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 to give you clear, actionable insights so you can maximize your tax benefits and make the most of these opportunities before they expire.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

01:00 Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act 03:37 New Car Loan Interest Deduction 13:04 Expiring Energy Credits and Deadlines

 

Takeaways

• The new tax law is called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

• There are new deductions for car loan interest starting in 2025.

• Tax credits for clean vehicles are expiring soon.

• The deadline for clean vehicle tax credits is September 30th.

• The car loan interest deduction is only applicable to new cars.

• You must have the VIN number to claim the car loan deduction.

• Energy efficiency improvement credits are also expiring soon.

• The residential clean energy credit is set to expire in 2025.

• Commercial vehicle tax credits are available for businesses.

 

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.

 

Other Sunlight Tax podcast episodes about OBBBA:

• Unpacking Trump’s New Tax Law: What You Need to Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Links:

VIN decoder

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

 

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 information with anyone who might benefit from it.

 

Also mentioned in this episode:

00:00 Introduction to the New Tax Bill

04:13 Overview of the Tax Bill's Key Points

11:49 Impacts on Low-Income and Wealthy Households

18:55 Changes to Environmental Credits and Clean Energy

19:50 Implications for Self-Employed and Freelancers

 

Takeaways

• The new tax bill is officially called the 'one big beautiful tax bill.'

• I aim to provide clear, fact-checked information about tax laws.

• The bill extends provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

• It is expected to increase the federal deficit by $3 to $4 trillion.

• The bill primarily benefits households with incomes over $500,000.

• Medicaid cuts are expected to save $900 billion.

• The child tax credit has been increased from $2,000 to $2,200.

• Many environmental tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act have been eliminated.

• Self-employed individuals will maintain the qualified business income deduction.

 

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.

 

Other Sunlight Tax podcast episodes about OBBBA:

• Breaking Down Trump’s New Tax Law: Cars, New Loan Interest Deduction, and Expiring Energy Credits

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

 

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 value of creativity in navigating challenges.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

 

02:52 Meet the Designers: Reggie Tidwell and Tim Scroggs

08:38 Creating Enduring Value in Design

11:58 Navigating Client Relationships and Brand Strategy

14:49 Building Confidence as a Designer

17:35 Embracing the Unknown in Creativity

23:55 AI and the Future of Design

29:56 Community and Connection in the Design World

32:36 The Impact of AI on Creativity and Humanity

41:19 The Importance of Intuition and Human Connection

 

Takeaways

• The design industry is evolving with the introduction of AI, but human creativity remains irreplaceable.

• Branding is essential for businesses, especially during economic uncertainty.

• Transitioning from a beginner to an expert designer involves gaining confidence and experience.

• AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance creativity, not a replacement for it.

• Isolation is a significant challenge for creatives, and community support is vital.

• Understanding client needs is crucial for effective branding and marketing strategies.

• Creativity thrives in environments that value human connection and collaboration.

• The future of design will require a blend of technology and human intuition.

 

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:

Reggie Tidwell's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggietidwell/ 

Tim Scroggs' Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timscroggs/ 

40 Hearts: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40hearts/ 

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

 

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

06:06  Basic Steps to Avoid Financial Disaster

08:55  Debt Management Strategies

12:37  Saving and Investing for the Future

15:52  Empowerment Through Financial Knowledge

 

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

 

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 about spending wisely and why she thinks financial education is so important for kids her age (Gen Alpha). It was also fascinating to see how her perspective reflects some of the generational shifts in how we think about money.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

03:12  First Job and Earnings Insights

06:17  Understanding Roth IRA and Compound Interest

08:56  Navigating Taxes and Financial Responsibilities

11:43  Defining Net Worth and Wealth

15:36  Lessons on Spending and Saving

18:05  The Importance of Financial 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:

My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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:

00:00 Introduction to Tax-Advantaged Savings for Kids 01:50 Understanding Roth IRAs for Minors 05:28 Investment Strategies for Kids' Roth IRAs 09:05 Teaching Kids About Compound Interest

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:

Roth vs Traditional IRA: Does it even matter?

How to fund your IRA: Pay yourself first

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

 

 

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 encourages listeners to reflect on their own ownership and value in various aspects of life.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

00:00  The Importance of Ownership in Wealth Building

03:01  Creating Visuals: The Work Behind Ownership

08:47  Personal Reflections on Ownership and Generosity

10:17  Recognizing Your Value in Collaborative Projects

13:04  Investing: A Path to Ownership and Financial Freedom

 

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

 

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 those mindset blocks that can make dealing with taxes feel so heavy. Throughout our chat, I offer practical tips, like why it’s so important to have a separate bank account for your business, and how setting up just a few basic expense categories can make a big difference in staying organized.

Join me in this episode and feel empowered to take small, proactive steps with your finances so you can ditch the stress and focus on the creative work you love.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

03:22  The Importance of Bookkeeping

07:13  Setting Up for Success: Business Bank Accounts

09:57  Mid-Year Check-In and Action Steps

 

Takeaways

• The mindset around taxes can significantly impact financial management.

• Bookkeeping should be done consistently throughout the year.

• Procrastination in bookkeeping leads to increased stress at tax time.

• Having a separate business bank account simplifies financial tracking.

• Every transaction needs to be categorized for accurate tax reporting.

• Doing any bookkeeping now reduces work at tax time.

• Mid-year is a great time to assess your financial organization.

• Setting up expense categories can be done easily with a spreadsheet.

• A visual guide to tax deductions can help streamline the process.

• Taking small steps now can lead to greater financial peace later.

 

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

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

 

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 more beneficial to the taxpayer. 

Join me in this episode to learn how you can take advantage of this tax credit and how it can apply to you. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

• 01:08 Understanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

• 04:00 Exploring Summer Camp and Tax Benefits

• 11:00 Eligibility and Application for the Tax Credit

 

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:

VVRKSHOP, Paddy Johnson: https://www.vvrkshop.art/

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

 

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 today’s episode: 

• Why you should focus on one thing at a time 8:30

• Why batching is so important 13:58

• Repetition and how it can help you in business 19:36

• The decision metric I use when deciding to take on a new project 39:40 

 

Takeaways

• You can have it all, but you can't have it all at once.

• Focus on your current capacity and what will increase it.

• Specializing in one area can lead to greater success.

• Batching tasks can help maintain focus and efficiency.

• Repetition is essential for mastering skills in business.

• Context switching can drain your cognitive resources.

• Editing your business can simplify operations and enhance focus.

• Metrics are crucial for tracking progress and improving processes.

• Your vision should guide your business decisions.

• Don't stress about everything; focus on one thing at a time.

 

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.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp