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Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr., LPA & Juliet, first-time entrepreneur In this episode of Becoming Financially Confident, Ralph Estep Jr. explains Why parents should put a simple written agreement in place before an adult child moves back homeCollege freshman money skills: Needs versus wants, compound growth, and responsible credit card use.Medicaid family caregiver programs: How family caregiver pay may work in some states and why approved hours, paperwork, and state oversight matter.Credit utilization: What your credit utilization ratio means, why it matters, and strategies discussed for lowering it. Have a money question for Ralph? Send it to: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail Watch Becoming Financially Confident live every weekday at 11:30 AM Eastern: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live LINKS MENTIONED Win Ralph's Money: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveaway LawDepot: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/lawdepot Stamps.com: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps WalletHub: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/wallet IRS Tax Withholding Estimator: https://www.irs.gov/w4app FOLLOW BECOMING FINANCIALLY CONFIDENT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/becomingfinanciallyconfident Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HpWqv8jp9/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingfinanciallyconfident Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/becoming-financially-confident-7556

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: Average credit scores drop for the first time since 2013, and why you should care about yoursWhat happens when you win $2,000 or more at a casinoHSAs versus FSAs, and why you should put as much as you can if you have an HSAThis week's giveaway update and the money move: checking your withholding Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/wallet becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/ezwill becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveaway irs.gov/w4app Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community Companies mentioned in this episode: FICOTransUnionExperianEquifaxKiplingerLivelyZane BenefitsAmazon

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: What is direct primary care as a healthcare solutionWhat to consider when evaluating your mileage credit card benefitsWhy stacked buy now, pay later plans at the grocery checkout worry meWhat to consider between mechanical breakdown insurance versus a dealer warrantyThoughts on the proposed 32-hour workweek billOur new weekly Amazon gift card giveawayThis week's money move: a 10-minute withholding check before the year runs out Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Have a great week, everybody. Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a rating or leave a review. We’d really appreciate it! Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveaway irs.gov/w4app ralphestepjr.com/schedule Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. This week was heavy on scams and money habits. Quick recap: Three scams to watch: kill switches on subprime auto loans, home equity checks disguised as junk mail, and AI callers targeting new widows and bail-money victims, together costing people millions.Two settlements working in your favor: Amazon Prime refunds are jumping to $200, and Amway's own numbers confirm most people lose money on it.The real cost of not paying attention: subscriptions run $133 a month higher than people guess, and skipping your 401(k) match means leaving free money behind.Big takeaway: unassigned money gets spent by accident, assigned money builds a life on purpose.Good to know: kids born 2025 to 2028 get a free $1,000 government account, canceled flights owe you cash not a voucher, and casino ATMs are a trap even at 90% payback.Jason stopped by on mortgages, a client's TurboTax story turned into a $10,000 IRS bill, and we closed the week with a poll on who should really pay for Social Security. Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Have a great weekend, everybody. Links mentioned this week: trumpaccounts.gov Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn, Facebook Group, Instagram, Skool Community Companies mentioned this week: AmwayFederal Trade CommissionAmazonU.S. Department of JusticeGoogleCash AppTurboTaxInternal Revenue ServiceMoneywiseU.S. Department of TransportationCato Institute

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: The IRS deadline for anyone who filed an extension is October 15, and I'm telling clients to file even if they can't pay in full, since the penalty for not filing is steeper than the one for paying late.A new poll has 89 percent of people 65 and older saying they'd rather raise taxes on younger workers than touch their own Social Security, and I think we're headed for some real friction over the next couple of years.AI scammers are now mining obituaries and calling new widows within days of a funeral. Mortgage lender Jason Bochniak joined me to break down where rates are really headed, why he tells clients to date the rate instead of waiting on the sidelines, and how builder rate buydowns actually work.For our money move this week, Juliet canceled two subscriptions and saved herself 230 dollars a year. I have to admit I did not do my homework on this one. Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Want to talk mortgages with Jason? Reach him at 302-983-6731, [email protected], or newfed.com/loan-officers/jason-bochniak. Have a great weekend, everybody. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/easywill newfed.com/loan-officers/jason-bochniak Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community Companies mentioned in this episode: Cato InstituteMoneywiseNew Fed Mortgage CorpZillowRedfinRyan HomesNavy FederalRocket MortgageChaseAllTrails

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: A fake bank login scam that's cost people $262 million since January, and the bookmark trick I use to stay out of itWhy card surcharges up to 3% are pushing more shoppers back to paying cashA new prison bail scam where inmates use smuggled phones to trick families, including one case where someone sent $12,000 over Cash AppJuliet and I go back and forth on whether Kalshi and Polymarket are just gambling with better branding, then she puts me through a rapid-fire round on classic money adviceA client's TurboTax mistake that turned an $8,000 refund into a $10,000 IRS bill, and why software isn't the same as having a professional in your cornerThis week's money move: write down every subscription you pay for, and cancel one Got a money question for us? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/wallet becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/lawdepot Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn, Facebook Group, Instagram, Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: Consider getting a Trump Account for kids born 2025-2028, the government automatically puts $1,000 in the accountOpen enrollment is coming up, so check if your employer provides a Flexible Savings Account (FSA)You can get cash if an airline cancels your flightReview several side hustles from renting out a parking spot to getting paid as a mock juror.We discuss about how to identify needs vs. wants with a caller Got a money question for us? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/walletbecomingfinanciallyconfident.com/shipstationtrumpaccounts.gov Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community Companies mentioned in this episode: TrumpAccounts.govWalletHubSpotHeroShipStationDoorDashACXSix FlagsFrightlandFright FestMidway AirlinesAppleBach FinancialFacebook MarketplaceCraigslistYouTubeBecoming Financially ConfidentInternal Revenue Service (IRS)Federal Trade Commission (FTC)U.S. Department of TransportationSocial Security Administration

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: A Maryland law banning those unsolicited home equity loan checks starting October 1, and what to look out for yourselfThe December 31 deadline to open a Solo 401k or SEP IRA and maximum your money if you picked up side income this yearDollar Job Framework: Discover your net worth and get clarity on what you want versus what you do, then Design the financial life you wantThis week's Money Move: identify all your subscriptions and cut at least one Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/wallet becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/discover becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn, Facebook Group, Instagram, Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: Amway (an MLM) will have to payout $225 million after promising recruits that they will make $40,000 a year, when in reality it is only $657A $694 million settlement is wiping out car loan debt for thousands of people, so it's important to check your credit reportAmazon Prime refunds just jumped from $51 to $200Community mailbag: Should I loan my brother $4,000? What can I do about $3,000 vet bill? Am I being double billed from my doctor's visit?This week's money move is to review all the subscriptions you pay for, and cancel one that you're not getting value from. Got a money question for ua? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Have a great week, everybody. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/lawdepot becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken ftc.gov/amazon Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here are some of the highlights from this week: Ralph's grandmother collected a $3,500 unclaimed money windfall from an old credit union account.A missing beneficiary form cost a client 35% in estate taxes, a 15-minute fix Ralph walks through.Juliet on the self-doubt behind leaving corporate life, and reframing an 18-month payoff goal as $6.60 a day.The Dollar Job Framework, and the real take-home pay on a $50-a-night Rover gig.A reverse mortgage client put $150,000 under his mattress, and a thief tried to cash a stolen check at her own victim's teller window.A $250,000 catfish scam during a client's cancer treatment.Some PSLF payment counts dropped this summer, and cashing out an old 401k costs about 40% in taxes.Raising a car insurance deductible too high can trigger forced-placed insurance from a lender. Got a money question? Send it to becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or watch live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Have a great weekend, everybody. Links mentioned this week: missingmoney.comstudentaid.govregulations.gov Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: Rent payments can now count toward my mortgage credit score, thanks to a new rule from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Check in on this week's money move: opening a high-yield savings account & set up an automatic transfer.A caller question asking if she should cash out an old 401(k) as a 30-year-old, and I explain why that could cost her close to 40% of itGo through the 3 most important numbers on your auto insurance declaration page Got a money question for us? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Have a great weekend, everybody. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/wallet becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/shipstation becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/ezwill Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: The Fed raised interest rates a quarter point. What does this mean for your variable credit cards & home equity lines?State Farm is returning $5 billion to drivers who had a 2025 policy. Do you qualify?A $120 million settlement covers MLS home buyers since 2006, with an October 27 deadline to file. Check if you qualify.Love scams, and a story from one of Ralph's clientsExperience with timeshares, and I lay out exactly how to get out of one without paying an exit company Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/lawdepot usps.com sfdividend.com homebuyersettlement.com ftc.gov Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public accountant of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur. Here's what we got into today: Why you should check in on your CDs once it maturesYou may qualify for a car loan interest deduction worth up to $10,000 a yearIs personalized pricing legal?Considerations on whether side hustling on Rover is for youHow to read your credit report Tomorrow, we're getting into timeshares, and Juliet puts Ralph on the hot seat with questions that Ralph cannot prep for. Get your free credit report guide at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/credit What money topics have been on your mind? Let us know at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/ezwill Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

Join Ralph Estep Jr (licensed public accountant) & Juliet (not an accountant) as they dive into: What options are there saving for a grandchild (savings account, Trump Account, 529)Annual Notice of Change are being mailed out before September 30, and why it matters even if you're not the one on MedicareWhy naming beneficiaries for your 401K and IRA + a story where a missing beneficiary name turned a 12% tax hit into 35%Dive into the Dollar Job Framework, starting with naming a real money dream, then breaking it down to actionable and digestible bitesThis week's money move: opening a high-yield savings account and setting up one automatic transfer Tomorrow we're breaking down credit reports line by line, so pull yours free at annualcreditreport.com before the show. Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/lawdepot becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr, a licensed public account of over 30 years + Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur Here's what we got into today: I broke down the LIHEAP heating assistance program, why renters qualify too, and why applying this week matters since the money goes first come, first servedI explained how to call your bank and opt out of debit and ATM overdraft coverage so you stop paying that $35 feeI talked through escheat laws and how to check missingmoney.com for cash your state may be holding, including the story of the $3,500 my grandmother recovered after my grandfather passed awayJuliet and I worked through a mailbag question on 0% balance transfer offers, including the fees hidden in the fine print and how they affect your credit utilizationI answered a question on tackling credit card debt, comparing personal loans, home equity lines of credit, settlements, and bankruptcyI answered a question about what changes financially when you have a baby, including insurance deadlines, daycare costs, and setting up a will and guardian Got a money question for me? Send it to us at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail. Or come watch us live every weekday, 11:30 am ET at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live. Have a great week, everybody. Links mentioned in this episode: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/wallet becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/ezwill Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community Shoutout to Practical Prepping! Thank you, Mark and Krista! https://practicalprepping.info/podcast