Hard Pulls vs Soft Pulls: What Applying for Credit Really Costs

In today's episode, Ralph Estep Jr. and Juliet focus on what an LLC actually changes for a growing freelancer, along with a new marketplace repayment rule, holiday pay-later plans, and credit applications.In This Episode✓ Marketplace open enrollment and the end of the repayment cap on excess premium credits✓ Nearly 2 in 5 holiday spenders plan to use buy now, pay later✓ Employers think workers have enough saved, and workers say otherwise✓ What a hard credit pull really costs, and how rate shopping works✓ What an LLC changes for a freelancer, and when an S corporation makes sense✓ Hosting Thanksgiving for 12 without leaning on a credit card✓ Money move: sell something you don't use, up to $75If you've ever wondered whether an LLC will cut your tax bill, this episode gives you a straight answer.ResourcesWatch live:https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/liveChristmas Bonus giveaway:https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/giveawayYear-End Personal Tax Review:https://www.becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/yearendBook a call:https://www.ralphestepjr.com/scheduleHealthCare.gov open enrollment:https://www.healthcare.gov/get-answers/NerdWallet 2026 Holiday Spending Report:https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/studies/holiday-spending-reportmyFICO on rate shopping:https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/blog/rate-shopIRS self-employment tax:https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxesFollow Becoming Financially ConfidentLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/becomingfinanciallyconfidentFacebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HpWqv8jp9/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/becomingfinanciallyconfidentSkool Community:https://www.skool.com/becoming-financially-confident-7556TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@becoming.financialHave a money question?Send it here:becomingfinanciallyconfident.com/voicemailCompanies MentionedNerdWalletThe Harris PollTransamericaHighmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldWalmartMacy'sNordstromToyotaCadillacHondaHyundaiGoogle MeetYouTubeInstagramFacebook