FROM FINANCIAL PANIC TO FINANCIAL CONTROL
Who says being creative or doing good means you can’t be great with money?
Make your taxes a breeze & build your funds for the future.
do you…
Have a vague feeling of dread: that you’re not tracking things correctly, that a surprise tax bill or audit could derail the business you’re building? That you need to figure out the big-picture money stuff so you can focus on growing your business? Is the fear causing a tightness in your chest, and distracting you from your work?
Feel misunderstood by accounting & finance people, despite all your many professional accomplishments? Your palms sweat when you consider all the dangers in what you don’t know, yet you feel like they just don’t get your vision, your love of your freedom, or your mission to solve real-world problems with your business?
Know you’re missing out on ways to save for your retirement & get financially organized, but you don’t want to take months of research sifting through accounting, legal and finance info, especially when it might not be relevant to your freelance life? You want clear, freelance-relevant information fast, so you can get back to your work?
set up your freelance taxes, books, and maximize your “freedom fund” so you can grow your business with confidence.
And you don’t have to do it alone
Imagine…
Knowing how much you owe before you owe it, so you can plan, adjust, and feel calm. Planning a big year-end equipment investment that lowers your taxes.
Looking over your books and your investments, snapping your laptop shut with a smile, and heading to a laser-focused work session, because your books are organized, you’re on track with your investment plan, and all that headspace of vague dread has cleared.
Taking your creative practice/business more seriously: Feeling confident in your systems (invoicing, receipts, bookkeeping, even funding your IRA) knowing your real costs and having a plan to meet your long-term goals.
Feeling seen and valued for the work you do. Being able to focus on your impact on the world, because you’ve got a system in place that allows you to stop worrying all the time about your money.
What if
you never had to worry about your taxes or retirement
because they were set up right + working for you.
How much focus would you gain for your business?
introducing
Money Bootcamp
Ever wish there was a “how to set yourself up when you’re self-employed” handbook? That’s basically what Money Bootcamp is. Except that it’s delivered in clear, jargon-free videos with quick-reference outlines by a fellow creative who has been where you are. Set up your bookkeeping, your tax documents, your estimated quarterly taxes, your legal/business setup, your retirement plan, and learn how to use the Power Triangle of tax-planning, tax-advantaged accounts and investing to grow your “freedom fund.”
Money Bootcamp is a comprehensive course package and bookkeeping setup training for freelancers, sole proprietors and solopreneurs to get you set up right and tracking all the right things without wasting your time. It’s made for creators (designers, online businesses, writers, entrepreneurs, artists, and content creators) who make income as sole proprietors, freelancers, or single-member LLCs (as long as you file a Schedule C).
You’ll learn basic financial skills and tax savvy so you’ll not only stop spending unnecessary time on the wrong things, but you’ll get organized, set up on a system that works, and get the knowledge you need to feel confident about your finances. It’s a creator-centric/tax expert-led, self-motivated path to fixing your tax and financial life, and taking advantage of all the tax-advantaged accounts, deductions and incentives along the way. It’s designed to give you maximum creator-centric empowerment at a group learning price.
THE MONEY BOOTCAMP PROMISE:
DO THE WORK, AND YOU WILL:
SET UP YOUR TAX AND MONEY SYSTEMS AND GROW YOUR “F***-YOU MONEY.”
Specifically, when you do the work, I promise that you will:
Set up a simple receipt and tax document system
Set up bookkeeping (spreadsheet or software) with tax-smart categories
Know how to calculate and pay your estimated quarterly taxes each quarter, based on your business profit
Understand what buckets your extra money should go into, and in what order
Find “lazy money” through year-end tax planning and put those dollars to work in tax-smart accounts
Have the knowledge you need to choose and open a tax-advantaged retirement account, and invest the money that’s in it, so it grows
“I really struggled with saving for retirement because there is no system in place when you're independent.”
but after Bootcamp:
"I'm saving regularly for retirement and personal/family goals. We've set up a Robo investment acccount and are stashing away money regularly. That was something that I had been wanting to do for years. It felt like Hannah explained how that could happen."
Rona Chang, sustainable fashion designer, owner of Otto Finn
Do you?
Want to set up your tax-tracking & saving systems so you can focus on your work?
Want to know what steps to take to make your freelance business “official?”
Feel curious about how to invest ethically, so your money aligns with your values?
Want targeted courses that walk you through all the hard & scary stuff from an expert who is warm, accessible, and gets you?
Know you want to set things up correctly so you can stay on track and avoid distracting pitfalls later (like surprise tax bills, messy audits, etc)?
Want to maximize your money with tax-savvy strategies to put it on autopilot and ensure growth?
Want to build a giant pile of F***-You money, so your money is working hard for you every day?
“I am feeling calmer now that things are in process. Actually taking action can be scary. And it can feel easier to not take action, but having taken the action feels GREAT!!!”
