THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:

Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs

Design Spotlight: The Power of Branding, Human Connection, and Creative Strategy in the Age of AI

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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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Watch YouTube video version

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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.

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

Post Hurricane Helene: Art Problems Podcast with Paddy Johnson

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Today, I’m sharing an episode of a podcast I recorded for my friend and fellow artist Paddy Johnson’s podcast Art Problems, where I talk about the severe impact Hurricane Helene has had on my town of Asheville, North Carolina. I’m also sharing some important information on how you can help.  

Listen and Subscribe Here

Today, I’m sharing an episode of a podcast I recorded for my friend and fellow artist Paddy Johnson’s podcast Art Problems, where I talk about the severe impact Hurricane Helene has had on my town of Asheville, North Carolina. I’m also sharing some important information on how you can help.  

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • Details of the studio flooding 5:19

  • Initial flood observations 11:13

  • Post flood challenges and community impact 30:00

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

Hannah's Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/hannahcole1779 

 Asheville Tea Company

Melissa Weiss pottery

The Autrys (food stylists) 

New Stock Pantry

If you want to help the people here, you can donate to the links at the bottom of Arts AVL page

Watch YouTube video version.

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Farnoosh Torabi: When Financial Fear is Good

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Farnoosh Torabi: When Financial Fear is Good

Farnoosh Torabi is an Iranian-American personal finance expert, journalist, author and the host of the So Money podcast.  

Today, Farnoosh joins me to talk about her new book, A Healthy State of Panic, why the idea of fearlessness can sometimes be problematic and how growing up in an immigrant household shaped her relationship with fear. 

Join both Farnoosh and I today to learn more about how you can use your fear constructively to make positive changes in your life. 

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE

Farnoosh Torabi is an Iranian-American personal finance expert, journalist, author and the host of the So Money podcast.  

Today, Farnoosh joins me to talk about her new book, A Healthy State of Panic, why the idea of fearlessness can sometimes be problematic and how growing up in an immigrant household shaped her relationship with fear. 

Join both Farnoosh and I today to learn more about how you can use your fear constructively to make positive changes in your life. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • Fear and decision making when it comes to personal finance 4:19

  • Overcoming investing fears 15:58

  • Fear and upbringing in an immigrant family 24:56

  • How you can use your fear to make positive changes 39:03

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

 https://ahealthystateofpanic.com/ 

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BTS: Creative Career Advice from Architect John Cole (aka My Dad)

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BTS: Creative Career Advice from Architect John Cole (aka My Dad)

Today, I have my dad, architect John Cole, joining me to talk about his successful career in architecture and to give some of his best advice to young architects just starting a creative career path. 

Join my dad and I in this episode as we discuss the significance of face-to-face interaction when growing your career and why empathy is such an important factor in architecture.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE HERE

Today, I have my dad, architect John Cole, joining me to talk about his successful career in architecture and to give some of his best advice to young architects just starting a creative career path. 

 

Join my dad and I in this episode as we discuss the significance of face-to-face interaction when growing your career and why empathy is such an important factor in architecture.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

 

  • John Cole’s background and how he got into architecture 2:12

  • Advice for young architects just starting out in a creative career today 20:35

  • Empathy is key to effective marketing 27:05

  • The importance of professional relationships 31:51

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

 Links:

See my Dad’s website: https://www.johncolearchitect.com/profile

Sign up for Money Bootcamp: https://www.sunlighttax.com/moneybootcamp2023

Watch Youtube Version

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