossible task, but this podcast dives deep into how we can navigate these challenging times. Ralph addresses a heartfelt question from a listener named Vanessa, who is grappling with significant hardships, including job loss and financial strain. Through powerful scripture and inspiring stories,…
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Discover how to save thousands when selling your home in this enlightening episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast. Ralph shares valuable insights and real-life success stories from clients who navigated the home-selling process, including how one couple saved a staggering $17,500 by using a flat fee MLS listing service. The episode dives into practical s…
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Feeling financially trapped in a home you love but can't afford to maintain is a common struggle for many older Americans. This podcast tackles the critical issue of being house rich but cash poor, exploring the emotional and financial toll it takes on individuals like Peter, who is left grappling with expenses after losing his spouse. Ralph shares…
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Are you concerned about the potential impact of a wealth tax on your savings and financial future? Ralph dives deep into the complexities of this contentious issue, explaining how a wealth tax could adversely affect not just the ultra-wealthy but also middle-class families. He highlights the misconceptions perpetuated by mainstream media, emphasizi…
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Feeling uneasy when asked for your Social Security number is a valid concern, and today’s discussion highlights the nine riskiest places where you might be asked to provide it. From gym memberships to job applications and even medical offices, sharing this crucial piece of information can expose you to identity theft. Ralph shares personal anecdote…
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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 pitfalls of penalties and taxes that could derail your financial future. He shares valuable insights and personal anecdotes,…
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Are you struggling to maintain your financial success while balancing your overall well-being? Today, Ralph dives into the top five key strategies that wealthy individuals use to not only grow their finances but also nurture their physical, mental, relational, and spiritual health. Through inspiring stories from clients like Tom, Lisa, John, Maria,…
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Are you feeling spiritually drained, especially when faced with life's challenges? This podcast dives into the concept of developing spiritual grit, a crucial element that can transform not only your spiritual journey but also your financial life. Host Ralph shares personal experiences and practical steps to cultivate resilience in your faith, emph…
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What should you do if your bank unexpectedly closes your account? This episode dives into the financial nightmare many face when locked out of their own money, leaving them unable to pay bills and access funds. Ralph addresses a listener's urgent plea for help, providing practical steps to navigate this crisis and prevent future account closures. F…
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Are you a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that come with running your own venture? You're not alone—many entrepreneurs face struggles that can lead to failure. This podcast dives into the top nine reasons why small businesses fail, from lack of market research to burnout, and offers valuable insights on how to avoid these…
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Are you worried about losing your passport due to unpaid taxes? This episode dives into the serious concern many face when financial obligations clash with their travel dreams. Host Ralph Estep Jr. addresses a listener's question about the IRS's power to revoke passports for tax delinquents, revealing that it’s indeed possible but not an automatic …
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Are you dreaming of homeownership but feeling trapped by your financial situation? Ralph explores the reality that it is possible to buy a house without a steady income while also highlighting the critical pitfalls to avoid. He shares a cautionary tale about a client named John, whose decision to liquidate his 401K to purchase a home led to an $80,…
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Surveillance pricing is a creeping reality in today's digital economy, impacting how much you pay for everyday products. As Ralph explores the unsettling practice of dynamic, personalized pricing, he reveals how companies use your online behavior and data to determine what price to charge you. This can lead to significant disparities in pricing for…
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Worried about outliving your life insurance? You're not alone, as many people share the same concern about financial security for their loved ones after their policy expires. Ralph Estep Jr. addresses these worries head-on by exploring what happens when a life insurance policy runs out and offers practical strategies to ensure your family's financi…
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Are you feeling stuck in your financial journey and struggling to find motivation? Ralph shares his personal story of how faith can reignite that spark and drive you toward achieving your goals. He addresses a heartfelt listener message from Alison, a small business owner torn between her entrepreneurial ambitions and spiritual growth. Through rela…
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Join Ralph in this engaging episode of the Ask Ralph podcast, where he tackles the critical question of how long to keep personal and business records, revealing that the IRS recommends retaining them for seven years. As he shares his extensive expertise, Ralph emphasizes the importance of understanding tax implications, especially for small busine…
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What are the 7 insurance options to consider to protect your retirement – a discussion all about supplemental insurance?
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Are you worried about unexpected medical bills that Medicare might not cover? Ralph Estep Jr. dives into the world of Medicare supplemental insurance, explaining how these policies can protect your hard-earned savings from potentially overwhelming healthcare costs. With real-life stories, he illustrates the stark difference between those who opted …
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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 retiring in 2023 should expect to spend around $315,000 on healthcare. With many retirees facing financial ruin due to unexpected …
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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 little-known strategy that can potentially save you thousands in taxes and help you achieve financial freedom sooner than you tho…
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Are you planning a trip abroad and wondering if travel medical insurance is really necessary? In this podcast, we explore the crucial importance of purchasing specialized medical insurance for international travel, especially in light of the financial risks posed by unexpected medical emergencies. Ralph shares personal stories, including a frighten…
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Are you feeling undervalued by your current bank? This episode dives into the world of online banking, highlighting the incredible perks and bonuses that could significantly boost your financial situation. Ralph Estep Jr. shares valuable insights on how making the switch to an online bank could lead to higher interest rates, substantial sign-up bon…
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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 their money: healthcare, housing, travel, family support, and food and entertainment. Through real-life stories from clients,…
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Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find peace in your hectic life? Today, Ralph addresses the vital question of how to effectively embrace God's gift of rest. He shares personal insights and practical steps to help listeners find balance between their work, faith, and personal lives without burning out. Ralph emphasizes that rest is not …
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