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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The $100K Financial Literacy Reward, and The Hidden Costs of Buy Now, Pay Later

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I dig into the real impact of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services on spending habits and financial health. These “pay-later” plans may seem harmless, but they can quietly lead people, especially young consumers—into cycles of debt and financial stress.

I break down how BNPL changes the way we think about money, what the long-term risks are, and why financial education is one of the most effective tools for protecting yourself. Research shows that learning even the basics of personal finance can save you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

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