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Money management tips for freelance and contract workers

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Working on a freelance basis can be quite challenging from a long-term financial planning perspective, this is because it may be hard to predict where the next income will come from and how much it will be.

However with a little bit of forward planning and prioritising, freelance and contract workers can make long term financial plans like people who are in the mainstream workforce.

“The reality is that whether you are employed on a permanent basis or not, you still have to have your ducks in row financially,” says Eunice Sibiya, Head of Consumer Education at FNB.

“Freelance workers are faced with the challenge of having to make both long and short-term financial plans while they have an income that is hard to predict. A freelance worker must cater for retirement and in some instances education savings, and also make provision for day to day expenses such as petrol and groceries,” adds Sibiya.

Freelancers are also expected to pay taxes like everyone else if they fall within the income bracket that qualifies them to pay tax. Therefore this is another area that needs careful attention to ensure that everything tax related is in order.

“Never try to undertake complex financial matters such as tax and retirement planning by yourself, rather enlist the services of a professional financial advisor or tax practitioner. This will alleviate the stress of having to handle this yourself, and most importantly, eliminate room for errors,” says Sibiya.

How to stay in control:

  1. Budget monthly – Have a budget in place to help you keep an eye on where your money goes, remember as a freelancer your revenue streams may fluctuate from month to month. A budget will help you monitor your expenses and allocate money to the most import expenses. Also note that not only do you have to allocate money to your personal expenses; your business expenses need to be taken into consideration as well, if applicable.
  2. Save and Invest for your future needs – Even during tough months, always put something aside into a savings account, this will cushion you against unexpected expenses.

“The story of a once successful sportsperson gone broke after an illustrious career is an all too familiar story in South Africa. This is primarily because of a lack of basic financial management skills and not asking for professional help,” says Sibiya.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.