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 financial education is one of the most effective tools for protecting yourself. Research shows that learning even the basics of personal finance can save you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

Also mentioned in this episode:

02:00 Introduction to Personal Finance and Consumer Culture

04:15 The Dangers of Buy Now, Pay Later Services

06:37 The Importance of Personal Finance Education

09:49 The Value of Financial Literacy

12:28 Building Wealth Through Smart Financial Habits

15:11 Conclusion and Call to Action

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:

New York Times Article: They Got To Live A Life Of Luxury. Then Came The Fine Print 

'Buy Now, Pay Later' has built a delirious new culture of consumption — and trapped users in a vortex of debt.

CNBC Article: You can put a price tag on the value of a personal finance education: $100,000

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

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’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 share key insights from an excellent healthinsurance.org article by Louise Norris, titled “One Big Beautiful Bill Act Brings Sweeping Changes to Health Coverage.” With her permission, I’ll be reading excerpts from that piece and you can find the full article linked in the show notes. It’s a must-read if you want a deeper understanding of how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) could reshape American health care and insurance coverage in the years ahead.

Also mentioned in this episode:

03:29  Health Care Provisions Overview

07:02  Medicaid Changes and Impacts

09:17  Planned Parenthood Funding

11:37  Subsidy Eligibility for Low-Income Immigrants

12:32  Impact of Subsidy Changes on Self-Employed

17:09  Health Savings Accounts and Marketplace Plans

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.

Credit:

Key insights in this episode come from an excellent article by Louise Norris for healthinsurance.org, titled “One Big Beautiful Bill Act Brings Sweeping Changes to Health Coverage.” Shared with permission.

Links:

Article by Louise Norris published in healthinsurance.org: One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings sweeping changes to health coverage by Louise Norris 

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

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’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 the long-term effects on things like healthcare and our social safety net. What really struck me is the gap between what people want and what lawmakers actually do, and how much wealth drives those decisions.

For me, the big lesson is that we need to frame fiscal issues in ways that connect with the public, and ultimately, push for campaign finance reform to get legislation that reflects real public priorities.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:05 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

02:34 The Societal Impact of the Tax Bill

04:44 Public Opinion vs. Legislative Action

07:29 Disparities in Wealth and Policy Preferences

10:31 The Importance of Campaign Finance Reform

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:

Tax Policy Center Urban Institute & Brookings Institution Article:  When Tax Laws Defy Public Opinion: What OBBBA Reveals

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

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 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 mistakes.

We also discuss how mindset and emotions affect your money decisions, why community and accountability are essential for building wealth, and practical tips for artists and freelancers managing irregular income. Throughout the conversation, we highlight the importance of defining your financial goals, your core money values, and how having the right support network can help you actually achieve them.

Also mentioned in this episode:

06:23 Tools for Financial Management

07:22 Learning from Financial Mistakes

13:07 Navigating Financial Challenges

24:46 The Power of Timelines in Financial Planning

26:30 Defining 'Best' in Financial Goals

33:46 The Emotional Side of Money

44:41 Creating a Sustainable Income Strategy

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:

The Stacking Benjamins Show

Joe Saul-Sehy's Book: Stacked

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

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 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 from my community, and practical tips to overcome the psychological barriers that keep many creatives and freelancers from building wealth. Whether you’re just starting out or have been self-employed for years, you’ll learn how to take imperfect but powerful action toward your financial goals and harness the power of compound interest to create a more secure future.

If you’ve ever felt behind on saving, this episode will give you the motivation and strategy you need to start today.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:11 The Key Habit of Successful Freelancers

03:40 Overcoming Perfectionism in Saving

06:37 The Power of Consistent Savings

09:12 Building a Safety Net with Small Contributions

11:51 The Psychology of Financial Habits

14:54 Real Success Stories from the Community

18:26 The Importance of Habits Over Windfalls

21:10 Encouragement and Resources for Financial Security

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:

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

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

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 can feel expensive but are worth the investment.

That’s exactly why I created Money Bootcamp, a comprehensive course package and bookkeeping setup training for freelancers, sole proprietors, and solopreneurs. It helps get you set up right for taxes, tracking the right things, and growing a giant pile of money without wasting your time.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:00 Understanding the Value of Professional Accounting

02:19 Common Misconceptions About Accountants

03:43 What You Don't Get with Tax Preparation

06:55 The Costs of Quality Accounting Services

11:40 The Need for Accessible Financial Education

13:49 Money Bootcamp

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:

Join my free class on 9/17: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

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 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 you need to make informed financial decisions.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

01:00 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

06:42 New Borrowing Caps and Repayment Plans

13:31 Navigating Legacy Borrower Challenges

Takeaways

• New student loan borrowers will have only two repayment options after July 2026.

• The SAVE program is ending, impacting many borrowers.

• New lifetime caps on borrowing for education will be implemented.

• Half a million borrowers may see increased payments due to changes.

• Low and middle-income students may struggle with graduate school costs.

• The RAP plan offers more flexible repayment options for borrowers.

• It's crucial to stay informed through reliable resources and articles.

• Navigating student loans requires careful consideration and action. 

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

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

• New Tax Bill: No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and New Deduction for Seniors

Links:

Help article by Tara Siegel Bernard from the New York Times

This article on the NPR website, by Cory Turner 

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 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 income, and your financial planning. If you want to stay ahead of new tax laws and make the most of these opportunities, this episode is for you.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

03:13  Campaign Promises and Tax Deductions

06:15  Understanding the No Tax on Tips Provision

19:52  Exploring the No Tax on Overtime Provision

Takeaways

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was passed on July 2nd.

• The bill includes several campaign promises related to tax deductions.

• A new higher standard deduction for seniors is introduced.

• The no tax on tips provision benefits higher income tipped workers.

• Only qualified tips are eligible for the new deduction.

• The no tax on overtime provision allows deductions for overtime pay.

• The deductions expire in 2029, providing limited time benefits.

• Tax equity is a significant concern with the new provisions.

• The bill's provisions are retroactive to January 1, 2025.

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

• 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, 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

• New Tax Bill: No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and New Deduction for Seniors

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

• New Tax Bill: No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and New Deduction for Seniors

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