Becoming Financially Confident Blog

Is Your Credit Card Costing You More Than You Think? Credit vouchers have been around in some form since the 1800s, but plastic credit cards as we know them today have only been used since the 1960s1. In a culture that often encourages instant grat…

Are You Still on the Hook With the IRS? How Far Back Can They Claim You Owe? Do you ever lie awake at night, worried that the IRS might come knocking on your door, demanding payment for taxes from years ago? It's a common concern, and the thought o…

Are You Following the World's Wisdom or God's Wisdom in Your Finances? As Christians, we are called to a higher standard in every area of our lives, including how we handle our finances. 1 Peter 1:16 instructs us to "Be holy, because I am holy." Th…

Is It Time to Redefine What Being Rich Means to You? In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of financial success and material possessions. We're bombarded with messages that equate wealth with a hefty bank account and the lates…

What's Changing in Your 401(k) in 2025—and What Does It Mean for You? The new year ushered in exciting changes to 401(k) plans, thanks to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act of 2022. These changes, effective J…

Confused About How Your Rental Property Affects Your Taxes? Owning rental property can be a great way to build wealth and generate income, but it's important to understand the tax implications. Rental income and expenses are treated differently tha…

Self-Employment Tax Got You Stressed? Learn Exactly What It Is and How to Pay Less Self-employment tax can feel like a burden, especially for those new to the world of freelancing or running their own businesses. But as the proverb says, "The wise …

Self-Filing Taxes: Are You Making These Painfully Common Errors That Could Land You in Trouble with the IRS? As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of our resources, and that includes being responsible with our taxes. This principle of st…

Are You Inviting Financial Trouble by Automatically Filing Taxes Jointly With Your Spouse? It's tax season again, and for many Christian couples, the question arises: Should we file our taxes jointly or separately? While the common advice is often …

How to Turn "Reasonable Cause" into IRS Penalty Forgiveness Many people are unaware that the IRS offers penalty relief for taxpayers who have a valid reason for not filing or paying their taxes on time. This relief, known as "penalty abatement due …

Can You Truly Live Generously on a Tight Budget? Many Christians wonder how they can live generously when their finances are tight. It can be challenging to balance giving with saving and paying bills, especially when living paycheck to paycheck. H…

Is the 30% Rule for Housing Costs Still Wise Today? The 30% rule has long been a cornerstone of personal finance, advising that no more than 30% of one's gross monthly income should be allocated to housing expenses. This includes rent or mortgage p…

Are You Sacrificing Your Future by Taking Social Security Too Soon? Retirement. It's a time many of us dream about – a time to relax, enjoy hobbies, and spend more time with loved ones. But with retirement come important financial decisions 1, and …

Are You Ready for the IRS When Selling Online? Selling online has exploded in popularity in recent years, with platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify making it easier than ever to launch a business from your own home. But with the convenience and…

Does Divorce Have to be Painful? Avoiding Financial and Tax Traps Divorce is one of the most stressful life events a person can experience. It can turn your world upside down and make it hard to get through the workday and stay productive1. But wit…

Are You Truly Ready to Retire, or Are These Financial Habits Holding You Back? Retirement. It's the golden dream many of us work towards for decades1. A time to finally relax, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and spend our days pursuing passions and …

What Happens to Your Debt When You're No Longer Here? Imagine this: you've just lost a loved one, and amidst the grief and emotional turmoil, you're suddenly faced with the daunting task of sorting through their finances. To your surprise, you disc…

How Can Faith and Wisdom Break the Chains of Debt? Debt can feel like a suffocating weight, holding you captive and stealing your peace. But as Christians, we have a powerful weapon against debt: our faith in God and the wisdom found in His Word. T…

Mastering Your Finances: A Christian Perspective Welcome back to Ask Ralph – Christian Finance, where we explore the intersection of faith and finances. Today, we'll delve into three crucial aspects of financial stewardship: how diligence and disci…

Which Retirement Expenses Should You Never Cut Corners On? Retirement. That blissful period of life where work takes a backseat and you're free to pursue passions and hobbies. But with this newfound freedom comes the responsibility of managing your…

How Do You Safeguard Family Wealth From the Grip of Slot Machines? Slot machines, with their flashing lights and the promise of quick riches, can be a dangerous temptation, especially for those struggling with addiction. For Christians, the Bible o…

Should You Always Pay Cash, or Is There a Better Way? In our consumer-driven society, we're constantly bombarded with messages urging us to spend, spend, spend. Credit cards, store cards, and "buy now, pay later" schemes make it feel like everyone …

What If Achieving Financial Fitness Was as Easy as Your Daily Workout? Many people find managing their finances overwhelming. They might feel like they're always struggling to keep up with bills or that they're not saving enough for the future. But…

Overwhelmed by Tax Prep? How to Decide Between Software and an Accountant with Confidence Tax season. Those two little words can strike fear into the hearts of many. As Christians, we want to be good stewards of our resources and fulfill our obliga…