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 41
- Get to know Hannah Cole 8
- Interviews and personal stories 26
- Personal Finance 20
- Personal and Career Development 18
- Practical and Tactical Tax 54
- Retirement and Future Success 27
- Sunlight Podcast 149
- Tax Deductions for Freelancers and Self-Employed 7
- the Sunlight Tax Podcast 16
OBBBA Reveals Why Tax Laws for the 1% Happen, and A Solution
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m diving into the One Big Beautiful Act, a major tax law that passed this summer. I found a great, nonpartisan article from the Brookings Institution and the Tax Policy Center, and with the authors’ permission, I’m going to share it with you here. It’s called “When Tax Laws Defy Public Opinion: What OBBBA Reveals.”
The piece lays out the short-term wins of this law, but also the long-term effects on things like healthcare and our social safety net. What really struck me is the gap between what people want and what lawmakers actually do—and how much wealth drives those decisions.
For me, the big lesson is that we need to frame fiscal issues in ways that connect with the public, and ultimately, push for campaign finance reform to get legislation that reflects real public priorities.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m diving into the One Big Beautiful Act, a major tax law that passed this summer. I found a great, nonpartisan article from the Brookings Institution and the Tax Policy Center, and with the authors’ permission, I’m going to share it with you here. It’s called “When Tax Laws Defy Public Opinion: What OBBBA Reveals.”
The piece lays out the short-term wins of this law, but also the long-term effects on things like healthcare and our social safety net. What really struck me is the gap between what people want and what lawmakers actually do—and how much wealth drives those decisions.
For me, the big lesson is that we need to frame fiscal issues in ways that connect with the public, and ultimately, push for campaign finance reform to get legislation that reflects real public priorities.
Also mentioned in this episode:
01:05 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
02:34 The Societal Impact of the Tax Bill
04:44 Public Opinion vs. Legislative Action
07:29 Disparities in Wealth and Policy Preferences
10:31 The Importance of Campaign Finance Reform
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:
Article: When Tax Laws Defy Public Opinion: What OBBBA Reveals
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
Joe Saul-Sehy of Stacking Benjamins: On Ruining His Credit & Teaching Money Skills with Humor
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.
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:
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
The One Habit That Gets You to Financial Security
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.
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
The Real Cost of Accounting for Small Businesses and Why I Built Money Bootcamp
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.
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
Student Loan Updates: Borrowing Limits and Repayment Plans Under the New Tax Bill
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.
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:
Unpacking Trump’s New Tax Law: What You Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Breaking Down Trump’s New Tax Law: Cars, New Loan Interest Deduction, and Expiring Energy Credits
New Tax Bill: No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and New Deduction for Seniors
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
What are your money concerns?
Suggest a blog topic for Hannah here.