How To Properly Handle Your Finances As A Freelancer

Last Updated on January 7, 2025

The freelance economy has been growing steadily for decades. More and more people are choosing to work independently or have a side hustle doing something they love. If you’re one of these people, there’s a lot you need to know about how your finances can be affected by this choice. In this post, we’ll explore the basics of handling your money as a freelancer.

What This Article Covers

• The growth of the freelance economy and its impact on personal finances.
• How to manage client payments effectively and ensure accurate records.
• Tracking expenses and using tools to stay organized financially.
• The importance of maintaining a separate bank account for your freelance business.
• Smart strategies for saving money while working as a freelancer.
• Understanding your tax obligations, including self-employment taxes.
• The benefits of hiring an accountant to handle freelance-specific financial needs.
• Tips to ensure long-term financial stability as an independent worker.

Get Paid

No matter how you get paid, make sure you keep accurate records of what you are owed and when you are owed it. This will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings between you and your clients. It will also help if any disputes ever arise. By being organized, you can protect yourself and ensure that getting paid is as smooth as possible. 

PayPal is a popular online payment service that many freelancers use. It is free to sign up and easy to use. You can receive payments from clients all over the world, and it is very secure. Also, make sure to check if PayPal fees apply for the transactions. This way you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your payments.

Keep Track Of Your Expenses

When you’re a freelancer, it’s important to keep track of your expenses. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you’re not spending too much money on unnecessary things. There are a few different ways to track your expenses, so choose the method that works best for you.

One way to track your expenses is to use a spreadsheet. This can be helpful because you can see all of your expenses in one place. You can also create charts and graphs to help you visualize your spending trends. Another way to track your expenses is by using an app or online tool. These tools make it easy to keep track of your spending on the go. Plus, many offer features like budgeting and goal setting.

Monarch Money | The all-in-one money app

Redeem your extended 30-day trial for Monarch. Redeem your gift now to get access to Monarch free for 30 days. Collaborate with your partner at no extra cost. Available on web, iOS, and Android.

Sign Up Now

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Have A Separate Bank Account For Business

As a freelancer, you should always have a separate bank account that is strictly for business purposes. If possible, link your accounts to this business account so that when you’re paid by clients the money goes directly into it instead of having to go through all these steps in between. You want to try and keep work completely separated from home life as much as possible since they are two different worlds with their own sets of rules and regulations.

With no real boss looking over your shoulder or directing co-workers around to chime in on how well you’re doing things will make it easy for some people to get lazy but if you stay diligent about separating both aspects then there are never any issues erasing lines between them which makes everything more efficient.

Save Money

As a freelancer, you’re constantly on the go. Your work requires that you travel and meet with clients frequently. While this is part of what makes your job so fun and exciting, it can also mean you’ll be spending money faster than ever before! To avoid losing all of your hard-earned cash quickly, you’ll need to be smart about how you spend your money.

Here are a few tips for saving while you’re on the go:

• Bring your food and drinks with you when you travel. This will not only save you money, but it will also help you stay healthy.
• Avoid staying in inexpensive hotels. There are plenty of affordable options out there that offer great value.
• Limit your spending on entertainment. Instead, find free or low-cost activities to enjoy in your downtime.

Cash Envelope System for Budgeting and Saving Money - Budget Keeper- 12 Pack

$5.99

DESIGNED FOR PERSONAL CASH BUDGET - Save time and energy with our color coded cash envelopes, at 7x3" specifically designed for use as a cash budgeting system.

Buy on Amazon.com

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

02/04/2025 02:53 am GMT

Know Your Tax Situation

As a freelancer, it is important to be aware of your tax situation. This includes understanding what type of taxes you need to pay and when they are due. You will also need to keep track of any income and expenses related to your freelance work. This can be done with the help of accounting software.

There are several different types of taxes that freelancers will need to deal with: income, self-employment, and sales tax. It is important to take these into account when determining how much money you make as a freelancer. As an independent contractor, your earnings may not only include payment for your time but also any expenses incurred during work (e.g., equipment or travel). You should keep track of all this information to determine if you owe any additional payments at the end of each year.

The best way to handle your finances as a freelancer is to stay organized and keep good records. By doing this, you will make it easier for yourself come tax time. If you have any questions about your tax situation, be sure to consult with an accountant or tax specialist.

Get An Accountant

Working as a freelancer means you will have to handle your finances. This can be difficult, especially if you are not used to doing it. One of the best things you can do is get an accountant. They can help you keep track of your expenses and make sure you are paying the right taxes. It is worth the investment to have someone else managing your finances so that you can focus on your work.

Additionally, an accountant can help you set up a budget and give you advice on how to save money. This can be helpful if you are just starting as a freelancer and are not sure how to manage your finances.

If you are interested in getting an accountant, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you find someone familiar with freelancer taxes. This will ensure that they can help you file your returns correctly and give you the best advice possible. You should also ask around for referrals to get an idea of what kind of services an accountant offers.

Finally, be prepared to pay for their services. Accountants typically charge by the hour, so make sure you know how much it will cost to work with them. However, the investment is worth it if you want to avoid any financial headaches as a freelancer. Having someone else manage your finances can save time and money in the long run.

Summary

Managing your finances as a freelancer requires organization, discipline, and a proactive approach. By keeping accurate records, understanding tax obligations, and saving wisely, you can build a stable financial foundation that supports your independence.

Leveraging tools like separate bank accounts, expense trackers, and professional advice ensures your focus stays on doing what you love while securing your long-term financial health. With these steps in place, navigating the freelance economy becomes a rewarding and sustainable career path.

You Need a Budget

What do I want my money to do for me? Embrace Your True Expenses and learn to manage them.

Buy from Walmart.com

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.