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New 1099 Rules for Freelancers, Class Action Deadlines, and Who Pays a Parent's Debt

New 1099 Rules for Freelancers, Class Action Deadlines, and Who Pays a Parent's Debt

Author: Ralph V. Estep, Jr. September 8, 2026 Duration: 1:00:22
Becoming Financially Confident
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityBusinessChristianityEducationSelf ImprovementSpirituality

I'm dealing with a head cold today, so forgive the voice, but we've got a full show for you. Mortgage rates just hit 6.71%, the highest in over a year, and I'll walk you through what that actually does to your buying power. We also dig into why your regular savings account might be handing the bank $573 a year that could've been yours, what an IRS CP2000 notice really means (spoiler: it's not an audit), and whether you're on the hook for a parent's credit card debt after they pass away. Plus a new 1099 rule that's going to confuse a lot of freelancers, three class action settlements closing out this month, and this week's money move to protect your phone number from getting hijacked.

I'm Ralph Estep Jr., a licensed public accountant with 30 years in the business, and I'm joined by my cohost Juliet. We're live every Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern on Becoming Financially Confident.

Here's what we got into today:

  • Three class action settlements with September deadlines, including one that pays out for a cookware brand without a receipt
  • Mortgage rates climbed to 6.71%, and I explain why I don't think we're heading back into the 4 and 5 percent range anytime soon
  • The 1099 threshold jumped from $600 to $2,000, which sounds like good news for business owners but could trip up a lot of gig workers come tax season
  • Dana in Ohio has $15,000 parked at 0.4% interest. I broke down the math on high-yield savings versus CDs and showed her how to build a CD ladder
  • Marcus in Pennsylvania got a CP2000 notice for $3,200. I walked through exactly what that letter is asking for and why it's not the audit he thought it was
  • Yvonne in Michigan is getting collection calls over her late mother's credit card debt, even though she was only an authorized user, not a joint account holder
  • This week's money move: lock down your phone number with a carrier PIN before someone else does. I had someone try to hijack mine, so I speak from experience on this one

Got a money question? Send it to me at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com.

Want to watch or listen live? We're on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern at becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/live.

Have a great week, everybody.

Mentioned in this episode:

becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/quicken

becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/stamps

becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/ezwill

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Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Ironclad
  • Google Play
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts
  • Quicken Simplifi
  • Stamps.com
  • EZ Will and Trust
  • Disney
  • Fidelity
  • Verizon
  • Venmo
  • Cash App
  • IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)


Ralph V. Estep, Jr. hosts Financially Confident Christian, a space where faith meets your bank statement. Recognized as a top Christian finance podcast, these conversations start from a simple, powerful idea: money is more than math-it's a matter of confidence, stewardship, and personal faith. If financial worry or shame has ever felt like a lonely cycle, this is a place to find solid ground. Ralph guides listeners through blending timeless Biblical wisdom with actionable, modern financial strategies. You'll hear practical advice on budgeting, debt, and building security, all framed within the context of Christian calling and generosity. The goal isn't just a better portfolio, but a more peaceful and purposeful relationship with the resources you've been given. This podcast sits uniquely at the intersection of spiritual growth and tangible self-improvement, making it a resource for anyone looking to align their financial life with their values. Each episode aims to replace anxiety with clarity and conviction, offering a path toward becoming a better manager of all that is entrusted to you. Tune in for honest talk that respects both your faith and your desire for real-world results.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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