Working on a day job is not something that suits a lot of people. These people prefer to work at their own pace, and they want to be their own boss. They want to manage their own time since they also have other goals to pursue. You may even be this person. You are a freelancer, and you know the benefits of pursuing your work at your time. One of the best things about working as a freelancer is that you get to earn as much as you want if you are taking care of your clients properly and that you are managing your schedules smartly. However, being a freelancer may mean that your income fluctuates. It will always change based on the needs and budget of your clients.
While there is a room for earning big, you should make sure that your earnings would not go to waste. That can only happen when you properly manage your finances. Most greenhorns actually have troubles managing their money, but there are a few ways that will make this much easier. These pointers are also the reminders that even experienced freelancers can keep in mind:
Mind all your savings and expenses
Saving money does not mean that you will just be carving all the parts of your earnings for your expenses and save what is left. You have to dedicate a portion of your monthly earnings for your savings. To decide on how much, you need to plot your expenses. Take into account your personal expenses, such as electricity, gasoline, payment for a co-working space, and equipment, including your software. You need to set up a separate bank account where you can put all your money for your savings and investments.
Keep in mind the taxes
Being an employee may mean that taxes are already deducted from your income, so there is no problem regarding tax management. The opposite is different. As a freelancer, you have to take care of your taxes. You need to do it properly to avoid legal repercussions. You will need to set aside some money, which is usually around 15% to 30%. If you are having troubles with this, you may want to work with a reliable provider of self-employed tax help in Utah.
Keep track of your clients
You should not just keep track of your finances, but you will also have to look at the client’s side of your business. To make sure that their payments are accepted properly and efficiently, you need to have invoices and receipts ready. Your invoices should be numbered and labeled properly to make it much easier for you to track your client’s payments.
Being a freelancer has many benefits. You have an opportunity to earn big, and you have the power to take care of your own schedule, meaning you get to work at your own pace. To make sure that your earnings are secure and you are in good shape, you should take care of your finances properly.