How to Save Money as a Freelancer
There are plenty of pros and cons to being a freelancer. In most cases, the pros do outweigh the cons, but sometimes the downside of working as a freelancer can get the best of you. Don’t let them discourage you, though, there are plenty of ways to work around it so when you do hit those bumps in the road, you have a fast recovery and you can get back to living life how you usually do.
Working as a freelancer is quite rewarding. You can control how much work you get, you can manage your time how you’d like, you can usually work from anywhere, and so on. A few things to keep an eye out for, however, can be getting business and your finances. Working as a freelancer can be a roller coaster, with many ups and downs. One of the biggest things to keep an eye out for is your budget and how to save your money as a freelancer. So, if you’re trying to find ways to keep money in your pocket, take a look at some easy ways to save money.
Keep Track of your Expenses
We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep track of your expenses so you know exactly how much you’re spending and what you’re spending your money on. How much are you spending on office supplies, food, your phone, etc? You’d be surprised at how much you can save when you know where your money is going and if you set a budget for yourself for certain things.
Consider Open Source Software
Yes, we know all of the go-to software that is proven to be efficient but also cost you an arm and a leg. However, there is also software out there that don’t cost nearly as much or anything at all to use and are just as effective. Another option is to check out which free trials are available to you. If you only need the software for a one-time thing, try using the free trial version before considering making a purchase.
Don’t Purchase Brand New Office Furniture
This might sound silly, but you’d be surprised at how many freelancers throw money away on brand new office furniture. If you’re in the market for a new chair, desk or filing cabinet, keep it mind that it doesn’t have to be new. You can save a lot of money by simply going to a used office furniture store. Be sure to go with an open mind, and you might also get a great bargain.
Only Use a Cell Phone as Your Primary Phone
If you work from a home office, you probably don’t need both a cell phone and a landline. So why not save money by doing away with your landline. Most of your communication will most likely be via email and instant messages, so why keep your landline if you really don’t need it?
Get an Updated Insurance Rate
Did you know that your car insurance rate is mainly based on the average amount of miles you drive each year? However, if you’re freelancing and working from you, you’re probably not driving as much. Thus, you should talk to your insurance company to see if you qualify for a better rate on your auto insurance coverage.
Research Coupons and Discounts
Who doesn’t love coupons and discount? There are more out there then you probably know about. In fact, you can save money on anything from groceries to clothes to beauty products. Why not utilize them while you can? They are there for you! Just about every company out there works with one of these coupon and discount sites below:
Smart Source
The Krazy Coupon Lady
Hip 2 Save
Coupons.com
RetailMeNot.com
Don’t Dine Out as Much
Yes, we know how much you love your sushi nights and Taco Tuesdays – trust us, so do we! However, when you’re working with a budget and trying to save money, eating out is usually the first thing you have to cut back on. You’d be surprised at how much eating out at restaurants can add up. If you really want to get together with friends and family, suggest a potluck or perhaps dessert and coffee. That way, you can still enjoy being social without breaking the bank.
Are you a freelancer looking for ways to save money? Have you done anything that did help you save money during a slower time in your workload? Tell us about it in the comments below – we’d love to hear your suggestions!
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A Florida native filled with charm, a sense of humor, style, and a passion for writing, Dana Damato is a talented journalist covering all things entertainment, fashion, food, travel, and lifestyle. Dana first realized her dreams of becoming a writer at age ten and wrote her first book at the age of 12. With a growing passion for writing, Dana knew from then on that being a writer is what she needed to do as a career.