Becky Jane Rosen”
““I went from being crazy stressed with this looming cloud of taxes over my head to literally never thinking about them. I have everything set up and on the calendar so paying my taxes is just part of the business maintenance routine and causes zero stress. “
Jess Sparks-Mussulin”
I know that you are doing the work that will change our world.
what you get when you join money bootcamp:
Plus you get:
A Tour of Money Bootcamp:
you also get these bonuses:
Setting up your freelance tax systems right from the beginning means you avoid time-sucking disasters that can derail your career later. you can focus on your work, avoid wasting time and energy, and grow your business with confidence.
THE Money Bootcamp Promise:
Do the work, and you will:
Set up your tax and money systems and grow your “F***-You Money.”
Specifically, when you do the work, I promise that you will:
Set up a simple receipt and tax document system
Set up bookkeeping (spreadsheet or software) with tax-smart categories
Know how to calculate and pay your estimated quarterly taxes each quarter, based on your business profit
Understand what buckets your extra money should go into, and in what order
Find “lazy money” through year-end tax planning and put those dollars to work in tax-smart accounts
Have the knowledge you need to choose and open a tax-advantaged retirement account, and invest the money that’s in it, so it grows
You May be Wondering…
What if my creative practice/business is new? Can this help me?
Yes! It’s an especially great time! If your practice is new, you’re in the ideal place, because you can set up correctly from the start, and avoid headaches (like messy audits & surprise tax bills) altogether. And there are big year-one tax advantages you don’t want to miss. Also, waiting just one year to max out & invest your IRA costs you about $130,000 in retirement-fund growth. The earlier you start, the less money you actually need.
What if I’ve had my business for a while? Will I benefit?
If you’ve had your business for a while, you may need more tailored information that only a creative specialist accountant can deliver, and that’s where Hannah’s expertise comes in. Money Bootcamp trainings are not general-purpose; they are tailored to freelancers and solopreneurs in the creative world.
What if I’m not creative? Is this still for me?
Money Bootcamp is designed to set up self-employed people. If you file a Schedule C (sole proprietors, freelancers, single-member LLCs), Money Bootcamp is for you. And it’s geared towards people with a passion. If that’s you, Money Bootcamp is a fit.
Money Bootcamp is a great fit for you if…
You are self-employed, freelance or a solopreneur
You are moving from full-time employment to a consulting career or other full-time freelance work
You want to keep your money, taxes, and business on track, avoid distractions, time-wasters & nightmare scenarios
You're proactive, not reactive
You have a mission, but you know that money is important to your longevity and success
You didn't get a financial education, but you know you need one
Money Bootcamp is not for you if…
You have a separate corporate tax return: aka S Corp, a C Corp or a Partnership return. LLCs are totally fine as long as you have a Schedule C
You need a full-service accounting firm
You aren’t willing to do the coursework
You feel that tax laws don’t apply to you
You need info on international taxes (we love you, but this program teaches you about US-based income tax)
You’re not on board with feminist, anti-racist, progressive ideas
What creative people are saying about working with sunlight tax and Money Bootcamp
"I'm saving regularly for retirement and personal/family goals. We've set up a Robo investment acccount and are stashing away money regularly. That was something that I had been wanting to do for years. It felt like Hannah explained how that could happen."
Get set up right, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence:
“It’s the best $1600 I’ve ever spent in my life..
..you just make it so understandable”
“I have been searching for a resource that would help me
to better understand the inner workings of
managing my own business successfully.
..Hannah’s Bootcamp is really the perfect all-questions-answered resource that everyone should take advantage of.
I am so grateful to have her as a resource and support..”
““That’s why Moneybootcamp is so great. From video #1, I felt so seen by you!!””
“Before Bootcamp:
”I really struggled with saving for retirement because there is no system in place when you’re independent. There’s no HR department that tells you what your benefits are- you have to create them.”
Because of Bootcamp:
”I’m saving regularly for retirement and personal/family goals. We’ve set up a Robo investment acccount and are stashing away money regularly. That was something that I had been wanting to do for years. It felt like Hannah explained how that could happen.””
“.. it feels like I’m already saving a lot of money,
which I’m really happy about.”
“I’ve really grown from simply getting a better understanding of how being self-employed works in terms of taxes, the requirements of tracking and claiming expenses and income, and knowing how critical it is to have an actual system in place for all these things. Having a clearer understanding of what’s an expense, and knowing I have Sunlight Tax on my side to help me figure out the unclear parts of the ongoing process. I love that Bootcamp is truly holistic, in that you don’t just learn how to track how much you’ll owe for taxes, but you learn how to manage your books, develop a savings and retirement plan, and take advantage of all the benefits possible along the way.”
“I think it’s a great value. I’m surprised
it doesn’t cost more.”
“Each little thing I learn as I go stacks on top of each other so that at the end of it, I do a double take of myself and realize I know a lot more than I used to and feel more comfortable with handling my bookkeeping and taxes.”
FAQs:
Q: What if I have questions about my taxes?
