Sunlight Tax

Hannah Cole
  • 4.9 (112)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

In this show, we’re talking about taxes, money, and careers for self-employed people who have a big vision for changing the world with their work. I’m your host, Hannah Cole; tax pro, artist, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. sunlighttax.substack.com

  1. 2d ago

    Wisdom for a Fluid Career: Coach Melissa Wong

    “The question is, how do you… retain a sense of core self? What are the immutable qualities about yourself… that are going to stabilize you throughout all of the motion and the change?” - Melissa Wong This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m joined by Melissa Wong, career coach and author of The Fluid Career, to explore how creatives, freelancers, and knowledge workers can navigate today’s changing world of work. We talk about building a fluid career, transitioning to self-employment, managing multiple income streams, and creating a career that can adapt as your life and priorities change. If you’re considering self-employment, balancing multiple types of work, or looking for a more intentional approach to your career, Melissa shares practical insights for building a flexible career path without feeling like you have to choose just one thing. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:02 Introduction to Melissa Wong and her work 02:04 Challenges of transitioning from employment to self-employment 04:11 Strategies for starting a self-employed career without data 08:00 The importance of articulating your unique offer 15:08 Practical steps for operational setup and legal considerations 23:00 Evolving passive income streams in the AI era 28:01 Building relationships and trust in a self-employed ecosystem 32:57 Managing multiple income streams and risk tolerance 39:53 Emotional and mental aspects of financial management 43:50 The core message of Melissa’s book and its impact 44:59 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Melissa 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. About Melissa Wong Melissa Wong is a writer, thinker, and coach for creatives. At Coherence Studio she offers 1:1 coaching, group programs, and podcast conversations designed to help multi-talented creatives identify their unique worth and get into a place of intentional action. For the first decade of her career, she worried about how her many roles and interests would ever coalesce into an intelligible, unified place. Now she helps creatives and knowledge workers articulate and share a coherent story of their work and design their career into an integrated multi-income system. The Fluid Career synthesizes insights, stories, and tactics drawn from thousands of client sessions, offering a practical framework for designing modern careers to meet this moment of heightened complexity. Melissa lives with her family in Portland, Oregon where you can likely find her attending or hosting some kind of event or elbow deep in her latest creative project. Check Out Melissa Wong’s work: The Fluid Career Book Get a FREE download of The Fluid Career book introduction here⁠ Website: Coherence Studio Instagram: @coherencestudio Episode Links: Learn more about the Intensive Link to join the First Official Cohort (9/23 & 9/24). Investment is $1850 Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Sep 8

    Inside My New 2 Day Business Intensive (& Open House)

    This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I talk about why expert guidance and community support can make it easier to navigate business structure, tax compliance, and the behind-the-scenes systems that keep a small business running smoothly. I’m also introducing my new business program designed to help self-employed business owners get the tax, bookkeeping, and legal side of their business properly set up. If you’re starting, growing, or tuning up a small business and want more clarity around your taxes, bookkeeping, and legal setup, this episode is for you. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to the new business program 02:17 Details of the upcoming open house events 04:00 Overview of the two-day intensive program 05:17 Program benefits: legal, tax, and bookkeeping 06:32 Beta cohort details and early access 07:36 First official cohort schedule and content 08:23 Value of expert guidance and personalized support 09:45 One-on-one coaching and group community 11:06 Building connections and support networks 12:04 How to join and questions answered 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. Episode Links: Register to my Open Houses on 9/9: * Open House (AM) - 9:30am * Open House (PM) - 4:30pm Loom video walkthrough about the Intensive Learn more about the Intensive Link to join the program: * link to join the First Official Cohort (9/23 & 9/24). Investment is $1850 * link to join the Beta Cohort (9/23 & 9/24). Investment is $1275 Get my Tax Help on Substack Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Sep 1

    Your September Estimated Tax Payment: Tips On Making It Easier

    This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down estimated quarterly taxes for self-employed people, freelancers, creatives, and small business owners. I’ll explain how bookkeeping helps you calculate your tax payments more accurately, avoid surprises, and stay on top of your federal and state tax obligations throughout the year. I’m also introducing my new intensive program for self-employed business owners who want to get the tax, bookkeeping, and legal side of their business properly set up. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction and importance of quarterly tax payments 02:23 Understanding quarterly tax payments for self-employed 05:05 How to estimate your tax liability based on profit to date 08:04 Simplifying bookkeeping and estimated tax payments 10:44 Working with a licensed tax professional versus AI 12:31 Details of the two-day program and what participants will learn 14:16 Program features: database, private consultations, and setup 16:04 Upcoming cohort dates and how to join the waitlist 17:25 Building trust and transparency in business setup 18:19 Reminder to pay estimated taxes and get bookkeeping in order 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. Episode Links: Watch my walkthrough video on how to pay your Estimated Quarterly Taxes Join the 2-Day Business Setup Intensive Waitlist Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Aug 25

