Ask Ralph - Christian Finance

Ralph V. Estep, Jr.
  • 4.8 (16)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED DAILY
Ask Ralph - Christian Finance

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 wholeheartedly. Ralph has been through the highs and lows of managing money - he's made mistakes, learned powerful lessons, and wants to share that journey with you. Expect a refreshing blend of practical advice and Biblical principles. We'll cover everything from creating a rock-solid budget and ditching debt to building ethical businesses and exploring the transformative power of generous giving. Whether you're a business owner yearning to integrate your faith into your work, or simply a person desiring wise stewardship of what you've been given, this podcast is for you. Get ready to ditch financial stress, gain clarity and confidence, and use your resources to fulfill God's calling in your life.

  1. What are 5 common RMD mistakes to avoid?

    17 HR. AGO

    What are 5 common RMD mistakes to avoid?

    Are you worried about making costly mistakes with your required minimum distributions (RMDs)? This podcast episode dives into five devastating RMD mistakes that could lead to thousands of dollars in penalties, highlighting the importance of understanding the rules surrounding these distributions. Ralph shares real-life stories of clients who faced significant financial repercussions due to oversights, such as failing to account for all retirement accounts or mishandling charitable contributions. With a compassionate approach, he offers guidance on how to avoid these pitfalls, emphasizing the value of creating a comprehensive inventory of your retirement accounts, seeking professional assistance, and planning ahead. Don’t miss this insightful discussion packed with practical advice and the key RMD mistakes to avoid to protect your hard-earned savings and navigate your distributions with confidence. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/RMD-mistakes-to-avoid/ Podcast Timestamps:  00:00 Episode Overview 00:50 Listener’s Question: Barbara’s Worry About RMD Mistakes 03:34 Bible Verse: Proverbs 15:22 – The Importance of Seeking Counsel 04:46 Common RMD Mistake #1: Forgotten Accounts 06:41 Common RMD Mistake #2: The Charity Confusion Catastrophe 09:02 Common RMD Mistake #3: The Inheritance Incident 10:44 Common RMD Mistake #4: The Multiple Account Miscalculation 12:18 Common RMD Mistake #5: The Deadline Disaster 14:18 Call to Action 16:06 Action Steps to Avoid These Costly RMD Mistakes #1: Create a Complete Retirement Account Inventory 16:54 Action Step #2: Set Up Automated Distribution Systems 18:25 Action Step #3: Build Your Professional Support Team 19:19 Action Step #4: Create a Distribution Calendar 20:06 Action Step #5: Implement a Consolidation Strategy 20:54 Bonus Action Step: Review Your Investment Strategy 22:30 Closing Takeaways: Create a complete inventory of all your retirement accounts to avoid penalties. Establish automated distribution systems to ensure timely required minimum distributions each year. Always get professional assistance when dealing with retirement account distributions and tax rules. Understand the specific rules for inherited IRAs to prevent costly mistakes and penalties. Set up reminders for important RMD deadlines to avoid procrastination and potential penalties. Consolidate multiple retirement accounts to simplify your RMD calculations and management. Links referenced in this episode: www.askralphpodcast.com/christmashttps://www.askralphpodcast.com/surveyhttps://www.askralphpodcast.com/required-minimum-distributions/https://www.askralphpodcast.com/tax-time-bomb/Ask Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: a href="https://justaskralph.com/"...

    24 min
  2. What are 7 things I can do to get the highest price when selling my car?

    1 DAY AGO

    What are 7 things I can do to get the highest price when selling my car?

    Are you leaving thousands of dollars on the table when selling your car? Today, Ralph shares a compelling story about a client named Bill, who transformed a $12,000 trade-in offer into an impressive $17,500 through a private sale. Ralph outlines seven essential principles that can help you maximize your car's selling price, including the importance of documentation, strategic timing, and professional detailing. He emphasizes that taking the time to sell privately, despite the challenges, can yield significantly better financial outcomes. Tune in to discover not only practical steps to enhance your vehicle's value but also insights on navigating the selling process with integrity and confidence, making you rethink your approach to selling my car. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/selling-my-car/ Podcast Timestamps:  00:00 Episode Overview 01:09 Listener’s Question: How to Get the Best Price on My Car 03:10 Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23 – Doing Your Best for God 04:33 Real-Life Story: Bill’s $5,500 Increase on His Car Sale 08:27 Key Strategies to Maximize Car Sale Price 16:36 Call to Action 18:05 Lifetime Value Maximization Tips 18:51 Action Steps You Can Take 20:41 Closing Takeaways: Selling your car privately can yield significantly more money compared to trade-ins, often by 15-30%. Proper documentation of your vehicle's maintenance history is crucial to increasing its resale value. Timing your sale is essential; consider selling when potential buyers have extra cash, like tax refund season. Investing in professional detailing can lead to a quicker sale and higher offers. Quality photos and honest descriptions of your vehicle help attract serious buyers and avoid wasting time. Choosing the right selling platform is vital; use multiple platforms to maximize your reach. Links referenced in this episode: https://www.askralphpodcast.com/surveyhttp://www.askralphpodcast.com/christmasAsk Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: https://justaskralph.com/ Join our email list and get a free copy of “Mastering Your Finances” at https://askralph.com/ Companies mentioned in this episode: Carvana Kelley Blue Book TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY - YOU COULD WIN $250 LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) a...

