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Becoming Financially Confident

Ralph V. Estep, Jr.

Breaking Free from Financial Shame, one conversation at a time.

Most money advice assumes you already know what you're doing. This show doesn't.
Becoming Financially Confident is a live weekday show for people who want to get their financial life in order without being lectured, judged, or sold something. Host Ralph Estep Jr. is a Licensed Public Accountant with more than 30 years of experience sitting across the desk from real people and real businesses — the shoebox of receipts, the tax notice nobody wants to open, the budget that never quite balances. He has made his own expensive mistakes, and he talks about them openly.

This is not a new voice. Ralph has published more than 1,200 episodes across eight seasons, earned national recognition for his work, and written nearly a thousand articles on money, taxes, technology, and small business. Becoming Financially Confident is the next chapter of that same show, in the same feed — sharper, live, and built around one idea: you are capable of figuring this out.

Every show opens with Headlines: what happened in the money world, and why it matters to your money and not just somebody's portfolio. From there, the recurring segments include:

Do the Math — one real financial decision run all the way to the number.
The Envelope — a full teardown of a single financial product, account, or government program.
Yes or No — a question that usually gets "well, it depends" gets an actual answer.
Side Hustle Corner — what a side gig really pays after expenses, self-employment tax, and the hours nobody counts.
Explain It Like I'm Broke — plain-English translation of the jargon that keeps people from asking.
Scam of the Week — the ones running right now, and how to spot them before they cost you.
Bill of the Week — a line-by-line look at something everybody pays and almost nobody reads.
Homework — one task, free, finishable in fifteen minutes, with a check-in before the week is out.
Wins of the Week — listeners who did the thing, and what actually happened when they did.
What It Cost Me — Ralph puts his own money mistakes on the table.

This show is for the person making good money who still can't say where it goes. The couple who have been meaning to build a budget for four years. The 52-year-old who opened the retirement statement and closed it again. The freelancer who just got a tax bill they weren't expecting. If you have ever felt like everyone else got a manual you never received, you are the reason this show exists.

Here is the thing nobody says out loud: most people aren't stuck because they lack discipline. They're stuck because they're ashamed — of the balance, of the mistake, of the years they didn't start. Shame keeps the statement unopened and the question unasked, and an unasked question never gets answered. So this show asks them out loud, without flinching and without judgment, and then hands you the actual tools.

Not just informed. Equipped.

Live at 11:30 AM Eastern, Monday through Friday, with the full episode in your podcast feed by 5:00 PM the same day. Weekly highlights drop every Saturday.

Ralph Estep Jr., LPA, is the founder of Saggio Management Group, an accounting practice he has run in Middletown, Delaware for more than 30 years. He is a financial educator, author, business coach, and podcast host.

Subscribe, and start breaking free from financial shame — one conversation at a time.

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  • S9 · E276
    Yesterday · 1 hr 1 min

    4 Car Buying Mistakes That Cost Thousands (Plus Ralph’s 20/4/10 Rule)

    If you’ve ever walked onto a car lot without a number in mind, this episode shows you the four mistakes that cost people thousands and the 2410 rule that keeps you in control. In This Episode ✓ A We Buy Ugly Houses franchise owner’s 15-year sentence for a $40 million fraud, and the one search that could have flagged it ✓ A Georgia tax preparer accused of keeping truck drivers’ IRS payments, and how to confirm yours arrived ✓ Why you pay the IRS directly and ask any preparer for proof of filing ✓ Planters hiring drivers for a 26-foot peanut ✓ An Accountant Reacts: Ralph’s best purchases, student loans, and buying a townhouse at 22 ✓ Four car buying mistakes, from the payment question to negative equity ✓ The 2410 rule: 20% down, four years, 10% of gross income ✓ This week’s Money Move: list your fixed and variable expenses Resources Watch live: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live Win Ralph’s Money giveaway: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveaway Book a call with Ralph: https://www.ralphestepjr.com/schedule Year-end business review with Ralph: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/yearend Quicken Simplifi: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken Be a Peanutter (apply by November 1): https://www.beapeanutter.com 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 Have a money question? Send it here: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail Companies Mentioned We Buy Ugly Houses HomeVestors Planters Oscar Mayer Red Bull Costco Toyota Quicken Fuller Brush DuPont

  • S9 · E275
    Wednesday · 1 hr 1 min

    Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: Three Questions to Sort Every Debt You Carry

