THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
search A TOPIC
Categories
- Business Management 17
- Creative Specific 3
- Estimated Quarterly Taxes 5
- General Economy; Tax Policy and Legislation 39
- Get to know Hannah Cole 8
- Interviews and personal stories 25
- Personal Finance 19
- Personal and Career Development 17
- Practical and Tactical Tax 54
- Retirement and Future Success 26
- Sunlight Podcast 149
- Tax Deductions for Freelancers and Self-Employed 7
- le 1
- the Sunlight Tax Podcast 12
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.
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:
My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire
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
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
The Child Care Tax Credit
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.
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.
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
How to Have it All
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.
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.
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
What Counts As Taxable Income
Listen and Subscribe Here
It’s easy to get confused when it comes to figuring out what you need to report as income on your tax return.
Today, I’m going over some of the most common ways to receive money as an entrepreneur and talking about what actually counts as income in your business so you can be prepared for your taxes.
Join me in this episode to learn more about determining your total income and how you can make sure you report it correctly to the IRS.
Listen and Subscribe Here
It’s easy to get confused when it comes to figuring out what you need to report as income on your tax return.
Today, I’m going over some of the most common ways to receive money as an entrepreneur and talking about what actually counts as income in your business so you can be prepared for your taxes.
Join me in this episode to learn more about determining your total income and how you can make sure you report it correctly to the IRS.
Also mentioned in this episode:
00:00 Understanding Tax Obligations for Self-Employed Individuals
10:36 What Counts as Income: Key Definitions and Examples
16:39 Clarifying Non-Taxable Income: Gifts, Loans, and More
Takeaways
You must report all income derived from your business activities.
Grants received are considered taxable income unless proven otherwise.
Cash income must be reported, regardless of the amount.
Reimbursements for personal expenses do not count as income.
Gifts are not taxable income if no service is exchanged.
Business loans are not considered taxable income.
Moving money between personal and business accounts does not count as income.
The IRS focuses on who holds the money when determining tax obligations.
Income generated from business operations is generally taxable.
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.
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
The Mental Load of Financial Fear
Listen and Subscribe here
Do you feel overwhelmed, fearful, or even judged when it comes to your taxes and finances?
In today’s episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m diving into the mental load of financial fear, specifically the stress that comes with managing taxes, saving for retirement, and planning financially as a self-employed or creative entrepreneur. We'll explore how this hidden anxiety can weigh down your creative energy and limit your impact.
If you’ve ever felt disorganized or anxious about money, tune in to learn practical ways to overcome that fear, get organized, and become financially confident as a creative entrepreneur.
Listen and Subscribe here
Do you feel overwhelmed, fearful, or even judged when it comes to your taxes and finances?
In today’s episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m diving into the mental load of financial fear, specifically the stress that comes with managing taxes, saving for retirement, and planning financially as a self-employed or creative entrepreneur. We'll explore how this hidden anxiety can weigh down your creative energy and limit your impact.
If you’ve ever felt disorganized or anxious about money, tune in to learn practical ways to overcome that fear, get organized, and become financially confident as a creative entrepreneur.
Also mentioned in this episode:
01:45 The Mental Load of Taxes
06:51 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Around Finances
13:25 Building a System for Financial Ease
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.
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
What are your money concerns?
Suggest a blog topic for Hannah here.