    23 min
  3. I’ve been scammed online – what are 5 things I should do immediately?

    2 DAYS AGO

    I’ve been scammed online – what are 5 things I should do immediately?

    Have you ever fallen victim to an online scam, leaving you feeling helpless and ashamed? Today, Ralph Estep Jr. shares vital steps you can take in the first 24 hours after being scammed to regain control and begin the recovery process. With powerful stories of individuals who faced similar challenges, Ralph outlines immediate actions you can implement, such as freezing your bank accounts and changing passwords. He emphasizes the importance of documenting everything and reporting the crime to local authorities to protect your identity and finances. Tune in to learn how to transform from a victim to a victor and safeguard yourself against future scams, maintaining your faith, financial well-being, and resilience after having been scammed online. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/been-scammed-online/ Podcast Timestamps:  00:00 Episode Overview 01:00 Listener’s Question: Tiffany’s Story of Online Fraud 03:22 Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 – Overcoming Fear with Faith 05:07 Story #1: Martha’s Tech Support Nightmare 08:28 Story #2: David’s Small Business Nightmare 11:59 Story #3: The Johnson Family's Rental Scam 15:35 The Five Critical Steps To Take Immediately 19:26 Call to Action 20:33 Preventive Measures for Avoiding Future Scams 23:29 Closing Takeaways: The first 24 hours after discovering a scam are critical for recovery. Always document every interaction related to the scam for future reference. Never wire money without verifying the recipient through a second channel. Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts and prevent further losses. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are. Utilize multifactor authentication to enhance your online security against potential scams. Links referenced in this episode: http://www.askralphpodcast.com/christmasAsk Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: https://justaskralph.com/ Join our email list and get a free copy of “Mastering Your Finances” at https://askralph.com/ Companies mentioned in this episode: Microsoft TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY - YOU COULD WIN $250 LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) VISIT OUR ASK RALPH SHOW GEAR STORE FOR ALL KINDS OF COOL MERCHANDISE - ENTER THE CODE "FREEBOOK" FOR A FREE DOWNLOADABLE COPY OF MY BOOK "MASTERING YOUR FINANCES" a...

    26 min
  4. What are 5 things to consider before buying groceries with my credit card?

    3 DAYS AGO

    What are 5 things to consider before buying groceries with my credit card?

    Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of credit card debt, especially when it comes to everyday expenses like groceries? Ralph Estep Jr. tackles this issue head-on, sharing five crucial considerations for using credit cards wisely without falling into debt. From the importance of maintaining an emergency fund to understanding the impact of credit utilization, Ralph provides practical strategies to make credit card perks work for you instead of against you. He shares real-life stories from clients who learned valuable lessons about budgeting and spending, emphasizing the need to track every purchase and set up automatic payments. Join Ralph as he guides you through creating a solid financial plan that lets you enjoy the benefits of using groceries with my credit card without the stress of accumulating debt. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/groceries-with-my-credit-card/ Podcast Timestamps:  00:00 Episode Overview 00:48 Listener’s Question: Struggling with Grocery Expenses on a Credit Card 01:47 Bible Verse: Proverbs 22:7 – Financial Discipline and Debt 02:16 Eye-Opening Stats on Why Smart Credit Card Use for Groceries Matters 04:57 Five Crucial Considerations Before Using Your Credit Card For Groceries 14:27 Big Takeaway 15:27 Call to Action 16:57 Action Steps You Can Take to Help Manage Credit Cards Wisely 19:21 Closing Takeaways: Before using your credit card for groceries, consider building an emergency fund to avoid debt cycles. Tracking your grocery spending can lead to significant savings and help you stick to a budget. Maintaining low credit utilization is essential; aim to keep it below 30% for better credit scores. Creating a dedicated grocery budget helps you plan your purchases and avoid impulse buys. Setting up automatic payments for your credit cards can prevent costly late fees and interest charges. Using credit cards wisely can earn rewards without incurring debt if managed properly. Links referenced in this episode: http://www.askralphpodcast.com/christmashttps://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/credit-card-debt-report/Ask Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: https://justaskralph.com/ Join our email list and get a free copy of “Mastering Your Finances” at https://askralph.com/ Companies mentioned in this episode: Amazon Bankrate Costco TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY - YOU COULD WIN $250 LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO...

