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 43
- Get to know Hannah Cole 8
- Interviews and personal stories 26
- Personal Finance 21
- Personal and Career Development 19
- Practical and Tactical Tax 54
- Retirement and Future Success 27
- Sunlight Podcast 149
- Tax Deductions for Freelancers and Self-Employed 8
- the Sunlight Tax Podcast 23
Design Spotlight: The Power of Branding, Human Connection, and Creative Strategy in the Age of AI
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk with Reggie Tidwell and Tim Scroggs, the founders of the design agency 40 Hearts. We dive into their journey as designers, explore the impact of AI on the creative industry, and discuss why community and branding matter so much during times of economic uncertainty. Our conversation highlights the need for genuine human connection and the enduring value of creativity in navigating challenges.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk with Reggie Tidwell and Tim Scroggs, the founders of the design agency 40 Hearts. We dive into their journey as designers, explore the impact of AI on the creative industry, and discuss why community and branding matter so much during times of economic uncertainty. Our conversation highlights the need for genuine human connection and the enduring value of creativity in navigating challenges.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
02:52 Meet the Designers: Reggie Tidwell and Tim Scroggs
08:38 Creating Enduring Value in Design
11:58 Navigating Client Relationships and Brand Strategy
14:49 Building Confidence as a Designer
17:35 Embracing the Unknown in Creativity
23:55 AI and the Future of Design
29:56 Community and Connection in the Design World
32:36 The Impact of AI on Creativity and Humanity
41:19 The Importance of Intuition and Human Connection
Takeaways
The design industry is evolving with the introduction of AI, but human creativity remains irreplaceable.
Branding is essential for businesses, especially during economic uncertainty.
Transitioning from a beginner to an expert designer involves gaining confidence and experience.
AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance creativity, not a replacement for it.
Isolation is a significant challenge for creatives, and community support is vital.
Understanding client needs is crucial for effective branding and marketing strategies.
Creativity thrives in environments that value human connection and collaboration.
The future of design will require a blend of technology and human intuition.
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
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
Money Cheat Sheet for the Overwhelmed
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Today, I’m sharing an article I wrote where I give a practical financial overview and is a personal finance cheat sheet for anyone feeling overwhelmed with their finances and taxes.
Listen to this episode to get some finance tips to help you feel more secure as an entrepreneur when it comes to your money.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Today, I’m sharing an article I wrote where I give a practical financial overview and is a personal finance cheat sheet for anyone feeling overwhelmed with their finances and taxes.
Listen to this episode to get some finance tips to help you feel more secure as an entrepreneur when it comes to your money.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
02:50 Understanding the Emotional Impact of Money
06:06 Basic Steps to Avoid Financial Disaster
08:55 Debt Management Strategies
12:37 Saving and Investing for the Future
15:52 Empowerment Through Financial Knowledge
Takeaways
Understanding the order of operations in personal finance is crucial.
Money often represents self-worth and security for many individuals.
Artists may feel disconnected from traditional financial systems but must navigate them.
Basic personal finance steps are universal and can empower individuals.
Avoiding financial disaster is the first step in personal finance.
Pay off high-interest debt first to regain financial control.
Prioritize retirement savings over children's college funds.
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
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
My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m discussing the benefits of tax-advantaged savings for children, specifically focusing on Roth IRA for kids. I explain how parents can open a custodial Roth IRA for their kids, the advantages of Roth IRA, and the importance of teaching children about compound interest and financial literacy.
This episode also emphasizes the long-term benefits of starting early with investments and how this can empower the next generation financially.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m discussing the benefits of tax-advantaged savings for children, specifically focusing on a Roth IRA for kids. I explain how parents can open a custodial Roth IRA for their kids, the advantages of a Roth IRA, and the importance of teaching children about compound interest and financial literacy.
This episode also emphasizes the long-term benefits of starting early with investments and how this can empower the next generation financially.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:00 Introduction to Tax-Advantaged Savings for Kids
01:50 Understanding Roth IRAs for Minors
05:28 Investment Strategies for Kids' Roth IRAs
09:05 Teaching Kids About Compound Interest
Takeaways
Open a custodial Roth IRA for your kids to save on taxes.
Kids can have a Roth IRA if they earn income.
Roth IRAs allow tax-free withdrawals in the future.
Teaching kids about money can empower them financially.
Compound interest can significantly grow investments over time.
Matching your child's earnings in an IRA is allowed.
Most kids will pay no taxes on their Roth IRA withdrawals.
Investing in index funds is a good strategy for kids.
Financial literacy is crucial for the next generation.
This is a great opportunity to teach kids about investments.
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:
Roth vs Traditional IRA: Does it even matter?
How to fund your IRA: Pay yourself first
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 Shockingly Simple Math of Making Your Taxes Easier
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk about something that can feel overwhelming for a lot of us: taxes and bookkeeping, especially if you're a self-employed person. I share why having a positive mindset around money stuff really matters and how it can actually make tax season a lot less stressful.
I also introduce my new workbook, which is designed to help you move past some of those mindset blocks that can make dealing with taxes feel so heavy. Throughout our chat, I offer practical tips, like why it’s so important to have a separate bank account for your business, and how setting up just a few basic expense categories can make a big difference in staying organized.
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk about something that can feel overwhelming for a lot of us: taxes and bookkeeping, especially if you're a self-employed person. I share why having a positive mindset around money stuff really matters and how it can actually make tax season a lot less stressful.
I also introduce my new workbook, which is designed to help you move past some of those mindset blocks that can make dealing with taxes feel so heavy. Throughout our chat, I offer practical tips, like why it’s so important to have a separate bank account for your business, and how setting up just a few basic expense categories can make a big difference in staying organized.
Join me in this episode and feel empowered to take small, proactive steps with your finances so you can ditch the stress and focus on the creative work you love.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
Takeaways
The mindset around taxes can significantly impact financial management.
Bookkeeping should be done consistently throughout the year.
Procrastination in bookkeeping leads to increased stress at tax time.
Having a separate business bank account simplifies financial tracking.
Every transaction needs to be categorized for accurate tax reporting.
Doing any bookkeeping now reduces work at tax time.
Mid-year is a great time to assess your financial organization.
Setting up expense categories can be done easily with a spreadsheet.
A visual guide to tax deductions can help streamline the process.
Taking small steps now can lead to greater financial peace later.
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
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
What are your money concerns?
Suggest a blog topic for Hannah here.