A: Money Bootcamp is a self-study program with accounting trainings tailored to creative people, that we’re able to offer at way below the price of one-on-one time with an accountant. The Money Bootcamp program is a jam-packed with valuable course content, organized well for your success. And we’ve built in lots of ways to keep you accountable to yourself. But it’s your job to do the work. It does not include one-on-one time for your tax/money questions.
You may or may not know that accountants charge between $150-$400+ per hour. At Sunlight Tax, we’re accountants, and while we try to keep our rates accessible ($200/hour if you’re curious), we still have to charge for one on one time. But sometimes, you just need someone’s eyes on your specific situation. You’ve got two options with us. If you’re in Basic Training, and you need to talk to someone about your tax situation, you can book a 30 minute one-on-one call with a Sunlight Tax expert for an additional fee ($100), using the link we provide inside the program. If you need more, you can book additional one-on-one calls as you go, for $100 each. This is a valuable resource that you have access to inside the program. And for the record, we charge double to people not in our program.
Q: My spouse also does creative freelance work. Can they join?
A: Spouses can join for FREE. Why? Because I believe that spouses who share income should both be on the same page about it. It’s my personal ethics when it comes to joint finances. So married creatives basically get a 2-for-1 deal.
Q: Can I get just the simple spreadsheet system?
A: Yes. It’s called No Fear Taxes. It’s included in Bootcamp, but you can get it on its own. It’s a good way to try Hannah’s teaching style and a great system in itself. Although it is included with your purchase of Money Bootcamp, we will not refund the cost of it if you decide later to join Money Bootcamp. And yes, it’s part of what makes Bootcamp an amazing value.
Q: I want to join Bootcamp, but I already use bookkeeping software. Is that ok?
A: That’s fine. Bootcamp includes a QuickBooks Self-Employed tutorial for those who need more than a simple spreadsheet. You need software if you want to run reports, run payroll or track Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) [FYI, independent artists writers and performers are not required to do this, or run payroll.]
Q: I just want you to do my taxes, without Bootcamp.
A: Sorry. We are not taking any new tax clients at this time.
We built Money Bootcamp as an affordable way to provide holistic guidance to these folks while treating (and paying) our employees ethically. Our program is designed to enable us to deliver incredibly tailored tax and financial information to independent creative people who never thought they’d be able to get a financial education that fit them. It’s an incredible deal for the kind of information you’re getting, and a value far beyond the investment. If you do the work, it’s likely you will find additional savings in your life, set up systems that save you time and money, and start building your wealth through investing. For tangible details, watch the video on this page: How to get $1.8 Million from Money Bootcamp. (Note that the video references some discontinued services, but the core content remains the same)
Q: I’ve got tons of questions, but I see that Money Bootcamp is a self-study program. What do I do about my questions?
A: We’ve got you. We know it can really help to ask about your individual tax situation, and that’s why inside Money Bootcamp, there is a link to book a 1:1 call with a Sunlight Tax expert, for an additional fee. Tax advice is serious, and we take our professional responsibility seriously. For this reason, we like to be focused when we’re doing it, and we like you to be focused, too. We restrict our answering of tax questions to designated 30 minute coaching session(s). You can book as many one-on-one coaching calls as you like - so if you are fine on your own, no worries, and if you realize that you’ve got access to tax experts that really get your situation, and you want to book a call anytime you’ve got a tax situation to talk through, we’ve got you. But we don’t take random questions, and we don’t do our expert one-on-one work for free (and we hope you don’t, either, of course). We offer paid 1:1 calls to the general public at twice the price that we offer it to Money Bootcamp folks.
Q: Does Bootcamp cover sales tax?
A: I have resources to point you to, but I don’t file sales tax returns, or teach in depth about sales tax. Sales tax is a local-based tax, with about 10,000 different US jurisdictions, and given Bootcamp members in almost 50 states, I can’t reasonably keep current on the rules in every one. Bootcamp does not include other local tax filings like franchise taxes. Bootcamp does point you to good resources on sales tax, so you know where to look things up.
About Your Instructor
I’m Hannah and I’ve been a working artist for over 15 years. And I’m also a small business owner, with a mission to solve a problem I see in the world. And everything good that has happened in my art career has come from my fellow artists and entrepreneurs.
I started Sunlight Tax to give back to the creative community that is doing the empathy work and problem-solving work our culture needs.
In this era of mistrust and breakdown, creative people forge connections, bridge divides, inspire people and call them to action, and we help people envision a world as it could be. When creative people stop making work, the reason is usually financial.
And what about small businesses? Small businesses run by creative people - solopreneurs and consultants - are solving real-world problems. But it’s hard to work for yourself: you have to set up financial tracking, pay taxes quarterly, and figure out how to save for retirement with no HR department to help you. That’s why I lay out the path to these things inside Money Bootcamp. Because you need help from someone who gets you, and you want it delivered in plain English, with action steps so you can get it handled, and get back to your work without wasting your time, money or energy.
I’m an Enrolled Agent, a tax expert, a speaker, and a writer. And of course, I’m an artist and small business owner.
I’m a tax and money columnist for Hyperallergic, and formerly for Art F City. And these are some of the arts organizations that have hosted me:
