THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:

Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs

the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole

Taxes Are the Broccoli of Democracy, So Why Should You Care?

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm sharing my excitement about launching my book, Taxes for Humans.  I wrote this book to make taxes simple and empowering, especially for freelancers, creatives, and historically underrepresented communities.

We dive into why understanding taxes isn’t just about saving money, it’s about knowing how our taxes fund essential services, support our communities, and strengthen democracy. I also break down practical tax tips for self-employed individuals and creatives so you can grow your business, maximize benefits, and make a positive impact.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm sharing my excitement about launching my book, Taxes for Humans.  I wrote this book to make taxes simple and empowering, especially for freelancers, creatives, and historically underrepresented communities.

We dive into why understanding taxes isn’t just about saving money, it’s about knowing how our taxes fund essential services, support our communities, and strengthen democracy. I also break down practical tax tips for self-employed individuals and creatives so you can grow your business, maximize benefits, and make a positive impact.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:25 Taxes for Humans

03:54 The Mission Behind Taxes for Humans

06:42 Understanding Taxes as a Societal Agreement

09:52 The Benefits of Taxes for Individuals and Businesses

12:46 Empowering Creatives and Entrepreneurs

15:32 Celebrating Community and Upcoming Events

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

Get your SUPERBRIGHT Bonuses

Check my in-person events.

You're invited to my book launch party in Asheville.

Watch YouTube video version

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the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole the Sunlight Tax Podcast Hannah Cole

Visuals, Context and Empathy: How I deliver the Best Tax Guide Through a Humanities-Educated Lens

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share the story behind my new book, Taxes for Humans—a tax guide that blends my humanities and art background with clear, practical financial education. I break down why context matters in tax learning, how visuals and design make complex concepts easier to understand, and why emotional support and empathy are essential tools for navigating money.

You’ll hear how this book and its companion workbook help you feel grounded, empowered, and supported, not overwhelmed. My mission is simple: to build an empire of empathy through a tax guide that’s completely different.

If you’ve ever wished taxes felt more human, intuitive, and kind, this episode is your invitation in.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share the story behind my new book, Taxes for Humans—a tax guide that blends my humanities and art background with clear, practical financial education. I break down why context matters in tax learning, how visuals and design make complex concepts easier to understand, and why emotional support and empathy are essential tools for navigating money.

You’ll hear how this book and its companion workbook help you feel grounded, empowered, and supported, not overwhelmed. My mission is simple: to build an empire of empathy through a tax guide that’s completely different.

If you’ve ever wished taxes felt more human, intuitive, and kind, this episode is your invitation in.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:21 Introduction to Taxes for Humans and Its Purpose

06:14 The Unique Approach of an Artist's Tax Guide

11:33 Visual Learning and Emotional Support in Tax Education

16:54 Workbook Overview and Launch Celebration

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

Get your SUPERBRIGHT Bonuses

Watch YouTube video version

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

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

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of The Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on for a long time, my new book, Taxes for Humans. This book is for freelancers, artists, and self-employed folks who want to finally understand their taxes and take control of their money.

I talk about why tax education matters so much when you work for yourself, how complicated the self-employment system can be, and why I created a character called the Tax Dominatrix to make learning about taxes a lot more fun and less intimidating.

I also explain why pre-ordering the book is such a big deal. It helps make sure Taxes for Humans is available to everyone, including people who can’t afford traditional financial education programs.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of The Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on for a long time, my new book, Taxes for Humans. This book is for freelancers, artists, and self-employed folks who want to finally understand their taxes and take control of their money.

I talk about why tax education matters so much when you work for yourself, how complicated the self-employment system can be, and why I created a character called the Tax Dominatrix to make learning about taxes a lot more fun and less intimidating.

I also explain why pre-ordering the book is such a big deal. It helps make sure Taxes for Humans is available to everyone, including people who can’t afford traditional financial education programs.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:17 Overview of 'Taxes for Humans' Book

02:15 Understanding Self-Employment Taxes

04:12 Navigating Tax Complexity

05:34 The Tax Dominatrix Concept

07:21 Importance of Pre-Ordering the Book

08:45 Accessibility of Tax Education


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 pre-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

Healthcare Changes From the OBBBA: Expert Dr. Matthew Fiedler Explains

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I talk with Dr. Matthew Fiedler about the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act—and what it could mean for your healthcare and taxes.

We break down how the government shutdown affects healthcare access, why there are major Medicaid cuts, and what trade-offs come with the new tax cuts. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by low and moderate-income individuals in accessing healthcare, especially in light of new administrative requirements and potential loss of coverage. 

We also talk about what this means if you’re self-employed or run a small business. With shifting healthcare policies and tax laws, good bookkeeping and clear financial records matter more than ever.

Dr. Fiedler emphasizes the need for a more rational approach to healthcare financing and the importance of bookkeeping for self-employed individuals.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I talk with Dr. Matthew Fiedler about the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and what it could mean for your healthcare and taxes.

We break down how the government shutdown affects healthcare access, why there are major Medicaid cuts, and what trade-offs come with the new tax cuts. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by low and moderate-income individuals in accessing healthcare, especially in light of new administrative requirements and potential loss of coverage. 

We also talk about what this means if you’re self-employed or run a small business. With shifting healthcare policies and tax laws, good bookkeeping and clear financial records matter more than ever.

Dr. Fiedler emphasizes the need for a more rational approach to healthcare financing and the importance of bookkeeping for self-employed individuals.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:46 Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

03:07 Impact of Government Shutdown on Healthcare

08:05 Overview of Healthcare Provisions in the Bill

09:30 Trade-offs in Tax Cuts and Healthcare Funding

12:20 Medicaid Cuts and Work Requirements

16:00 Navigating Medicaid for the Recently Unemployed

20:16 Cost-Shifting from Federal to State Medicaid Programs

25:29 Consequences for Low and Moderate Income Individuals

28:18 Changes in Marketplace Coverage Requirements

30:38 Implications for Self-Employed Individuals

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:

Dr. Matthew Fiedler

Link to pre-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

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

Can You Deduct That Trip? How Business Meals and Travel Deductions Really Work

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I dive into one of the most essential tax deductions for self-employed individuals, focusing on business meals and travel expenses. If you’re a freelancer, creative professional, or small business owner, this episode will help you understand what truly qualifies as a deductible expense, so you can stay compliant and keep more of what you earn.

I break down IRS rules for business deductions, explain the documentation you need to support your write-offs, and share examples to make these concepts easy to apply. Plus, I talk about why supporting independent bookstores is so important to me and how it ties into the launch of my upcoming book, Taxes for Humans.

Listen and Subscribe here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I dive into one of the most essential tax deductions for self-employed individuals, focusing on business meals and travel expenses. If you’re a freelancer, creative professional, or small business owner, this episode will help you understand what truly qualifies as a deductible expense, so you can stay compliant and keep more of what you earn.

I break down IRS rules for business deductions, explain the documentation you need to support your write-offs, and share examples to make these concepts easy to apply. Plus, I talk about why supporting independent bookstores is so important to me and how it ties into the launch of my upcoming book, Taxes for Humans.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:14 Understanding Business Deductions

08:25 Exploring Business Meals and Travel Deductions

15:20 The Importance of Independent Bookstores

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

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

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