Sunlight Tax

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

 

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

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

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

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

 

 

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

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

 

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

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

 

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

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

 

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

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

 

 

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

It's easy to get confused when it comes to figuring out what you need to report as income on your tax return. 

Today, I'm going over some of the most common ways to receive money as an entrepreneur and talking about what actually counts as income in your business so you can be prepared for your taxes. 

Join me in this episode to learn more about determining your total income and how you can make sure you report it correctly to the IRS.

 

Also mentioned in this episode:

00:00 Understanding Tax Obligations for Self-Employed Individuals

10:36 What Counts as Income: Key Definitions and Examples

16:39 Clarifying Non-Taxable Income: Gifts, Loans, and More

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

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

Do you feel overwhelmed, fearful, or even judged when it comes to your taxes and finances?

In today's episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm diving into the mental load of financial fear, specifically the stress that comes with managing taxes, saving for retirement, and planning financially as a self-employed or creative entrepreneur. We'll explore how this hidden anxiety can weigh down your creative energy and limit your impact.

If you've ever felt disorganized or anxious about money, tune in to learn practical ways to overcome that fear, get organized, and become financially confident as a creative entrepreneur.

 

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:45 The Mental Load of Taxes

06:51 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Around Finances

13:25 Building a System for Financial Ease

 

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

 

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share when it makes sense to hire a professional accountant versus handling your taxes on your own, and why understanding your taxes is so important, especially during life changes like getting married, relocating, or experiencing major income shifts.

 

I dive into essential tax planning strategies for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners. I also break down complex tax situations that often require expert guidance, and explore the pros and cons of using tax software versus working with a tax professional.

 

Also mentioned in this episode:

00:00 Understanding the Importance of Tax Planning

00:49 When to Hire an Accountant vs. DIY Taxes

05:20 Life Changes and Financial Shifts

11:13 The Value of Tax Planning

15:39 Complex Situations Requiring Professional Help

21:40 Strategic Decisions and Consulting an Accountant

26:28 Empowerment Through Tax Education

 

Takeaways

• Even a couple hours of an accountant's time can save you money.

• There is no tax education in this country, which complicates things.

• Basic education in taxes can empower you to handle them yourself.

• Big life changes are a good time to consult with an accountant.

• Tax planning can save you a lot of money and headache.

• Consult a professional before significant financial decisions.

• Tax returns typically do not include tax planning services.

• Year-end tax planning is crucial for maximizing savings.

• Understanding your taxes is important for financial literacy.

• Using software like TurboTax can be effective if you know the rules.

 

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

Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe