Sunlight Tax

Hannah Cole

Making money isn't usually the top priority for big vision creators — making a difference is. But without financial power, the diverse and unique solutions that you bring to the world as a creative entrepreneur aren't able to see the light of day. And you are left burned out and exhausted. This show is designed for the big vision creators —designers, freelancers, and purple-haired, punk rock weirdos — to answer the question: "If you had your taxes, retirement, and investing on lock, how big of an impact could you make on the world with your work?" Your host, Hannah Cole, is both an artist and a tax expert, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. In each episode, she and her guests will explore the connection between financial power and creative success, uncovering the unique money mindset and financial management shifts that help creators like you have a bigger impact with your work. From what you need to know about self-employment taxes and bookkeeping, to unlocking your vision, you'll have everything you need to become more successful — and have a bigger impact — in your career. Hannah has supported thousands of self-employed people like you with accessible tax and business setup skills through her signature program, Money Bootcamp. You can learn more at sunlighttax.com and connect on Instagram at @sunlighttax. If this sounds good to you, please subscribe to the show, and share it with a friend.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    How Much Can You Save Using An IRA? I Show You The Math

    On this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into why tax literacy is crucial and how understanding the basics can save you thousands of dollars. I explain how tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, HSAs, and retirement savings plans work, and why they're some of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth and financial stability. Using practical examples and simple calculations, I show how small, informed choices can lead to significant tax savings over time. Plus, I share details about my free step-by-step tax strategies class, designed to make complex tax concepts accessible, actionable, and stress-free. Whether you're a self-employed creative, freelancer, or anyone looking to take control of your finances, this episode will give you the tools to understand taxes, maximize savings, and grow your wealth. Don't forget to leave a review—it helps more people find these insights and start feeling confident about their money. Also mentioned in this episode: 01:32 Introduction and Holiday Reflections 03:01 The Importance of Tax Literacy 11:34 Maximizing Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Savings   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: Free online tax calculator Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Link to review this podcast on Apple   Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

    17 min
  2. 16 DEC

    An Interview with Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast on Clarity, Taxes, and Not Being Boring

    In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm interviewed by Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast about my book Taxes for Humans, a tax guide for self-employed creatives. We explore why demystifying taxes is about more than numbers—it's about understanding the systems, values, and power behind them. I share why tax education matters, how it can empower creatives, and how the companion workbook helps put these ideas into practice. Plus, hear real stories from artists navigating taxes and the emotional weight money can carry in the creative world. Also mentioned in this episode: 03:19 Understanding the Book's Unique Approach 06:37 The Importance of Context in Tax Education 09:32 Breaking Down Tax Myths and Misconceptions 12:22 Empowering Artists Through Financial Literacy 15:37 The Role of Taxes in Society 18:33 The Workbook: A Practical Companion 21:17 Addressing Judgment and Shame in Tax Preparation 24:36 Real Stories of Artists Overcoming Tax Challenges 27:28 Resources for Artists   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 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 Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

    46 min
  3. Taxes for Humans Launch Party: Live Interview with Liz Kantner of the Success with Jewelry Podcast

    9 DEC

    Taxes for Humans Launch Party: Live Interview with Liz Kantner of the Success with Jewelry Podcast

    In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into the heart of my new book, Taxes for Humans, a guide I wrote to demystify taxes for creatives, freelancers, and self-employed people. I open up about my own history with money shame and why understanding taxes is so much bigger than numbers on a return. Taxes reflect our culture, our values, and the systems we move through every day. I share some of the behind-the-scenes, humor, and stories that shaped this book, and we talk about why real financial empowerment requires community, civic engagement, and a better approach to financial education. If you've ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or alone in figuring out your finances, this conversation will help you feel seen, and give you tools to navigate taxes with confidence and clarity. Also mentioned in this episode: 1:32  What Inspired the Book 5:34  A Money Moment You'll Never Forget 6:30  Why Creatives Feel So Much Shame 7:31  Taxes Are Culture 12:06  A Gentle First Step for Creatives 13:10  Can Taxes Create Real Change? 14:59  Lessons from Losing Your Studio 16:25  A Mistake That Taught You Something 17:41  Your #1 Message for Readers 18:43  What You Hope This Book Builds 20:06 What Every Creative Should Know About Their Worth   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 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 Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

