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Sunlight Tax

Sunlight Tax

Hosted by Hannah Cole

Episodes

216

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

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

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60 recent
August 11, 2026Episode 23537 min

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 EnnisIn 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 background01:00 Stacy’s journey from childhood reading to publishing expert02:36 Her experience in publishing and ghostwriting03:24 Working with authors with a bigger mission04:49 The ROI of writing a book and trust building05:56 Trusting Stacy’s expertise after a trust-breaking experience07:43 The importance of mission and impact in writing09:04 The strategic value of a book for influence and marketing10:33 Shelf life and longevity of well-done work12:24 Reflections on the author journey and publishing routes14:36 Exploring traditional, self, and hybrid publishing16:36 The evolving landscape of publishing and author education18:24 Why hybrid and self-publishing are viable options20:28 The role of a book in business, trust, and influence24:18 The transformative process of organizing ideas27:37 The impact of writing on personal and business growth28:58 The importance of creative health and deep thought31:16 Rebuilding self-trust through the writing process32:44 The societal and professional importance of authorship33:01 Stacy’s resources and podcastIf 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 episodeEpisode Links:Check out my program, Money BootcampGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

August 4, 2026Episode 1901 hr 2 min

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 Journey03:18 The Role of Income and Writing as a Creative Outlet04:18 The Joy of Reading and Audiobooks for Writers06:36 Balancing Practical Career and Artistic Spirit11:36 Building Community and Accountability in Writing22:34 The Fickleness of Writing Income and Artistic Freedom27:54 The Incompatibility of Capitalism and Art36:36 The Gift Economy and the Purpose of Art46:06 Why Do You Write? Personal Motivations50:40 Diverse Careers and Income Streams for Writers54:29 Misunderstandings About the Financial Side of Writing01:00:02 The Enduring Power of Art and LiteratureIf 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 WebsiteAccountability Workshops websiteInstagram: @accountabilityworkshopsEpisode Links:Check out my program, Money BootcampGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

July 28, 2026Episode 1321114 min

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 kids01:02 What is a custodial Roth IRA and why it’s beneficial01:58 How kids with summer jobs can start investing02:53 Difference between traditional and Roth IRA explained04:18 Advantages of Roth IRA for minors and future tax benefits07:15 Why kids’ low income makes Roth IRA especially advantageous08:40 Teaching kids about compound interest and investment growth11:08 Resources for learning about compound interest and investing13:03 Empowering the next generation with financial toolsI 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 firstCheck out my program, Money BootcampGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

July 21, 2026Episode 21021 min

Savings for Kids: Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain the key differences between Trump Accounts and 529 Plans, two tax-advantaged savings options designed to help families invest in their children’s futures.You’ll learn who qualifies for a Trump Account, how these new custodial investment accounts work, contribution limits, tax considerations, and how they compare to traditional 529 college savings plans. I also break down the advantages and drawbacks of each option, including flexibility, eligible uses, long-term growth potential, and strategies for maximizing tax-efficient wealth building.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:00 Introduction to Trump Accounts and 529 Plans02:00 What Are Trump Accounts? Eligibility and Benefits04:50 Pros and Cons of Trump Accounts09:07 Understanding 529 Plans and Their Benefits13:01 Transferability and Investment Options in 529 Plans17:58 Using 529 Funds for Education and Beyond20:04 Comparing Purpose and Benefits of Both Vehicles21:03 Final Tips and Strategic ConsiderationsIf 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:The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a MillionaireGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

July 14, 2026Episode 20915 min

Invest for Your Kids: New Trump Accounts Now Available

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the new Trump Accounts, a custodial savings program for children introduced in 2026. I walk through who qualifies, how these accounts work, how to open one, contribution limits, and the tax rules you need to know.I also explore the potential advantages and drawbacks of using a Trump Account as part of a long-term savings strategy, how it compares to other options for investing in a child’s future, and what families should consider before contributing. Despite the name, these accounts are a good thing.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction to Trump Accounts and Their Purpose01:28 What is a Trump Account and Its Legislative Background02:52 Eligibility, Bonus Contributions, and Funding Limits04:15 How to Open a Trump Account and the Election Process07:17 Investment Strategies and Allowed Assets in Trump Accounts09:04 How to Use the Trump Accounts and Withdrawal Rules11:48 Who Can Open a Trump Account and Additional Flexibility14:56 Next Steps for Building WealthIf 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:The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a MillionaireGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

July 7, 2026Episode 20836 min

Book Curious? The 7 stages of writing a book.