    The Zen Journey of Small Business

    This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m sharing personal lessons from running a small business and exploring what it means to build a business that supports your life. I talk about aligning business goals with your values, protecting your mental health, practicing ethical accountability, and embracing the spiritual side of entrepreneurship while giving practical insights on negotiation, feedback, decision-making, and navigating external challenges while staying grounded in what matters most. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Hannah Cole’s journey and insights 01:48 Aligning goals with personal life and values 04:04 Small business as a spiritual and ethical journey 07:06 The importance of mental health and self-care 10:07 Receiving and managing feedback effectively 13:02 Negotiation strategies and contract clarity 16:55 Understanding external forces like economic shifts 20:04 The role of happiness and fulfillment in business 23:08 Ethics and accountability in client relationships 30:10 Building a sustainable and responsible business 32:58 Upcoming offerings and closing thoughts 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. Episode Links: Join the 2-Day Business Setup Intensive Waitlist Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Aug 18

    Set Up Your Business Intensive: Behind the Scenes

    “You want that power. You want to feel empowered in that way. But you also just want to get it done, right? You're not there to like, okay, I don't need a degree in this. I just want to be following the law.” - Hannah Cole In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain how self-employed people, including freelancers, creatives, consultants, and small business owners—can build simple, effective tax and legal systems for their businesses. I also introduce a new 2-day intensive program designed to help you set up your business structure, organize your taxes, strengthen legal compliance, and create a clear plan for moving forward. With personalized guidance, practical tax planning, and community support, this intensive is designed to make the often-overwhelming process of setting up your business feel simpler, more manageable, and more human. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 02:04 Who I serve: Creative and non-creative small business owners 05:12 Common overwhelm and challenges faced by self-employed individuals 07:08 Choosing the right business entity and legal setup 08:44 Understanding quarterly taxes and avoiding surprises 09:51 The importance of trust and accuracy in tax information 12:04 Details of the two-day intensive format and community aspect 13:57 One-on-one guidance and privacy considerations 15:33 Risks of AI hallucinating tax law and how to get reliable info 16:54 Features of the new program: database, implementation, and support 18:46 Invitation for feedback and how to join the waitlist 20:56 Matching cohorts by business stage and profession 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. Episode Links: Join the 2-Day Business Setup Intensive Waitlist Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Aug 11

    Stacy Ennis: The Power of Nonfiction: How a Book Can Advance Your Business Mission, Leadership & Values

    “If you really focus on the reader and creating something meaningful and impactful and excellent... it has longevity and shelf life and continued work to do out in the world well beyond you.” — Stacy Ennis In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Stacy Ennis to explore what it really takes to write and publish a nonfiction book that grows your business, strengthens your brand, and creates lasting impact. We discuss the publishing process, book coaching, traditional publishing vs. self-publishing, and why integrity, strategy, and a clear message matter more than simply getting a book into the world. Stacy shares practical insights from years of helping authors craft books that not only sell, but also make a meaningful difference—offering valuable guidance for anyone considering writing a business book or becoming a published author. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Stacy Ennis and her background 01:00 Stacy’s journey from childhood reading to publishing expert 02:36 Her experience in publishing and ghostwriting 03:24 Working with authors with a bigger mission 04:49 The ROI of writing a book and trust building 05:56 Trusting Stacy’s expertise after a trust-breaking experience 07:43 The importance of mission and impact in writing 09:04 The strategic value of a book for influence and marketing 10:33 Shelf life and longevity of well-done work 12:24 Reflections on the author journey and publishing routes 14:36 Exploring traditional, self, and hybrid publishing 16:36 The evolving landscape of publishing and author education 18:24 Why hybrid and self-publishing are viable options 20:28 The role of a book in business, trust, and influence 24:18 The transformative process of organizing ideas 27:37 The impact of writing on personal and business growth 28:58 The importance of creative health and deep thought 31:16 Rebuilding self-trust through the writing process 32:44 The societal and professional importance of authorship 33:01 Stacy’s resources and podcast 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. About Stacy Ennis: Stacy Ennis is a best-selling author, book coach, and speaker on a mission to help leaders clarify their ideas and harness their unique story to make an impact. Her background includes impacting more than 100 books in her 17-plus years in publishing; ghostwriting for a Nobel Prize winner in medicine; and leading as executive editor of Sam’s Club’s Healthy Living Made Simple, a publication that reached around 11 million readers. Stacy’s work and writing have been featured in Yahoo!, Inc., Insider, Publisher’s Weekly, Katie Couric, and the TEDx stage. Stacy is also the host of the podcast Beyond Better and holds a master’s in writing and editing from the University of Cincinnati. Check Out Stacy Ennis’ Work: * 10 Things You Should Know Before Writing a Nonfiction Book free resource * Author Influence Circle * Direct link to book a call with Stacy to chat about their book * Instagram @stacyennis * LinkedIn: Stacy Ennis * Study mentioned on the episode Episode Links: Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Aug 4

