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

Hannah Cole 12/23/25 Hannah Cole 12/23/25

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

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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.

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.

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:

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

Link to review this podcast on Apple

My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire

Hannah Cole 7/29/25 Hannah Cole 7/29/25

Money Talks: A Conversation with My Gen Alpha Daughter

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I had the joy of interviewing my daughter, Farrah, about her very first job and everything she’s been learning about managing money. We talked about the excitement of earning her own income, the value of saving and starting a Roth IRA early, and how taxes work. We even touched on the idea of net worth.

Farrah shared some really thoughtful insights about spending wisely and why she thinks financial education is so important for kids her age (Gen Alpha). It was also fascinating to see how her perspective reflects some of the generational shifts in how we think about money.

Money Talks: A Conversation with My Gen Alpha Daughter

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I had the joy of interviewing my daughter, Farrah, about her very first job and everything she’s been learning about managing money. We talked about the excitement of earning her own income, the value of saving and starting a Roth IRA early, and how taxes work. We even touched on the idea of net worth.

Farrah shared some really thoughtful insights about spending wisely and why she thinks financial education is so important for kids her age (Gen Alpha). It was also fascinating to see how her perspective reflects some of the generational shifts in how we think about money.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:00 Introduction to Money Conversations

03:12 First Job and Earnings Insights

06:17 Understanding Roth IRA and Compound Interest

08:56 Navigating Taxes and Financial Responsibilities

11:43 Defining Net Worth and Wealth

15:36 Lessons on Spending and Saving

18:05 The Importance of Financial Education

19:08 Reflections on Generational Financial Preparedness

Takeaways

Farrah's first job was a significant milestone in her understanding of money.
Earning income brings excitement but also the responsibility to save.
A Roth IRA is a powerful tool for long-term savings due to compound interest.
Understanding taxes is crucial, as they are a personal responsibility.
Saving money requires discipline and foresight, especially for young people.
Teaching kids about money management can empower them for the future.
Generational differences exist in financial preparedness and knowledge.

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

Hannah Cole 7/1/25 Hannah Cole 7/1/25

The Child Care Tax Credit

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Today, I’m sharing important details about the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit particularly focusing on its relevance for parents during the summer months when childcare costs can be significant. I’ll share how you can use it during the summer months when sending your children to summer camp.

I’m also talking about the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction and why a credit is more beneficial to the taxpayer.

Join me in this episode to learn how you can take advantage of this tax credit and how it can apply to you.

Listen and Subscribe here

Today, I’m sharing important details about the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit particularly focusing on its relevance for parents during the summer months when childcare costs can be significant. I’ll share how you can use it during the summer months when sending your children to summer camp.

I’m also talking about the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction and why a credit is more beneficial to the taxpayer.

Join me in this episode to learn how you can take advantage of this tax credit and how it can apply to you.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

01:08 Understanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
04:00 Exploring Summer Camp and Tax Benefits
11:00 Eligibility and Application for the Tax Credit

Takeaways

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit helps working parents with childcare costs.
This credit is different from the child tax credit.
Summer camp expenses can qualify for the tax credit.
The credit allows for a percentage of childcare expenses to be claimed.
Tax credits are more beneficial than tax deductions.
Eligibility for the credit requires earned income or full-time student status.
Unemployment income does not count as earned income for this credit.
Both spouses must file jointly to claim the credit if married.
It's important to keep records of care providers for tax purposes.

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:

VVRKSHOP, Paddy Johnson: https://www.vvrkshop.art/

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

Hannah Cole 6/24/25 Hannah Cole 6/24/25

How to Have it All

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Have you ever wondered how you can have it all in your life and business?

In this throwback episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m talking about focus as an entrepreneur and how I use metrics in my business to decide what to focus on next.

Listen to this episode to learn how you can use metrics to have it all and why you need to be focusing on one thing to get your best work.

Listen and subscribe here

Have you ever wondered how you can have it all in your life and business?

In this throwback episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m talking about focus as an entrepreneur and how I use metrics in my business to decide what to focus on next.

Listen to this episode to learn how you can use metrics to have it all and why you need to be focusing on one thing to get your best work.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

Why you should focus on one thing at a time 8:30
Why batching is so important 13:58
Repetition and how it can help you in business 19:36
The decision metric I use when deciding to take on a new project 39:40

Takeaways

You can have it all, but you can't have it all at once.
Focus on your current capacity and what will increase it.
Specializing in one area can lead to greater success.
Batching tasks can help maintain focus and efficiency.
Repetition is essential for mastering skills in business.
Context switching can drain your cognitive resources.
Editing your business can simplify operations and enhance focus.
Metrics are crucial for tracking progress and improving processes.
Your vision should guide your business decisions.
Don't stress about everything; focus on one thing at a time.

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.