THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:

Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs

search A TOPIC

Categories

Get Free Money By Using Your Retirement Accounts

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner.

If there is one single habit you can have in your life to build financial security for yourself, and frankly, to get free money that’s on the table, it is to max out your tax-advantaged accounts every single year.
— Hannah Cole

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Embracing Summer and Financial Reflection

02:50 Understanding Tax-Advantaged Accounts

06:05 Maximizing Retirement Savings with SEP IRAs

08:50 The Power of Productive Friction in Learning

11:58 The Power Triangle for Financial Growth

15:10 Strategies for Effective Tax-Advantaged Saving

17:55 Upcoming Class: Save Like A Millionaire

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.

Episode Links:

Join the Workshop:Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart Accounts

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

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

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

Anna Burgess Yang: Why Self-Employment May Be More Secure Than a Traditional Job

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Anna Burgess Yang to discuss her journey from corporate banking to solopreneurship. We explore the skills that helped her make the leap, how she approaches business decisions and financial management, and what it really means to navigate risk as a self-employed business owner. Anna also shares practical insights on freelancing and building a sustainable solo business while having effective financial planning. 

Anna Burgess Yang: Why Self Employment May Be More Secure Than A Traditional Job

Listen and Subscribe Here

“It's stressful to work for an employer and it's stressful to work for yourself. It's just like choose your stress.” – Anna Burgess Yang 

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Anna Burgess Yang to discuss her journey from corporate banking to solopreneurship. We explore the skills that helped her make the leap, how she approaches business decisions and financial management, and what it really means to navigate risk as a self-employed business owner. Anna also shares practical insights on freelancing and building a sustainable solo business while having effective financial planning. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Introduction to Solopreneurship

06:01 Transitioning from Corporate to Freelance

10:25 Common Mistakes Solopreneurs Make

12:26 The Risks of Employment vs. Self-Employment

17:10 Current Economic Landscape for Freelancers

22:20 Navigating Career Pivots

28:04 Financial Management for Solopreneurs

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.

About Anna Burgess Yang:

Anna Burgess Yang is a freelance content marketer and journalist specializing in B2B SaaS and fintech. She is also a solopreneur educator focused on back-end business operations. A former corporate executive, she now writes long-form content for clients. She also maintains her own blog, newsletter, and a tutorials site. Within her content, she teaches other solopreneurs and marketers how to use AI and automation to work more efficiently.

Check Out Anna’s Work:

FREE RESOURCE: Budget Health Check

Anna’s Instagram

Anna’s LinkedIn 

Anna’s YouTube Channel

Episode Links:

Join the Workshop:Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart Accounts

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

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

Watch YouTube video version

Read More
Hannah Cole Hannah Cole

Most Americans Have Been Deceived About Taxing the Wealthy (Even My Mom and Partner)

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down some of the biggest misconceptions about wealth taxes, estate taxes, and tax fairness in the United States. We’ll explore how the tax system works for the wealthiest Americans, why so many myths persist around taxing wealth, and what these policies mean for everyday people, small business owners, and future generations.

I also share the story behind my grassroots campaign to raise awareness about tax justice through art, advocacy, and community action. My goal is to make complex tax issues easier to understand and help more people engage in conversations about economic fairness and social change.

People are wanting, very rightfully, to feel like they’re paying into a system that feels fair for everyone, including hundred millionaires and billionaires.
— Hannah Cole

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down some of the biggest misconceptions about wealth taxes, estate taxes, and tax fairness in the United States. We’ll explore how the tax system works for the wealthiest Americans, why so many myths persist around taxing wealth, and what these policies mean for everyday people, small business owners, and future generations.

