Financially Confident Christian
Ralph V. Estep, Jr.
Recent Episodes
I’m diving into the procrastination trap today, and let me tell you—it’s a slippery slope! Why do I keep saying, “I’ll do it later?” A whopping 71% of us admit to putting things off, and honestly, I thought that number would be higher. We mean well, but our to-do lists just keeps piling up, right? I’m realizing that the secret sauce to breaking this cycle isn’t just motivation—it’s making those micro moves. So if I’m feeling stuck, I’m not going to sweat it; I’m focusing on taking that first step, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. I’m ready to kick those excuses to the curb and get moving!
Check out the full podcast episode here
Procrastination is like that annoying friend who never leaves when we want them to. In this chat, I dive deep into the struggle I—and pretty much everyone else—face with putting off those pesky money tasks. I even share some eye-opening stats—like how 20% of U.S. adults are chronic procrastinators (seriously, I thought it would be way higher!). And with 71% of us admitting to procrastinating, yeah… I’m definitely guilty of saying “I’ll do it later” way too often. I’ve got the goods on how to kick that habit to the curb, starting with something I call “micro moves.” These are tiny steps that get the ball rolling and help us shift from that stuck energy into real progress. It’s all about starting small. No need to climb Everest in one go; just need to lace up our boots and take a single step.
I even share a personal story about how I finally set up a high-yield savings account after being lovingly put on blast by my wife. It took me just eight minutes! Eight minutes to transform my financial future. That experience really drove home the idea that the key isn’t motivation—it’s motion. I challenge the audience to name their blockers, whether it’s fear, confusion, or perfectionism, and face them head-on. By doing this, we can break the cycle of procrastination and start making progress. If I’ve been putting something off, all I need to do is grab a timer and commit to ten minutes of action. I’m always surprised by how much I can get done in such a short time!
Takeaways:
- Procrastination is super common, with 71% of Americans fessing up to it, so don't sweat it too much.
- Breaking tasks into tiny, 10-minute actions can help turn procrastination into progress, trust me on this one.
- Naming your blockers is key; face what holds you back to make real moves forward.
- Starting small beats waiting for perfect conditions—just dive in and get rolling, peeps!
- Movement, not pressure, is what gets you unstuck; just take that first step, you'll feel the shift.
- Celebrate small wins because progress rewrites your story; every step counts in the journey.
Links referenced in this episode:
💛 Join the Financially Confident Christian Community
If today’s episode encouraged you, we’d love to invite you to be part of something bigger — the Financially Confident Christian Community.
This is where faith and finances come together — a growing family of believers supporting one another, sharing encouragement, and helping spread God’s truth about money.
Your membership helps keep the show free for everyone while funding new devotionals, study guides, and outreach resources.
👉 Learn more and join the mission at financiallyconfidentchristian.com/join
Together, we’re helping believers everywhere break the cycle of financial shame and live with confidence in Christ. 🙏
WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family!
Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at
[email protected] or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page
So, here’s the lowdown: we’re diving into why those New Year’s resolutions tend to crash and burn faster than you can say “gym membership.” I mean, we’re all fired up in January, right? But by February, it’s like we’ve hit a wall. The truth is, it’s not about the willpower; it’s all about having a solid system in place. Why Can’t I Keep My Financial Resolutions? I chat about how to build habits that really stick around, and spoiler alert: simple changes are the way to go. So grab a snack, kick back, and let’s get into making those resolutions a little less “meh” and a lot more “heck yes!”
Check out the full podcast episode here
January's like that friend who hypes you up with all the New Year energy, but by February, you're left hanging, feeling like you crashed and burned instead of soaring high. So, let's break it down: resolutions? Not everyone's jam, including me. Sure, they kick off with a bang, but then, bam, reality hits! It’s not about being undisciplined; it’s about having a solid system. James Clear, the guy behind 'Atomic Habits', nails it when he says we don’t rise to our goals but fall to our systems. So, if you find yourself struggling to keep those big plans alive, let’s chat about building habits that actually stick. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Life’s too short for that January hype to fade into February blues, right?
Takeaways:
- January enthusiasm often crashes by February, but don't sweat it; persistence is key.
- Resolutions fail not because of laziness, but due to a lack of solid systems.
- Keep it simple! Focus on one small change instead of overwhelming yourself with too much.
- Track your progress like a boss; what gets measured gets managed and celebrated!
- Accountability with a buddy can keep your financial goals alive and kicking.
- Remember, excitement fades, but good habits are what really get you through the year.
Links referenced in this episode:
💛 Join the Financially Confident Christian Community
If today’s episode encouraged you, we’d love to invite you to be part of something bigger — the Financially Confident Christian Community.
This is where faith and finances come together — a growing family of believers supporting one another, sharing encouragement, and helping spread God’s truth about money.
Your membership helps keep the show free for everyone while funding new devotionals, study guides, and outreach resources.
👉 Learn more and join the mission at financiallyconfidentchristian.com/join
Together, we’re helping believers everywhere break the cycle of financial shame and live with confidence in Christ. 🙏
WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family!
Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at
[email protected] or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page
We’re diving into how to turn those big financial dreams into real, actionable goals that stick. Why Do My Money Goals Never Stick? You know that moment when you’re pumped in January but by February, it’s like, “What was I even thinking?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. The key takeaway today? It’s all about having a solid plan. We chat about SMART goals, which basically means making your financial targets specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. So, let’s kick the dreaming to the curb and pick up some real traction to crush those goals!
Check out the full podcast episode here
Let’s kick things off with a juicy listener question that’s got us thinking about our financial dreams. You know the drill: we all have those big aspirations, but what’s the deal when nothing seems to change? Our buddy Ralph dives right in, sharing a relatable struggle many of us face—starting off the year all motivated, only to crash and burn by February. But here’s the kicker: it’s not about lacking passion; it’s about crafting a solid plan. Ralph emphasizes that clarity is key. Instead of floundering in confusion, we need to get specific with our goals. He shares a heartwarming success story about a listener who wanted to save $1,200 by the end of the year. With a little guidance, she broke it down to saving $100 a month, and boom! She hit her goal early! The moral? Simple and smart plans lead to real traction.
Ralph introduces the concept of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. He breaks it down with a witty twist, reminding us that vague dreams are just pie in the sky. A financial goal without a date is just a daydream with good intentions. He stresses that deadlines aren’t pressure; they’re purpose. By aligning our goals with our faith and personal missions, we not only track our progress but also find deeper meaning in our financial journeys. So, grab that calendar, set those goals, and let’s get to work!
Takeaways:
- Setting specific financial goals helps turn those foggy wishes into real wins that matter.
- Measuring progress is key; what gets tracked grows, so keep those numbers in sight daily.
- It's all about making goals achievable; stretch yourself but don't snap under pressure, ya know?
- Align your financial goals with your values and faith; it's all about stewardship, not greed.
- Deadlines aren't to stress you out; they're meant to give purpose and drive to your plans.
- Community support and accountability can boost your progress; don't go it alone in this journey.
Links referenced in this episode:
💛 Join the Financially Confident Christian Community
If today’s episode encouraged you, we’d love to invite you to be part of something bigger — the Financially Confident Christian Community.
This is where faith and finances come together — a growing family of believers supporting one another, sharing encouragement, and helping spread God’s truth about money.
Your membership helps keep the show free for everyone while funding new devotionals, study guides, and outreach resources.
👉 Learn more and join the mission at financiallyconfidentchristian.com/join
Together, we’re helping believers everywhere break the cycle of financial shame and live with confidence in Christ. 🙏
WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family!
Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at
[email protected] or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page
Big bills can hit us like a ton of bricks, right? We’ve all felt that gut-wrenching panic when an unexpected expense pops up. But here’s the kicker: most of those surprises aren’t really surprises at all; they’re just unplanned. Why Do Big Bills Keep Blindsiding Me? Today, we’re diving into how to dodge those financial curveballs by planning ahead. We’ll chat about breaking down those hefty costs into manageable monthly bites, so you can kick that anxiety to the curb and strut into your financial future with confidence. Let’s roll up our sleeves and build a game plan together!
Check out the full podcast episode here
We’ve all been there: staring down a surprise bill that feels like a punch to the gut. Ralph opens up about this relatable struggle, reminding us that it’s not our fault—we’re just tired of being caught off guard! He assures us that most surprises aren’t really surprises; they’re just unplanned expenses we didn’t see coming. The key to alleviating that anxiety? Preparation. It’s all about taking the time to forecast what’s ahead, so we’re not left scrambling when the bills hit.
With over 30 years of experience, Ralph has helped countless people break free from the cycle of financial shame and live with confidence. He lays out a game plan for tackling those big expenses by breaking them down into monthly payments, which can make a world of difference. He shares a powerful story about a family that went from panicking over looming costs to calmly planning their finances by simply spreading out their expenses over the year. They didn’t have to earn more money; they just needed to stop being surprised by their own bills.
Ralph dives into practical strategies for anticipating our expenses instead of reacting to them. By reviewing past financial data and setting aside money for predictable bills, we can shift from chaos to control. He emphasizes that organization isn’t just practical; it’s also spiritual, reflecting God’s order. As he wraps up, Ralph encourages listeners to keep their plans flexible and review them regularly to adapt to life’s changes. It’s all about transforming that financial anxiety into peace through proactive planning and faith!