    Tessa Fontaine: BTS on Writing Fiction: Money, Career, and Why Writing Matters

    This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, we go behind the scenes with writer Tessa Fontaine as we explore the realities of building a fiction writing career. We talk about money, publishing, creative community, balancing art with financial stability, and why most authors rely on multiple income streams to keep writing. We also discuss the deeper purpose of writing—how stories help us make sense of the world, why art matters beyond profit, and what it means to create work that truly connects. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is an honest look at the intersection of creativity, career, and purpose. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Tessa Fontaine’s Writing Journey 03:18 The Role of Income and Writing as a Creative Outlet 04:18 The Joy of Reading and Audiobooks for Writers 06:36 Balancing Practical Career and Artistic Spirit 11:36 Building Community and Accountability in Writing 22:34 The Fickleness of Writing Income and Artistic Freedom 27:54 The Incompatibility of Capitalism and Art 36:36 The Gift Economy and the Purpose of Art 46:06 Why Do You Write? Personal Motivations 50:40 Diverse Careers and Income Streams for Writers 54:29 Misunderstandings About the Financial Side of Writing 01:00:02 The Enduring Power of Art and Literature 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. About Tessa Fontaine: Tessa Fontaine is the author of THE ELECTRIC WOMAN: A MEMOIR IN DEATH-DEFYING ACTS (FSG 2018), a New York Times Editors’ Choice; Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, and best book of the year by Southern Living, Refinery29, Amazon Editors’, and The New York Post. THE RED GROVE (FSG 2024), her debut novel, was named a best book by Amazon Editors’ and People Magazine, and was currently longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Other writing can be found in Outside, The New York Times, Glamour, AGNI, The Believer, People, LitHub, Creative Nonfiction, and more. Raised outside San Francisco, Tessa is a former professor and has taught in jails and prisons. She co-founded and teaches the Accountability Workshops with writer and pal Annie Hartnett, and lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her daughter, goofy dog and sassy cat. Check Out Tessa’s Work: Tessa’s Website Accountability Workshops website Instagram: @accountabilityworkshops Episode Links: Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Jul 28

    My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire

    “One of the most advantageous things that exists in the U.S. tax code is a Roth IRA for a minor.” 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 starting early with investments and how this can empower the next generation financially. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:32 The concept of tax-advantaged savings for kids 01:02 What is a custodial Roth IRA and why it’s beneficial 01:58 How kids with summer jobs can start investing 02:53 Difference between traditional and Roth IRA explained 04:18 Advantages of Roth IRA for minors and future tax benefits 07:15 Why kids’ low income makes Roth IRA especially advantageous 08:40 Teaching kids about compound interest and investment growth 11:08 Resources for learning about compound interest and investing 13:03 Empowering the next generation with financial tools I hope this 3-part series on investing for your kid(s) helps you understand your options. If you missed the first two, here they are: 1. Trump Accounts explainer (if your kid was born in 2025, 2026 or you’re planning for one in 2027 or 2028, please get the FREE $1000 you are entitled to) 2. 529 Plan vs Trump Accounts (you can use both). 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. Episode Links: Roth vs Traditional IRA: Does it even matter? How to fund your IRA: Pay yourself first Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

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4.9
out of 5
112 Ratings

About

In this show, we’re talking about taxes, money, and careers for self-employed people who have a big vision for changing the world with their work. I’m your host, Hannah Cole; tax pro, artist, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. sunlighttax.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Cole
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    221
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hannah Cole
  • Show Website
    Sunlight Tax

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