How to Manage Your Finances as a Freelancer
As a freelancer, it can be difficult to manage finances since you are not guaranteed a regular income. This can make it difficult to budget and save money, but both are a top priority when your income isn't steady.
Save
Even if you're living paycheck to paycheck now, try to put some money into savings regularly so you have a cushion. Every little bit counts, so get in the habit of moving whatever you can into your savings account. You will breathe a sigh of relief every time you see your growing balance and it will encourage you to keep saving.
Budget
Budget is not a fun word, but in addition to saving, budgeting your money is crucial since you never know when you will have a dry spell in terms of work. By budgeting, you can ensure that you have enough to cover your expenses even when your income fluctuates from month to month. It will help you stay on top of your finances and avoid debt.
How To Start a Basic Budget
There are a few different ways that you can approach budgeting. You can use a pen and paper, a spreadsheet, or budgeting software. No matter what method you use, the goal is to track your income and expenses so that you can see where your money is going.
To get started, list out all of your sources of income. This could include your freelance work, any side hustles, investments, or other sources. Next, list out all of your expenses. Be sure to include both fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are those that stay the same each month, such as your rent or mortgage, car payment, and insurance. Variable expenses are those that can fluctuate, such as food, gas, and entertainment.
Once you have all of your income and expenses listed out, you can start to see where your money is going. From there, you can make adjustments to ensure that you are spending within your means. Not only that, it will help you look ahead to see how much you need to make so you can go find some more work and income sources! If your client list unexpectedly shrinks, you'll know exactly how much income you'll need to cover your bills.
Pay Yourself First
One of the most important things that you can do as a freelancer is to pay yourself first. This means that you should put money into savings or investments before you pay your bills. By doing this, you will ensure that you are prepared for those months when you don't make as much.
One way to pay yourself first is to set up automatic transfers into your savings account. This way, you will not have to think about it and the money will be automatically transferred from your checking account to your savings account. Another way to pay yourself first is to invest in a 401k or other retirement account. By doing this, you will be able to save for retirement while also getting tax benefits.
Final Thoughts
As a freelancer, managing finances can be a challenge. However, it is important to make sure that you are prepared for lean times and that you are saving for the future. By saving and budgeting, you can make sure that you're on the right track.
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