    21 min
  5. How can I build effective Christian unity?

    4 DAYS AGO

    How can I build effective Christian unity?

    Building Christian unity is essential for strengthening both faith and finances within church communities, and today, Ralph dives into this important topic. He addresses a listener's concerns about division in her local church, particularly around financial decisions regarding a building fund versus community outreach. Through examining sobering statistics about church splits and conflicts, Ralph highlights the impact of disunity on spiritual and financial health. He shares practical steps to foster unity, including the importance of prayer, financial transparency, and finding common ground. With engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode encourages listeners to cultivate a supportive, unified, and effective Christian community. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/effective-christian-community/ Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Overview 01:00 Listener’s Question: Building Unity in Christian Communities 02:39 Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 03:43 Reasons For Church Splits 08:31 Lessons Learned from Church Divisions 15:37 Call to Action 17:13 Closing Prayer 17:44 Action Steps 20:39 Closing Takeaways: Building Christian unity can enhance both spiritual fellowship and financial health in churches. Regular prayer meetings can significantly change perspectives before financial discussions occur. Practicing financial transparency is crucial for maintaining trust and unity within a church community. Finding common ground among differing opinions helps churches avoid divisive conflicts and church splits. Encouraging consensus in decision-making processes can lead to more harmonious church operations. Organizing fellowship events allows members with differing viewpoints to understand each other better. Links referenced in this episode: Guide to Surviving the Holidays without going Broke! http://www.askralphpodcast.com/christmasAsk Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: https://justaskralph.com/ Join our email list and get a free copy of “Mastering Your Finances” at https://askralph.com/ TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY - YOU COULD WIN $250 LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) VISIT OUR ASK RALPH SHOW GEAR STORE FOR ALL KINDS OF COOL MERCHANDISE - ENTER THE CODE "FREEBOOK" FOR A FREE DOWNLOADABLE COPY OF MY BOOK "MASTERING YOUR FINANCES" a...

    22 min
  6. My parents failed to prepare for retirement and are now 70 – what can I do to help them?

    5 DAYS AGO

    My parents failed to prepare for retirement and are now 70 – what can I do to help them?

    Are you worried about your aging parents' financial situation? This episode of the Ask Ralph Podcast dives into practical ways to support them, especially if they haven't adequately prepared for retirement. Ralph Estep Jr. examines the emotional and financial challenges families face when parents are reliant on Social Security alone, often struggling to make ends meet. He offers actionable steps, including creating a detailed budget, reviewing Social Security benefits, and considering housing and healthcare options. With insights grounded in real-life scenarios and statistics, this episode provides a heartfelt guide for navigating these tough conversations and finding solutions without jeopardizing your own financial future. Tune in for valuable advice on how to improve your parents' quality of life during their golden years, even if they failed to prepare. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/parents-failed-to-prepare/ Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Overview 01:38 Listener’s Question 02:26 Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 5:8 04:35 Real-Life Story: A Client’s Journey to Support His Aging Parents 06:02 Understanding the Burden of Financial Struggles 09:16 Key Financial Steps to Help Aging Parents 15:47 Actionable Steps You Can Take  18:46 Call to Action 19:51 Closing Takeaways: Financial insecurity in seniors can stem from fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, and housing expenses. It's crucial to create a detailed budget for aging parents to assess their financial situation. Exploring part-time job opportunities can provide additional income for seniors in need. Consider discussing downsizing or alternative housing options to reduce financial burdens on elderly parents. Engaging in estate planning and legal protection is vital for safeguarding assets and futures. A family meeting can help establish open communication about financial responsibilities and options. Links referenced in this episode: https://www.askralphpodcast.com/surveyAsk Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: https://justaskralph.com/ Join our email list and get a free copy of “Mastering Your Finances” at https://askralph.com/ Companies mentioned in this episode: Amazon Walmart TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY - YOU COULD WIN $250 LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) VISIT OUR...

    22 min
  7. Why don’t I feel like I’m doing well financially – even though I am according to most experts?

    6 DAYS AGO

    Why don’t I feel like I’m doing well financially – even though I am according to most experts?

