Accounting and Budgeting for Freelancers

Screw the starving artist mentality! You can flourish as a working artist, having a career that not only brings you joy doing what you love, but also makes you money! Especially with the ebbs and flows of working for yourself, taking the time to make sure you're set up with systems around your money is so important. One of the best things I did for my business was getting an accounting software from the beginning. When I first started freelancing, I was also working a full time job, so making sure everything was kept separate helped me immensely during tax time, especially since I was doing my own taxes! Now, working with an accountant, I simply export all the information for my CPA and she can work her magic, saving me time, and headaches. Freshbooks has made my accounting so easy, and seamless!

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Keeping track of everything also helps you evaluate.  You can easily look at categories to help you figure out where you're bringing in the most money, and what parts of your business are sucking you dry. I love that I can quickly look at my monthly expenses (even on the go), and get invoices sent and paid for in minutes. 

Whatever software you use, it's never too early to get started. You'll thank yourself when tax season arrives and everything is laid out beautifully. Plus, your clients will be so impressed when they receive an invoice for you that's got your brand elements on it. They'll love that they can quickly pay with a credit card, and you'll love getting paid even faster than waiting for them to dust off their checkbook and mail it your way.