Takeaways:
- Don't let surprise bills ruin your day; plan ahead and spread out costs monthly.
- Most so-called emergencies are just annual bills sneaking up on us unexpectedly.
- Anticipation is the name of the game; being prepared beats panicking any day.
- Separating your expenses into sub-accounts can help you keep your finances organized and stress-free.
- Review your budget regularly; planning isn't a one-and-done deal, it's a journey.
- Faith in your planning can turn anxiety into anticipation for those pesky expenses.
Links referenced in this episode:
💛 Join the Financially Confident Christian Community
If today’s episode encouraged you, we’d love to invite you to be part of something bigger — the Financially Confident Christian Community.
This is where faith and finances come together — a growing family of believers supporting one another, sharing encouragement, and helping spread God’s truth about money.
Your membership helps keep the show free for everyone while funding new devotionals, study guides, and outreach resources.
👉 Learn more and join the mission at financiallyconfidentchristian.com/join
Together, we’re helping believers everywhere break the cycle of financial shame and live with confidence in Christ. 🙏
WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family!
Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at
[email protected] or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page
Feeling like January's got you in a chokehold? Why Do I Always Blow My January Budget? You're definitely not alone! We dive into that all-too-familiar struggle of starting the new year with high hopes and watching them crash by mid-January. But guess what? You're not lazy; you're just tired of going solo on this financial rollercoaster. We chat about how to flip the script, ditch the shame, and lean into God's grace instead. Plus, we’ve got some solid tips for crafting a killer 90-day plan that helps you breathe a little easier and tackle those bills like a boss. So, let’s get into it and start building that peace, not panic!
Check out the full podcast episode here
Kicking things off with a listener's burning question, we dive deep into the January blues that hit folks hard after the holiday cheer fades. You know the drill: new year, new goals, and then—bam!—the budget gets blown faster than a balloon at a birthday party. I totally feel you, my friend! Life throws bills at you like confetti, and it can feel like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of panic. But here's the kicker: you’re not lazy; you're just tired of trying to make sense of it all solo! So, what can we do? We're talking about rebuilding that financial confidence and ditching the shame. Let’s take a step back and breathe, folks. I’ve been there, and it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Knowing that peace is greater than perfection is a game-changer. Also, if you want to avoid the January chaos, a 90-day plan beats the heck out of 90 days of panic! We’re all about small steps that lead to big wins, so let’s lay down a plan together and make this year different.
Now, let’s get real about those feelings of dread when checking your bank balance and how to flip that script with some good ol’ preparation. God’s not keeping score on your finances; He’s measuring your growth and belief. So, we’re digging into grace over guilt because it’s about looking forward, not back. You’ve got to embrace that restart, my friends! And as we plan for the upcoming months, remember: small steps now prevent big stress later. Trust me, we’re all in this together, and we can create a financial plan that reflects trust without the tension. You got this!
As we wrap up, I’m giving you a little homework: jot down your expenses for the first few months. Seriously, just do it. Then take a step back and pray about it. This isn’t a command; it’s an invitation to a more peaceful financial journey. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t sweat it! Join our community and let’s break that financial shame together. Remember, you’re not behind; you’re just on your way to becoming who you’re meant to be. Let’s do this!
Takeaways:
- Feeling overwhelmed with finances in January isn't just you; many feel the same way.
- Starting fresh is cool, but don't let shame hold you back from planning better.
- God's grace helps us move forward, so ditch the guilt and focus on hope.
- Planning for just 90 days can ease financial stress and give you breathing room.
- Taking small steps now can prevent big financial problems later on, so start today!
- Community support is key; you're not alone in this financial journey, so reach out!
Links referenced in this episode:
- financiallyconfidentchristian.com
- financiallyconfidentchristian.com/join
- financiallyconfidentchristian.com/YouTube
💛 Join the Financially Confident Christian Community
If today’s episode encouraged you, we’d love to invite you to be part of something bigger — the Financially Confident Christian Community.
This is where faith and finances come together — a growing family of believers supporting one another, sharing encouragement, and helping spread God’s truth about money.
Your membership helps keep the show free for everyone while funding new devotionals, study guides, and outreach resources.
👉 Learn more and join the mission at financiallyconfidentchristian.com/join
Together, we’re helping believers everywhere break the cycle of financial shame and live with confidence in Christ. 🙏
WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
WATCH NOW ON RUMBLE (OUR VIDEO VERSION)
Please share our Podcast with all your friends and family!
Submit your questions or ideas for future shows - email us at
[email protected] or leave a voicemail message on our podcast page