Sunlight Tax

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I introduce my book, Taxes for Humans, a practical, judgment-free tax guide made specifically for creative professionals. I share my personal story and talk honestly about the challenges artists, freelancers, and mission-driven people face when trying to make sense of taxes. We dig into why taxes matter, how they support the communities we care about, a...

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 syste...

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-incom...

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 d...

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 finan...

In this episode of The Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm unpacking the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)  and what its sweeping health care changes mean for real people and families. We'll dig into how this new legislation affects Medicaid coverage, Planned Parenthood funding, and low-income immigrants, plus what's changing for marketplace insurance subsidies and health savings accounts (HSAs). I'll also...

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 Tax Policy Center Urban Institute & Brookings Institution, and with the authors' permission. 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 th...

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...

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...

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 ca...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for student loan borrowers. Learn about the new student loan borrowing limits, updated repayment plans, and the challenges facing legacy borrowers under the new law. If you're navigating student debt, education financing, or tax law changes, this episode gives you the clarity and resources yo...

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 i...

In this episode, I dive into the new tax law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, focusing on two major updates: the car loan interest deduction and the expiring energy tax credits. I explain why understanding these new tax rules matters, especially if you're considering a clean vehicle tax credit or planning energy efficiency improvements for your home.   With key deadlines approaching, I want...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk about Trump's new tax law, officially called the "One Big Beautiful Tax Bill." I break down its key points, how it impacts different income groups, the updates to clean energy tax credits, and what it means for self-employed people and freelancers.  I also emphasize why it's so important to understand tax laws, and I encourage you to share this i...

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...

Today, I'm sharing an article I wrote where I give a practical financial overview and is a personal finance cheat sheet for anyone feeling overwhelmed with their finances and taxes.   Listen to this episode to get some finance tips to help you feel more secure as an entrepreneur when it comes to your money.   Also mentioned in today's episode: 02:50  Understanding the Emotional Impact of Money 06:...

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 abou...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm discussing the benefits of tax-advantaged savings for children, specifically focusing on a Roth IRA for kids. I explain how parents can open a custodial Roth IRA for their kids, the advantages of a Roth IRA, and the importance of teaching children about compound interest and financial literacy.  This episode also emphasizes the long-term benefits of...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm discussing the critical role of ownership in building wealth, particularly in the context of personal finance and the tax code. I'm sharing my personal journey of negotiating ownership of my work while writing a book, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's value in collaborative projects and the benefits of investing. This episode encourage...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk about something that can feel overwhelming for a lot of us: taxes and bookkeeping, especially if you're a self-employed person. I share why having a positive mindset around money stuff really matters and how it can actually make tax season a lot less stressful. I also introduce my new workbook, which is designed to help you move past some of thos...

Today, I'm sharing important details about the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit particularly focusing on its relevance for parents during the summer months when childcare costs can be significant. I'll share how you can use it during the summer months when sending your children to summer camp.  I'm also talking about the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction and why a credit is mo...

Have you ever wondered how you can have it all in your life and business? In this throwback episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm talking about focus as an entrepreneur and how I use metrics in my business to decide what to focus on next.  Listen to this episode to learn how you can use metrics to have it all and why you need to be focusing on one thing to get your best work.  Also mentioned in...

It's easy to get confused when it comes to figuring out what you need to report as income on your tax return.  Today, I'm going over some of the most common ways to receive money as an entrepreneur and talking about what actually counts as income in your business so you can be prepared for your taxes.  Join me in this episode to learn more about determining your total income and how you can make s...

Do you feel overwhelmed, fearful, or even judged when it comes to your taxes and finances? In today's episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm diving into the mental load of financial fear, specifically the stress that comes with managing taxes, saving for retirement, and planning financially as a self-employed or creative entrepreneur. We'll explore how this hidden anxiety can weigh down your cre...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share when it makes sense to hire a professional accountant versus handling your taxes on your own, and why understanding your taxes is so important, especially during life changes like getting married, relocating, or experiencing major income shifts.   I dive into essential tax planning strategies for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small bu...