    If you've ever wondered whether the debt you carry is helping you or holding you back, this episode gives you three questions to find out. In This Episode ✓ Ralph's 2.5 hour call with a chain of customer service bots pretending to be human ✓ The new IRS app, what it does, and why to download it only from official sources ✓ Four checks for vetting a tax preparer after a former IRS employee's indictment ✓ Side gig or career growth: the after-tax math on $10,000 of side income ✓ Good debt vs. bad debt: the interest rate, what it bought, and whether the payment fits your month Resources Watch live: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live Win Ralph's Money giveaway: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveaway Book a call with Ralph: https://www.ralphestepjr.com/schedule IRS (download the app, verify a preparer's PTIN): https://www.irs.gov 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 Have a money question? Send it here: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail Companies Mentioned Costco Sam's Club BJ's Wholesale Club Target Apple Google Play TurboTax Quicken QuickBooks Online McKinsey Reddit TikTok We Buy Ugly Houses

  • S9 · E274
    Tuesday · 1 hr

    Making vs. Having vs. Keeping Money: Where Your Paycheck Really Goes

    What do a recalled grill brush, a 31% jump in Thanksgiving airfare, and a $5,000 raise have in common? They can all affect your wallet in ways you might not expect. In today’s episode, Ralph Estep Jr. and Juliet unpack the money stories worth paying attention to, from millions of recalled products to rising travel and streaming costs. Then they shift into a bigger conversation about the difference between making money, having money, and keeping money. You’ll also hear a simple three-number exercise that can help you get a clearer picture of where your money is going. In This Episode ✓ Walmart’s recall of approximately 4.48 million grill brushes ✓ Where to check for product and vehicle recalls ✓ Why Thanksgiving flights are running 31% higher than last year ✓ Disney+ and Hulu price increases ✓ The difference between making money, having money, and keeping money ✓ Why a $5,000 raise may leave you with closer to $3,500 ✓ The three-number index card exercise ✓ How to start listing your fixed and variable expenses If you’ve ever wondered why earning more doesn’t always feel like having more, this episode gives you plenty to think about. Resources Watch live weekdays at 11:30 AM Eastern: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live Giveaway: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveaway Book a call: https://www.ralphestepjr.com/schedule Quicken Simplifi: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken LawDepot: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/lawdepot Check product recalls: https://www.cpsc.gov/recalls Check vehicle recalls: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls 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 Have a money question? Send it here: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail Companies Mentioned Walmart Kobayashi Gobi Heat Hopper Disney+ Hulu

  • S9 · E273
    Monday · 56 min

    Social Security Benefits for Young Children, Costco for One, and Scam Calls

    In today’s episode, Ralph Estep Jr. and Juliet cover many topics. Today’s Topics ✓ T-Mobile’s fee increases to $5.49 per voice line ✓ What T-Mobile’s price lock does not cover ✓ When a flu shot may cost you $0 ✓ The $55-a-week Christmas savings plan ✓ Costco Gold Star vs. Executive for a one-person household ✓ Sweepstakes entries and scam calls ✓ Social Security benefits for qualifying children ✓ Separating fixed and variable expenses Resources Watch live weekdays at 11:30 AM Eastern: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live Giveaway: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveaway Book a call: https://www.ralphestepjr.com/schedule Quicken Simplifi: https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov National Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov 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 Send your money questions to: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail

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  • S9 · E272
    Saturday · 17 min

    BFC Weekly Recap: IRS Collections, Adult Kids Moving Home, and Premium Gas

    This week on Becoming Financially Confident, Ralph Estep Jr., a licensed public accountant with more than 30 years of experience, and Juliet, a first-time entrepreneur, dig into the money decisions that can get expensive fast. From IRS letters and credit scores to adult kids moving home, rising health insurance premiums, grocery-store financing, car maintenance, medical bills, and surprise expenses, this episode covers the everyday financial choices that can have a much bigger impact than you expect. In this episode, we cover: What can happen when you ignore an IRS letter, including wage attachments and bank levies, plus why Ralph recommends opening every IRS notice the day it arrives. What to do when you're getting nowhere with the IRS, including asking about penalty relief and exploring Form 911 and the Taxpayer Advocate Service. The real cost of an adult child moving back home, estimated at about $1,474 per month, and why 67% say nobody explained the financial plan. The tax client who was draining her retirement savings to support her son, and the financial strain that can come with helping adult children. Whether premium gas is worth the extra money, especially when it can cost roughly $1 more per gallon and add around $500 a year to your fuel bill. How to read "required" versus "recommended" fuel guidance in your vehicle owner's manual. How a $900 lab bill became just $26 through direct primary care, plus how HSAs can now help cover this type of care. Ralph's $3,500 lesson in skipping oil changes for two years. Why buy now, pay later at the grocery store deserves a closer look, especially when 47% of users have paid late. The no-income credit card Ralph received in college and the 15/3 credit card payment strategy. How your credit score can affect borrowing costs, including what a 775 score versus a 580 score can mean for your loan rate. Ralph's $2,600 monthly health insurance premium and the additional $600 increase coming in January. Why winning $2,000 at a casino can mean extra tax paperwork. The $6,000 average surprise expense and how you can start building an emergency fund with as little as $10 a week. Plus, sports betting, self-storage costs, inheritances, and one group trip that went sideways. Got a money question for Ralph and Juliet? Send it here: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemail Or join Ralph and Juliet live every weekday at 11:30 a.m. ET: becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live Have a great weekend, everybody. Follow Becoming Financially Confident LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/becomingfinanciallyconfident Facebook Group: facebook.com/share/g/1HpWqv8jp9/ Instagram: instagram.com/becomingfinanciallyconfident Skool Community: skool.com/becoming-financially-confident-7556 Companies mentioned in this episode LabCorp, AAA, Lexus, LendingTree, Thrivent, Savings.com, Bank of America, Starbucks, Walmart, McDonald's, Home Depot, Domino's, Dunkin', and Costco.

  • S9 · E271
    October 2 · 58 min

    Splitting the Check Without Shame, and Why High Earners Don't Feel Rich

    Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr., LPA & Juliet, first-time entrepreneur What happens when even six-figure earners stop feeling high income? In this episode of Becoming Financially Confident, Ralph Estep Jr. breaks down why a Dollar General CEO says shoppers earning $100,000 or more no longer feel high income, plus a simple grocery price check you can try this week. Ralph and Juliet also cover how to split a restaurant check without the awkwardness, why one in five Americans call sports betting an investment, whether to start a side gig or chase a promotion, a relative who expects you to pay every time, and the storage unit you keep paying for. In This Episode Splitting the check: A Zelle survey found 52% of Gen Z have ghosted a date to dodge the bill, and how to settle it before anyone orders. High earners feel the squeeze: Why shoppers earning $100,000 or more are acting like lower income customers, and a 10-item price check to run this week. Sports betting: Why bettors get back less than 75 cents on every dollar, according to Bank of America data, and how to check your own last 90 days. Side gig or day job: Why a real promotion usually pays more per hour than a side hustle after taxes, and the client who made about $3 an hour on DoorDash. Paying for a relative's meals: How to raise it with your partner at a calm time, why it's a relationship issue before it's a money issue, and the earlier episode with Karen on having that conversation. The storage unit you never open: Why the US has more self-storage facilities than Starbucks, Walmart, and McDonald's combined, and how to set a move-out date. Family loans: How a written promissory note can keep a $4,000 loan from ending a holiday dinner. Money Move: Checking your withholding with the IRS estimator so April 15 holds no surprises. Win Ralph's Money: 663 entries last week, and this week's drawing is open now. Have a money question for Ralph? 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 Quicken Simplifi https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken LawDepot https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/lawdepot IRS Tax Withholding Estimator https://www.irs.gov/w4app Karen's Episode: Was Fine With Debt https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/was-fine-with-debt/ 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

  • S9 · E270
    October 1 · 59 min

    What Happens When You Ignore an IRS Notice, Plus the iPhone Siri Settlement

    Hosts: Ralph Estep Jr., LPA & Juliet, first-time entrepreneur What happens when a small IRS notice sits unopened in your junk drawer? In this episode of Becoming Financially Confident, Ralph Estep Jr. breaks down how an IRS notice can escalate from a CP14 to a final notice, plus what you should do as soon as a letter arrives. Ralph and Juliet also cover why retirees still need emergency savings, a proposed homebuyer savings match, the iPhone Siri settlement, using AI for money questions, and two financial conversations worth having early in a relationship. In This Episode Retiree emergency funds: Why retirees still need a financial cushion and why surprise costs average about $6,000 per household. Home Ownership Promise Act: A proposed Senate bill that would match first-time homebuyer savings five to one, up to $50,000. iPhone Siri settlement: Who can file a claim by December 21 and how to find your iPhone serial number. Ignoring an IRS notice: What a CP14 means, how notices can escalate to a final notice, and what to do the day an IRS letter arrives. AI and your money: Meta’s new Muse agent, what personal information you shouldn’t upload, and why AI-generated financial answers need a second look. Dating and money: Two questions that can reveal how someone thinks about needs, wants, and saving. Have a money question for Ralph? 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 Quicken Simplifi https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken Stamps.com https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps EZWill & Trust https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/ezwill IRS Tax Withholding Estimator https://www.irs.gov/w4app iPhone Siri Settlement Claim https://smartphoneaisettlement.com 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

  • S9 · E269
    September 30 · 59 min

    Credit Utilization Explained: The 1% to 9% Credit Score Sweet Spot

    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 home College 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

  • S9 · E268
    September 29 · 55 min

    Why 42% of Adult Children Expect No Inheritance From Their Parents

    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 yours What happens when you win $2,000 or more at a casino HSAs versus FSAs, and why you should put as much as you can if you have an HSA This 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: FICO TransUnion Experian Equifax Kiplinger Lively Zane Benefits Amazon

  • S9 · E267
    September 28 · 1 hr

    Do Mileage Cards Make You Spend More? Buy Now Pay Later and Car Warranties

    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 solution What to consider when evaluating your mileage credit card benefits Why stacked buy now, pay later plans at the grocery checkout worry me What to consider between mechanical breakdown insurance versus a dealer warranty Thoughts on the proposed 32-hour workweek bill Our new weekly Amazon gift card giveaway This 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

  • S9 · E266
    September 26 · 21 min

    BFC Weekly Recap: Fake Bank Logins, Widow Fraud, and a $200 Amazon Refund

    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: Amway Federal Trade Commission Amazon U.S. Department of Justice Google Cash App TurboTax Internal Revenue Service Moneywise U.S. Department of Transportation Cato Institute

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  • S9 · E265
    September 25 · 1 hr 1 min

    A Mortgage Lender Explains Why You Should Date the Rate, Not the Headlines

    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, jbochniak@newfed.com, 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 Institute Moneywise New Fed Mortgage Corp Zillow Redfin Ryan Homes Navy Federal Rocket Mortgage Chase AllTrails

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  • S9 · E264
    September 24 · 59 min

    Why TurboTax's Mistake Led to a $10,000 IRS Bill and 50% Penalty

    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 it Why card surcharges up to 3% are pushing more shoppers back to paying cash A new prison bail scam where inmates use smuggled phones to trick families, including one case where someone sent $12,000 over Cash App Juliet 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 advice A 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 corner This 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

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  • S9 · E263
    September 23 · 1 hr

    $1,000 Kids Savings Account, FSA Deadlines, and Your Airline Refund Rights

    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 account Open enrollment is coming up, so check if your employer provides a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) You can get cash if an airline cancels your flight Review 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/wallet becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/shipstation trumpaccounts.gov Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community Companies mentioned in this episode: TrumpAccounts.gov WalletHub SpotHero ShipStation DoorDash ACX Six Flags Frightland Fright Fest Midway Airlines Apple Bach Financial Facebook Marketplace Craigslist YouTube Becoming Financially Confident Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Federal Trade Commission (FTC) U.S. Department of Transportation Social Security Administration

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  • S9 · E262
    September 22 · 59 min

    The Dollar Job Framework: How to Discover Where Your Money Goes

    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 yourself The December 31 deadline to open a Solo 401k or SEP IRA and maximum your money if you picked up side income this year Dollar Job Framework: Discover your net worth and get clarity on what you want versus what you do, then Design the financial life you want This 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

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  • S9 · E261
    September 21 · 56 min

    How a $694 Million Settlement Wipes Out Car Loan Debt, Even After Repossession

    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 $657 A $694 million settlement is wiping out car loan debt for thousands of people, so it's important to check your credit report Amazon Prime refunds just jumped from $51 to $200 Community 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

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  • S9 · E260
    September 19 · 25 min

    BFC Weekly Recap: A $250,000 Catfish Scam, a Reverse Mortgage Mistake, and a Stolen Checkbook

    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.com studentaid.gov regulations.gov Follow us on our socials: LinkedIn Facebook Group Instagram Skool Community

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  • S9 · E259
    September 18 · 1 hr

    3 Numbers to Check on Your Auto Insurance Declaration Page

    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 it Go 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

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  • S9 · E258
    September 17 · 57 min

    An Accountant Reacts to a $1.3 Million Love Scam and Our Own Timeshare Regrets

    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 clients Experience 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

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  • S9 · E257
    September 16 · 58 min

    What's on your credit report, and is Rover worth your time

    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 matures You may qualify for a car loan interest deduction worth up to $10,000 a year Is personalized pricing legal? Considerations on whether side hustling on Rover is for you How 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

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