"It may not be what you want to hear, but it's better to know it before you sink an enormous amount of time and energy and then realize that that's only one third of the project."In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I’ve learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand.We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you’re thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact.Also mentioned in today’s episode:04:56 Housekeeping and Personal Update08:58 Differences Between Fiction and Nonfiction Publishing10:52 The Importance of Marketing and Audience Engagement14:59 Steps After Securing a Book Deal18:11 Long-term Book Business Planning19:07 Platform and Audience Building22:03 Market Research and Audience Targeting22:50 Financial Aspects of Writing a Book29:09 Book Promotion and Publicity Tours32:09 Motivations for Writing a Book33:04 Creating a Meaningful and Impactful Book35:00 Reader Engagement and FeedbackIf 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 my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

June 30, 2026Episode 20734 min

Professor Ray Madoff on How to Tax the Rich

Why do billionaires often pay lower tax rates than working Americans? In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with tax policy expert and professor, Ray Madoff, to explore how income, wealth, and inheritance are taxed in the United States, and why the current system often favors the ultra-wealthy.We discuss wealth inequality, estate taxes, billionaire tax strategies, and the most promising proposals for tax reform. If you’ve ever wondered how the tax code shapes who builds wealth in America, this conversation offers a clear and accessible look at what a fairer tax system could look like.Also mentioned in today’s episode:02:30 Background on Professor Ray Madoff and her work05:40 How the tax system favors the wealthy07:19 The impact of growth in stock value and tax treatment09:02 Living off wealth, not income10:04 Inheritance, gifts, and the lack of taxation12:15 The estate tax and loopholes16:20 Public perception and fairness in the tax system17:21 How the wealthy avoid taxes: borrowing against assets23:02 Political feasibility of tax reforms25:46 Wealth taxes and their challenges29:56 Legal and constitutional issues with wealth taxes31:46 Potential benefits of well-designed tax policiesIf 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 Professor Ray D. Madoff:Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets.Episode Links:Professor Ray Madoff’s Book: The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American AristocracyMy FAQ page on how to Tax the RichGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

June 23, 2026Episode 20621 min

Get Free Money By Using Your Retirement Accounts

“If there is one single habit you can have in your life to build financial security for yourself, and frankly, to get free money that’s on the table, it is to max out your tax-advantaged accounts every single year.”In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Embracing Summer and Financial Reflection02:50 Understanding Tax-Advantaged Accounts06:05 Maximizing Retirement Savings with SEP IRAs08:50 The Power of Productive Friction in Learning11:58 The Power Triangle for Financial Growth15:10 Strategies for Effective Tax-Advantaged Saving17:55 Upcoming Class: Save Like A MillionaireIf 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 Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart AccountsGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

June 16, 2026Episode 19036 min

Anna Burgess Yang: Why Self-Employment May Be More Secure Than a Traditional Job

“It’s stressful to work for an employer and it’s stressful to work for yourself. It’s just like ‘choose your stress.’” – Anna Burgess YangIn this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Anna Burgess Yang to discuss her journey from corporate banking to solopreneurship. We explore the skills that helped her make the leap, how she approaches business decisions and financial management, and what it really means to navigate risk as a self-employed business owner. Anna also shares practical insights on freelancing and building a sustainable solo business while having effective financial planningAlso mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction to Solopreneurship06:01 Transitioning from Corporate to Freelance10:25 Common Mistakes Solopreneurs Make12:26 The Risks of Employment vs. Self-Employment17:10 Current Economic Landscape for Freelancers22:20 Navigating Career Pivots28:04 Financial Management for SolopreneursIf 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 Anna Burgess Yang:Anna Burgess Yang is a freelance content marketer and journalist specializing in B2B SaaS and fintech. She is also a solopreneur educator focused on back-end business operations. A former corporate executive, she now writes long-form content for clients. She also maintains her own blog, newsletter, and a tutorials site. Within her content, she teaches other solopreneurs and marketers how to use AI and automation to work more efficiently.Check Out Anna’s Work:FREE RESOURCE: Budget Health CheckAnna’s InstagramAnna’s LinkedInAnna’s YouTube ChannelEpisode Links:Join the Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart AccountsGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

June 9, 2026Episode 20421 min

Most Americans Have Been Deceived About Taxing the Wealthy (Even My Mom and Partner)

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down some of the biggest misconceptions about wealth taxes, estate taxes, and tax fairness in the United States. We’ll explore how the tax system works for the wealthiest Americans, why so many myths persist around taxing wealth, and what these policies mean for everyday people, small business owners, and future generations.I also share the story behind my grassroots campaign to raise awareness about tax justice through art, advocacy, and community action. My goal is to make complex tax issues easier to understand and help more people engage in conversations about economic fairness and social change.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 My Art Campaign00:29 The State of Wealth Inequality in the US00:57 Tax Fairness and the Wealthy01:50 Problems with Wealth Tax and Historical Context02:45 Inheritances and the Income Tax System03:41 Hannah’s Grassroots Campaign and Art Fundraiser04:41 Understanding the Sunlight Tax Website05:09 Funding the IRS and Tax Enforcement06:34 Myths and Misinformation about Tax Laws07:32 Upcoming Expert Interview with Professor Madoff09:00 Misconceptions about Inheritance and Gift Taxes12:17 The Truth About Estate Taxes and Public Perception16:35 Tax Benefits for Primary Residence SalesIf 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:Support me in rebuilding my studioRay Madoff, author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy.Get my Tax Help on Substack.Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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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