THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:

Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs

Joe Saul-Sehy of Stacking Benjamins: On Ruining His Credit & Teaching Money Skills with Humor

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Joe Saul-Sehy, host of the Stacking Benjamins Show, for a deep dive into the world of personal finance and the emotional side of money management. Joe shares insights from his journey writing a personal finance book, and we explore topics like budgeting strategies, creating financial systems that work, and learning from our biggest money mistakes.

We also discuss how mindset and emotions affect your money decisions, why community and accountability are essential for building wealth, and practical tips for artists and freelancers managing irregular income. Throughout the conversation, we highlight the importance of defining your financial goals, your core money values, and how having the right support network can help you actually achieve them.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Joe Saul-Sehy, host of the Stacking Benjamins Show, for a deep dive into the world of personal finance and the emotional side of money management. Joe shares insights from his journey writing a personal finance book, and we explore topics like budgeting strategies, creating financial systems that work, and learning from our biggest money mistakes.

We also discuss how mindset and emotions affect your money decisions, why community and accountability are essential for building wealth, and practical tips for artists and freelancers managing irregular income. Throughout the conversation, we highlight the importance of defining your financial goals, your core money values, and how having the right support network can help you actually achieve them.

Also mentioned in this episode:

06:23 Tools for Financial Management

07:22 Learning from Financial Mistakes

13:07 Navigating Financial Challenges

24:46 The Power of Timelines in Financial Planning

26:30 Defining 'Best' in Financial Goals

33:46 The Emotional Side of Money

44:41 Creating a Sustainable Income Strategy

Takeaways

  • Tech tools can simplify financial management.

  • Budgeting is essential for financial stability.

  • Personal stories of financial mistakes can be motivating.

  • Learning from financial advisors is key to success.

  • The emotional side of money impacts decision-making.

  • Defining financial goals helps prioritize spending.

  • Community support is vital for financial success.

  • Artists and Creatives need to value their work and manage income wisely.

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:

The Stacking Benjamins Show

Joe Saul-Sehy’s Book: Stacked

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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

Watch YouTube video version.

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The One Habit That Gets You to Financial Security

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I reveal the #1 habit that sets successful freelancers apart: consistent saving. Discover why saving is like a muscle you need to train, how small, steady contributions to retirement accounts can snowball into long-term financial security, and why waiting for the "perfect" moment to save holds you back.

I share my personal journey, real success stories from my community, and practical tips to overcome the psychological barriers that keep many creatives and freelancers from building wealth. Whether you’re just starting out or have been self-employed for years, you’ll learn how to take imperfect but powerful action toward your financial goals and harness the power of compound interest to create a more secure future.

If you’ve ever felt behind on saving, this episode will give you the motivation and strategy you need to start today.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I reveal the #1 habit that sets successful freelancers apart: consistent saving. Discover why saving is like a muscle you need to train, how small, steady contributions to retirement accounts can snowball into long-term financial security, and why waiting for the "perfect" moment to save holds you back.

I share my personal journey, real success stories from my community, and practical tips to overcome the psychological barriers that keep many creatives and freelancers from building wealth. Whether you’re just starting out or have been self-employed for years, you’ll learn how to take imperfect but powerful action toward your financial goals and harness the power of compound interest to create a more secure future.

If you’ve ever felt behind on saving, this episode will give you the motivation and strategy you need to start today.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:11 The Key Habit of Successful Freelancers

03:40 Overcoming Perfectionism in Saving

06:37 The Power of Consistent Savings

09:12 Building a Safety Net with Small Contributions

11:51 The Psychology of Financial Habits

14:54 Real Success Stories from the Community

18:26 The Importance of Habits Over Windfalls

21:10 Encouragement and Resources for Financial Security

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Watch YouTube video version

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

The Real Cost of Accounting for Small Businesses and Why I Built Money Bootcamp

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This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I break down the biggest misconceptions about professional accounting services and explain why relying on tax preparation alone doesn’t give small business owners or creative entrepreneurs the full value they need. I talk about the importance of proactive tax planning, bookkeeping, and year-round financial strategy, and why high-quality accounting services can feel expensive but are worth the investment.

