Finances for Freelancers: organize, save, and grow without stress

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Being a freelancer is amazing — total freedom, flexible hours, and new projects all the time. But it also comes with one big challenge: managing your own money. Without a fixed salary, you need a bit of strategy to stay calm and financially stable in the long run.

1. Put the right price on your work

Your time has value! When setting your rates, include everything — your working hours, expenses, taxes, and even those slower months with fewer clients. This way, you avoid surprises and make sure your work is fairly valued.

2. Build your safety net

Income can fluctuate, and that’s okay. Try to save a part of what you earn every month (around 20% is a good goal) and create an emergency fund to cover 3 to 6 months of expenses. Your future self will thank you!

3. Keep taxes simple

In Portugal, the simplified tax regime (for recibos verdes) makes things easier, but staying organized is key. Keep track of your income and expenses — and if you can, talk to an accountant to avoid any nasty surprises.

4. Stay on top of your cash flow

Knowing what comes in and what goes out is half the battle. Use a spreadsheet or a finance app to track your money, forecast slower months, and plan your next investments.

💡 Extra tip: Chat with other freelancers at the coworking space! Sharing ideas about pricing, saving, and management tools can save you both time and money.