I also share the story behind my grassroots campaign to raise awareness about tax justice through art, advocacy, and community action. My goal is to make complex tax issues easier to understand and help more people engage in conversations about economic fairness and social change.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 My Art Campaign

00:29 The State of Wealth Inequality in the US

00:57 Tax Fairness and the Wealthy

01:50 Problems with Wealth Tax and Historical Context

02:45 Inheritances and the Income Tax System

03:41 Hannah's Grassroots Campaign and Art Fundraiser

04:41 Understanding the Sunlight Tax Website

05:09 Funding the IRS and Tax Enforcement

06:34 Myths and Misinformation about Tax Laws

07:32 Upcoming Expert Interview with Professor Madoff

09:00 Misconceptions about Inheritance and Gift Taxes

12:17 The Truth About Estate Taxes and Public Perception

16:35 Tax Benefits for Primary Residence Sales


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.


Episode Links:

Support me in rebuilding my studio

Ray Madoff, author ofThe Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy.

Get my Tax Help onSubstack.

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

How to Tax the Rich and Studio Fundraiser

Listen and Subscribe Here

This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I share why tax fairness matters and how current tax policies disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while placing a greater burden on working people and small business owners. I break down the growing gap between wealth and taxation, explain how these policies affect everyday life, and discuss why a more equitable tax system is essential for a stronger economy and society.

I also share the story behind my latest art project – a fundraiser to rebuild my Helene-destroyed studio that doubles as what I do best: Helping you understand & spread the word about a key issue that’s complex, fact-based, and offering real solutions. With a touch of handmade vibes. And spread the word (before the midterms), and buy a hand-printed tote that helps me rebuild.

Everyone should feel that their taxes are fair.
— Hannah Cole

This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I share why tax fairness matters and how current tax policies disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while placing a greater burden on working people and small business owners. I break down the growing gap between wealth and taxation, explain how these policies affect everyday life, and discuss why a more equitable tax system is essential for a stronger economy and society.

I also share the story behind my latest art project – a fundraiser to rebuild my Helene-destroyed studio that doubles as what I do best: Helping you understand & spread the word about a key issue that’s complex, fact-based, and offering real solutions. With a touch of handmade vibes. And spread the word (before the midterms), and buy a hand-printed tote that helps me rebuild.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Introduction and Personal Reflections

02:49 The Taxation Debate: Fairness and Advocacy

08:30 Understanding Wealth Inequality

10:09 Misdirection in Taxation

20:02 Strategies of the Wealthy

22:25 Systemic Failures in Taxation

25:27 Proposed Solutions for Tax Fairness

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.

Episode Links:

Support me in rebuilding my studio

Ray Madoff, author ofThe Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy.

Katherine Anne Edwards, economist, and co-host of the podcast The Optimist Economy

Get my Tax Help onSubstack.

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions
Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

3 Brain Tricks For Expanding Attention and Handling Stress

Listen and Subscribe here

This week, I’m sharing my personal journey of resetting my mind and business, and the three simple brain shifts that have helped me expand my attention and handle stress in a more sustainable way. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I walk you through practical, grounded tools you can start using right away to feel more focused and in control.

In this episode, I explore how I’m learning to manage overwhelm and embrace humility through powerful metaphors. My hope is that this conversation gives you permission to slow down and make small, meaningful changes that support a more intentional life and work.

Let’s stop imposing my idea of how things should be, how people should behave, how things should work, and let’s just look at what’s there, right?
— Hannah Cole

This week, I’m sharing my personal journey of resetting my mind and business, and the three simple brain shifts that have helped me expand my attention and handle stress in a more sustainable way. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I walk you through practical, grounded tools you can start using right away to feel more focused and in control.

In this episode, I explore how I’m learning to manage overwhelm and embrace humility through powerful metaphors. My hope is that this conversation gives you permission to slow down and make small, meaningful changes that support a more intentional life and work.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 A  journey on how I’m embracing the Reset

12:08 The Power of Reading 

15:24 Building a Supportive Community

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.


Episode Links:

Take the 2-minute survey here.

The Sunlight Tax Podcast Episode 201: Amelia Hruby: How to Build a Successful Business Without Social Media

Get my Tax Help onSubstack.

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

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

Watch YouTube video version

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Taking a pause can improve mental clarity and productivity.

  • Reading more and reducing screen time enhances sleep and attention.

  • Using accountability tools like co-working sessions can reduce task avoidance.

Read More

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