That’s exactly why I created Money Bootcamp, a comprehensive course package and bookkeeping setup training for freelancers, sole proprietors, and solopreneurs. It helps get you set up right for taxes, tracking the right things, and growing a giant pile of money without wasting your time.

Listen and Subscribe Here

This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I break down the biggest misconceptions about professional accounting services and explain why relying on tax preparation alone doesn’t give small business owners or creative entrepreneurs the full value they need. I talk about the importance of proactive tax planning, bookkeeping, and year-round financial strategy, and why high-quality accounting services can feel expensive but are worth the investment.

That’s exactly why I created Money Bootcamp, a comprehensive course package and bookkeeping setup training for freelancers, sole proprietors, and solopreneurs. It helps get you set up right for taxes, tracking the right things, and growing a giant pile of money without wasting your time.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:00 Understanding the Value of Professional Accounting

02:19 Common Misconceptions About Accountants

03:43 What You Don't Get with Tax Preparation

06:55 The Costs of Quality Accounting Services

11:40 The Need for Accessible Financial Education

13:49 Money Bootcamp

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 on 9/17: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

Student Loan Updates: Borrowing Limits and Repayment Plans Under the New Tax Bill

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I’m diving into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it impacts student loan borrowers. This new legislation introduces changes to borrowing limits, updates to repayment plans, and raises important questions for legacy borrowers still managing older loans.

If you’ve been wondering how these updates affect your education financing or what steps you should take to prepare, you’re in the right place. My goal is to provide clear explanations and practical resources so you can confidently navigate the new student loan rules under this tax law.

Listen and Subscribe Here

I’m diving into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it impacts student loan borrowers. This new legislation introduces changes to borrowing limits, updates to repayment plans, and raises important questions for legacy borrowers still managing older loans.

If you’ve been wondering how these updates affect your education financing or what steps you should take to prepare, you’re in the right place. My goal is to provide clear explanations and practical resources so you can confidently navigate the new student loan rules under this tax law.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

01:00 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

06:42 New Borrowing Caps and Repayment Plans

13:31 Navigating Legacy Borrower Challenges

Takeaways

  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is significant legislation to focus on.

  • New student loan borrowers will have only two repayment options after July 2026.

  • The SAVE program is ending, impacting many borrowers.

  • New lifetime caps on borrowing for education will be implemented.

  • Half a million borrowers may see increased payments due to changes.

  • Low and middle-income students may struggle with graduate school costs.

  • The RAP plan offers more flexible repayment options for borrowers.

  • It's crucial to stay informed through reliable resources and articles.

  • Navigating student loans requires careful consideration and action. 

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.

Other Sunlight Tax podcast episodes about OBBBA:

Links:

Help article by Tara Siegel Bernard from the New York Times

This article on the NPR website, by Cory Turner 

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

New Tax Bill: No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and New Deduction for Seniors

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In this episode, I break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for taxpayers like you. I explain the campaign promises written into this bill—including the “no tax on tips” provision, the “no tax on overtime” benefit, and the new deductions available for seniors. 

My goal is to help you clearly understand how these changes may impact your taxes, your income, and your financial planning. If you want to stay ahead of new tax laws and make the most of these opportunities, this episode is for you.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for taxpayers like you. I explain the campaign promises written into this bill, including the “no tax on tips” provision, the “no tax on overtime” benefit, and the new deductions available for seniors. 

My goal is to help you clearly understand how these changes may impact your taxes, your income, and your financial planning. If you want to stay ahead of new tax laws and make the most of these opportunities, this episode is for you.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

03:13  Campaign Promises and Tax Deductions

06:15  Understanding the No Tax on Tips Provision

19:52  Exploring the No Tax on Overtime Provision

Takeaways

  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was passed on July 2nd.

  • The bill includes several campaign promises related to tax deductions.

  • A new higher standard deduction for seniors is introduced.

  • The no tax on tips provision benefits higher income tipped workers.

  • Only qualified tips are eligible for the new deduction.

  • The no tax on overtime provision allows deductions for overtime pay.

  • The deductions expire in 2029, providing limited time benefits.

  • Tax equity is a significant concern with the new provisions.

  • The bill's provisions are retroactive to January 1, 2025.

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.

Other Sunlight Tax podcast episodes about OBBBA:

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

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