How to Manage Your Money as a Freelancer

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Last Updated on July 4, 2019 by Work In My Pajamas

Freelancing is becoming an increasingly popular work choice, but without a stable, guaranteed income, it’s no surprise that money is one of the biggest worries for freelancers.

If you’re considering going freelance, money worries could be holding you back – after all, not being sure of your next paycheck can be a nerve-wracking experience for anybody. The good news is that there are several things that freelancers can do in order to ensure that they are financially prepared for any emergencies. 

#1. Save Money:

If you’re considering going freelance but are worried about money, then now is the perfect time to start putting some money aside for the future. Having enough money to keep you covered for at least a few months of paying your rent or mortgage, priority bills, and expenses such as food will mean that you’re much less stressed if freelancing work is slow. Bear in mind that for most freelancers, there will be both good and bad months. So, you should also consider saving some of the money that you make on a good month. Then when you do hit a bad month, you won’t be struggling to cover your costs. 

#2. Be Prepared for the Worst:

As a freelancer, you can never rely on clients lasting forever, and you’ll also need to be prepared for sudden, unexpected expenses and situations that could impact your financial situation. For example, you could have a client who suddenly goes out of business and is unable to continue supplying you with work, or you may have unexpected car or house expenses. Don’t forget you’ll also need to factor in the risk of falling ill or being involved in an accident that could leave you unable to work. No matter how well you run your business, it can be difficult to avoid these things, so make sure that you are fully prepared for them. 

#3. Make Sure You’re Being Paid:

As a new freelancer, asking for money can be awkward at first. But you wouldn’t let an employer pay you late or get away without paying you for your work, so don’t let your clients. If you find that you are struggling with money due to late payments as a freelancer, then it’s important to make sure that you are doing something to tackle this problem. One of the best ways to do this is by sending electronic invoices to your clients. This makes it easier for them to make the payment that is due to you straight away. If you work regularly for a certain client, it can be a wise idea to agree on a regular payment date with them, such as every week or month. 

#4. Last Resorts:

While your income as a freelancer can be unpredictable, borrowing money may be a wise idea if you are sure that you are going to be able to repay it. Online installment loans can be a good option as you can repay a small amount every month. And, money from personal installment loans can be put aside into your emergency fund when you’re just starting out and haven’t had chance to save your earnings. 

Money is a top concern for many freelancers, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to manage your freelance finances.

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