Track your freelance money without paying for expensive accounting software. Free methods that actually work.
Create an income and expense spreadsheet
Use Google Sheets (free). Columns: Date, Client, Description, Amount, Category, Status.
Save all your invoices in one folder
Create a folder structure: Invoices → Year → Client. Use PDF invoices from Fourmeld.
Track payment status for each invoice
Mark invoices as Sent, Viewed, Paid, Overdue. Follow up on unpaid ones.
Set aside tax money immediately
Move 25-30% of every payment to a separate savings account for taxes. Do this on the day you receive payment.
Tips
- Save invoice emails as templates so you send consistent, professional messages every time
- Always include the invoice as a PDF attachment — never in the body of the email
- Use an invoice numbering system from day one — INV-001, INV-002 etc.
FAQs
Is a freelance contract legally binding?
Yes — a written agreement, even a simple email confirmation, is legally binding in most countries.
Should I ask for a deposit before starting work?
Yes — 25-50% upfront is standard. Protects you if the client cancels.
What payment methods should I accept?
Bank transfer is safest (no transaction fees, no reversal risk). PayPal for international clients. Avoid cash for large amounts.
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