Sunlight Tax

Today, I’m chatting about a commonly missed tax deduction for entrepreneurs: cell phone and internet expenses. I’m going over why these deductions are missed and how you can utilize them to get the most out of your tax return this year.

Join me in this episode to learn how to calculate a reasonable business percentage for these mixed-use expenses so you can maximize your allowable deductions and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

2:54 Calculating business percentage for cell phone expenses

5:50 Internet usage and business deductions

8:28 Tracking and documenting your personal expenses

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:

Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my 2-day Business Intensive

Get my Tax Help on Substack

Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m discussing how recent interest rate hikes are affecting personal finance and the broader economy. I’ll share practical advice for managing debt, building savings, and navigating investments in a changing economic landscape.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Introduction to Market News and Interest Rates

02:07 The Power of Small Cohorts in Business Programs

04:36 Announcing New Business Setup Intensive Cohorts

06:39 How the Fed Uses Interest Rate Hikes to Control Inflation

07:33 Predictions for Future Interest Rate Increases

08:19 Implications for Personal Borrowing and Debt

09:32 Opportunities in Savings and Investment Accounts

10:54 The Importance of Investing to Combat Inflation

12:10 Promoting the Business Setup Intensive Program

13:21 Actionable Steps for Financial Health and Growth

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:

Check out my 2-day Business Intensive

My upcoming in-person workshop with The Art Students League of New York

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

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m diving into tax deductions for freelancers and small business owners. I’ll walk through the IRS rules you need to understand, plus how setting up simple automated systems can help you capture more legitimate deductions, save time, and take some of the stress out of tax season.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

00:10 Introduction to Business Deductions and IRS Rules

02:04 The Importance of Documentation and Automation

03:54 How to Track and Deduct Business Travel Expenses

06:07 Understanding Mixed Use Items and Partial Deductions

08:00 Examples of Deductible Expenses and Personal Travel

10:12 Resources for Learning and Setting Up Deduction Systems

12:13 The Benefits of Proper Deduction Planning

13:57 Details of the Sunlight Tax Intensive Program

14:52 Encouragement and Final Tips for Business Owners

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:

Learn more about the Intensive

My upcoming in-person workshop with The Art Students League of New York

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

“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

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

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

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

“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

“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

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