    Feeling financially secure on paper but unsettled inside is a common struggle that many face, as highlighted by Shannon's heartfelt letter. Despite earning a solid income, having emergency savings, and contributing to retirement, she experiences anxiety and a sense of inadequacy. Ralph Estep Jr. delves into this paradox, exploring the reasons why financial success doesn’t always bring peace of mind. He identifies four hidden barriers to achieving true financial peace, including the expert trap, comparison curse, purpose gap, and faith-finance disconnect. By addressing these barriers and aligning financial goals with spiritual purpose, listeners can work towards finding genuine contentment and fulfillment in their financial journeys—even when they’re doing well financially. https://www.askralphpodcast.com/doing-well-financially/ Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Overview 01:23 Listener’s Question: Feeling Financially Inadequate Despite Success 02:40 Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 – Finding Contentment Beyond Wealth 03:39 Real-Life Story: Ralph’s Journey to Financial Satisfaction 05:00 The Four Hidden Barriers To Financial Peace 13:25 Call to Action 14:54 Key Action Steps You Can Take 20:37 Closing Takeaways: Financial success on paper doesn’t guarantee inner peace or contentment in life. The expert trap misleads individuals to prioritize financial metrics over personal fulfillment. Comparison with others often leads to anxiety instead of financial peace and satisfaction. Aligning financial decisions with personal faith can lead to more meaningful living. The purpose gap occurs when financial stability doesn’t align with one's spiritual purpose. Creating dedicated time for financial prayer can help alleviate anxiety about money. Links referenced in this episode: Guide for Surviving the Holidays Without Going Broke http://www.askralphpodcast.com/christmasAsk Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: https://justaskralph.com/ Join our email list and get a free copy of “Mastering Your Finances” at https://askralph.com/ TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY - YOU COULD WIN $250 LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION) VISIT OUR ASK RALPH SHOW GEAR STORE FOR ALL KINDS OF COOL MERCHANDISE - ENTER THE CODE "FREEBOOK" FOR A FREE DOWNLOADABLE COPY OF MY BOOK "MASTERING YOUR FINANCES" a...

    23 min
  8. What is an EIN and why would I need one?

    NOV 14

    What is an EIN and why would I need one?

    Are you unsure whether you need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for your small business? Ralph addresses this common confusion, particularly for those starting out as sole proprietors. He explains that while having an EIN isn't legally required for every small business, it offers significant benefits, including easier banking, protection against identity theft, and compliance with hiring regulations. Through the story of a client who almost missed a major retail opportunity due to not having an EIN, Ralph illustrates the importance of proper planning and organization. Tune in to discover how to obtain an EIN and learn why it can be the foundation for your business's growth and success. So, what is an EIN exactly, and why might it be essential for your business journey? https://www.askralphpodcast.com/what-is-an-EIN/ Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Overview 00:51 Listener’s Question: Do I Need an EIN? 02:09 Bible Verse: Proverbs 24:27 – The Importance of Proper Planning & Organization 02:40 What Is An EIN? 03:08 Real-Life Story of a Client: How an EIN Saved a Major Deal 04:54 What is an EIN and Why It’s Important 04:57 #1 EIN for Business Bank Accounts 05:23 #2 EIN for Hiring Employees 05:59 #3 EIN for Tax Filing and Entity Benefits 06:28 #4 EIN for Protecting Your SSN 07:06 #5 EIN for Business Licensing and Permits 09:42 Key Action Steps: 11:42 How To Get Your EIN 13:44 Important Tips 16:27 Recap and Tomorrow’s Episode Preview 17:13 Closing Takeaways: An EIN number serves as your business's Social Security number, essential for identification. Even as a sole proprietor, obtaining an EIN can protect your personal identity from theft. Banks typically require an EIN to open a business bank account, crucial for financial management. Hiring employees mandates an EIN for payroll processing, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. An EIN is necessary for filing business tax returns, separating personal from business affairs. Acquiring an EIN is free and can be done online through the IRS website. Links referenced in this episode: www.irs.govaskralphpodcast.comaskralphpodcast.com/reviewAsk Ralph Insiders Community https://mailchi.mp/askralph.com/groupAsk Ralph Show Live https://askralphpodcast.com/liveWhat is your question that you would like to ask Ralph? Send Your Question here: https://justaskralph.com/ Join our email list and get a free copy of “Mastering Your Finances” at https://askralph.com/ TAKE OUR LISTENER SURVEY - YOU COULD WIN $250 LISTEN NOW WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO...

    19 min
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4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

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 wholeheartedly. Ralph has been through the highs and lows of managing money - he's made mistakes, learned powerful lessons, and wants to share that journey with you. Expect a refreshing blend of practical advice and Biblical principles. We'll cover everything from creating a rock-solid budget and ditching debt to building ethical businesses and exploring the transformative power of generous giving. Whether you're a business owner yearning to integrate your faith into your work, or simply a person desiring wise stewardship of what you've been given, this podcast is for you. Get ready to ditch financial stress, gain clarity and confidence, and use your resources to fulfill God's calling in your life.

Information

  • Creator
    Ralph V. Estep, Jr.
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    567
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ask Ralph Media, Inc.
  • Show Website
    Ask Ralph - Christian Finance

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