THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:

Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs

January Tax Setup: Make Your Taxes a Breeze in 20 Minutes

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down my most effective tax prep strategies to help creatives and entrepreneurs start the year organized, confident, and ahead of the game. I share my January setup to make your taxes a breeze. I'll give you the exact systems I recommend for simplifying tax season without overwhelm or guesswork – like tracking mileage and mileage logs, setting up a simple document filing system, knowing your 1099 requirements, and a receipt management workflow that’s easy to maintain all year long.

If you want to avoid costly tax mistakes and move through tax season smoothly, this episode gives you actionable tools you can implement right now. Whether you're self-employed, earning 1099 income, or running a creative business, you’ll walk away with a clear plan for staying compliant, reducing stress, and setting yourself up for a better money year.

January Tax Setup: Make Your Taxes a Breeze in 20 Minutes

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down my most effective tax prep strategies to help creatives and entrepreneurs start the year organized, confident, and ahead of the game. I share my January setup to make your taxes a breeze. I'll give you the exact systems I recommend for simplifying tax season without overwhelm or guesswork – like tracking mileage and mileage logs, setting up a simple document filing system, knowing your 1099 requirements, and a receipt management workflow that’s easy to maintain all year long.

If you want to avoid costly tax mistakes and move through tax season smoothly, this episode gives you actionable tools you can implement right now. Whether you're self-employed, earning 1099 income, or running a creative business, you’ll walk away with a clear plan for staying compliant, reducing stress, and setting yourself up for a better money year.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

01:12 New Year, New Tax Strategies

03:13 Essential Tax Preparation Tips

09:44 Understanding 1099s and Deadlines

14:01 Setting Up a Business Bank Account

15:54 Organizing Receipts for Tax Season

19:28 Other Resources

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Get your free January Checklist

The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP4: Mileage: the best deduction you're missing

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

Where To Put Your Money: First, Next and Last

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share core personal finance strategies for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and business owners. Learn the right order of operations for managing money, why an emergency fund is essential, practical debt management tips, and simple ways to start investing with low-cost index funds.

Join me today to hear some basic steps to control your finances and how you can start investing today. 

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share core personal finance strategies for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and business owners. Learn the right order of operations for managing money, why an emergency fund is essential, practical debt management tips, and simple ways to start investing with low-cost index funds.

Join me today to hear some basic steps to control your finances and how you can start investing today. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

00:23 Navigating Life's Unexpected Challenges

01:19 Understanding Personal Finance Order of Operations

04:01 The Basics of Personal Finance

07:55 Debt Management Strategies

08:48 Prioritizing Savings for Retirement and Education

10:13 Investing Basics and Strategies

13:25 Empowering Financial Education and Resources

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Watch YouTube video version

Read More
the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole

How Much Can You Save Using An IRA? I Show You The Math

Listen and Subscribe Here

On this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into why tax literacy is crucial and how understanding the basics can save you thousands of dollars. I explain how tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, HSAs, and retirement savings plans work, and why they’re some of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth and financial stability.

Using practical examples and simple calculations, I show how small, informed choices can lead to significant tax savings over time. Plus, I share details about my free step-by-step tax strategies class, designed to make complex tax concepts accessible, actionable, and stress-free.

Listen and Subscribe Here

On this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into why tax literacy is crucial and how understanding the basics can save you thousands of dollars. I explain how tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, HSAs, and retirement savings plans work, and why they’re some of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth and financial stability.

Using practical examples and simple calculations, I show how small, informed choices can lead to significant tax savings over time. Plus, I share details about my free step-by-step tax strategies class, designed to make complex tax concepts accessible, actionable, and stress-free.

Whether you’re a self-employed creative, freelancer, or anyone looking to take control of your finances, this episode will give you the tools to understand taxes, maximize savings, and grow your wealth. Don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more people find these insights and start feeling confident about their money.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:32 Introduction and Holiday Reflections

03:01 The Importance of Tax Literacy

11:34 Maximizing Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Savings

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Free online tax calculator

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Link to review this podcast on Apple

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

An Interview with Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast on Clarity, Taxes, and Not Being Boring

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m interviewed by Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast about my book Taxes for Humans, a tax guide for self-employed creatives. We explore why demystifying taxes is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding the systems, values, and power behind them.

I share why tax education matters, how it can empower creatives, and how the companion workbook helps put these ideas into practice. Plus, hear real stories from artists navigating taxes and the emotional weight money can carry in the creative world.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m interviewed by Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast about my book Taxes for Humans, a tax guide for self-employed creatives. We explore why demystifying taxes is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding the systems, values, and power behind them.

I share why tax education matters, how it can empower creatives, and how the companion workbook helps put these ideas into practice. Plus, hear real stories from artists navigating taxes and the emotional weight money can carry in the creative world.

Also mentioned in this episode:

03:19 Understanding the Book's Unique Approach

06:37 The Importance of Context in Tax Education

09:32 Breaking Down Tax Myths and Misconceptions

12:22 Empowering Artists Through Financial Literacy

15:37 The Role of Taxes in Society

18:33 The Workbook: A Practical Companion

21:17 Addressing Judgment and Shame in Tax Preparation

24:36 Real Stories of Artists Overcoming Tax Challenges

27:28 Resources for Artists

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Link to pre-order my workbook, Taxes for Humans: The Workbook

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Watch YouTube video version

Read More
the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole

Taxes for Humans Launch Party: Live Interview with Liz Kantner of the Success with Jewelry Podcast

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into the heart of my new book, Taxes for Humans, a guide I wrote to demystify taxes for creatives, freelancers, and self-employed people. I open up about my own history with money shame and why understanding taxes is so much bigger than numbers on a return. Taxes reflect our culture, our values, and the systems we move through every day.

I share some of the behind-the-scenes, humor, and stories that shaped this book, and we talk about why real financial empowerment requires community, civic engagement, and a better approach to financial education. If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or alone in figuring out your finances, this conversation will help you feel seen, and give you tools to navigate taxes with confidence and clarity.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into the heart of my new book, Taxes for Humans, a guide I wrote to demystify taxes for creatives, freelancers, and self-employed people. I open up about my own history with money shame and why understanding taxes is so much bigger than numbers on a return. Taxes reflect our culture, our values, and the systems we move through every day.

I share some of the behind-the-scenes, humor, and stories that shaped this book, and we talk about why real financial empowerment requires community, civic engagement, and a better approach to financial education. If you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or alone in figuring out your finances, this conversation will help you feel seen, and give you tools to navigate taxes with confidence and clarity.

Also mentioned in this episode:

1:32  What Inspired the Book

5:34  A Money Moment You’ll Never Forget

6:30  Why Creatives Feel So Much Shame

7:31  Taxes Are Culture

12:06  A Gentle First Step for Creatives

13:10  Can Taxes Create Real Change?

14:59  Lessons from Losing Your Studio

16:25  A Mistake That Taught You Something

17:41  Your #1 Message for Readers

18:43  What You Hope This Book Builds

20:06 What Every Creative Should Know About Their Worth

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Link to pre-order my workbook, Taxes for Humans: The Workbook

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

What are your money concerns?
Suggest a blog topic for Hannah here.