    25 min
  4. 18 NOV

    What Taxes Can Do For You and Why It Matters

    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, and why building financial literacy is so important, especially for people who've been historically left out of traditional financial conversations. My goal in this episode is to help you feel confident claiming your identity as a business owner and to release some of the fear around money. Wealth isn't a moral test; it's a neutral tool you can use to support your values and make positive change.   Also mentioned in this episode: 04:18 The Unique Perspective of Creative Professionals 08:04  Understanding the Importance of Taxes 11:44  The Societal Benefits of Taxes 13:40  The Changing Face of Business 14:39  Embracing Your Identity as a Business 15:33  Overcoming the Fear of Wealth 19:03  The Power of Money and Taxes   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 Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

    21 min
  5. 11 NOV

    Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed

    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 system can be, and why I created a character called the Tax Dominatrix to make learning about taxes a lot more fun and less intimidating. I also explain why pre-ordering the book is such a big deal. It helps make sure Taxes for Humans is available to everyone, including people who can't afford traditional financial education programs.   Also mentioned in this episode: 01:17 Overview of 'Taxes for Humans' Book 02:15 Understanding Self-Employment Taxes 04:12 Navigating Tax Complexity 05:34 The Tax Dominatrix Concept 07:21 Importance of Pre-Ordering the Book 08:45 Accessibility of Tax Education   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 Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

    10 min
  6. 4 NOV

    Healthcare Changes From the OBBBA: Expert Dr. Matthew Fiedler Explains

    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-income individuals in accessing healthcare, especially in light of new administrative requirements and potential loss of coverage.    We also talk about what this means if you're self-employed or run a small business. With shifting healthcare policies and tax laws, good bookkeeping and clear financial records matter more than ever.   Dr. Fiedler emphasizes the need for a more rational approach to healthcare financing and the importance of bookkeeping for self-employed individuals.   Also mentioned in this episode: 01:46 Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act 03:07 Impact of Government Shutdown on Healthcare 08:05 Overview of Healthcare Provisions in the Bill 09:30 Trade-offs in Tax Cuts and Healthcare Funding 12:20 Medicaid Cuts and Work Requirements 16:00 Navigating Medicaid for the Recently Unemployed 20:16 Cost-Shifting from Federal to State Medicaid Programs 25:29 Consequences for Low and Moderate Income Individuals 28:18 Changes in Marketplace Coverage Requirements 30:38 Implications for Self-Employed Individuals   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: Dr. Matthew Fiedler 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 Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

    41 min

About

Making money isn't usually the top priority for big vision creators — making a difference is. But without financial power, the diverse and unique solutions that you bring to the world as a creative entrepreneur aren't able to see the light of day. And you are left burned out and exhausted. This show is designed for the big vision creators —designers, freelancers, and purple-haired, punk rock weirdos — to answer the question: "If you had your taxes, retirement, and investing on lock, how big of an impact could you make on the world with your work?" Your host, Hannah Cole, is both an artist and a tax expert, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. In each episode, she and her guests will explore the connection between financial power and creative success, uncovering the unique money mindset and financial management shifts that help creators like you have a bigger impact with your work. From what you need to know about self-employment taxes and bookkeeping, to unlocking your vision, you'll have everything you need to become more successful — and have a bigger impact — in your career. Hannah has supported thousands of self-employed people like you with accessible tax and business setup skills through her signature program, Money Bootcamp. You can learn more at sunlighttax.com and connect on Instagram at @sunlighttax. If this sounds good to you, please subscribe to the show, and share it with a friend.

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