The Freelancer's Guide to Working Smarter

Taylor Juarez
Jul 14
3 min read

Freelance work is incredibly freeing. I love the autonomy and flexibility it gives me. Quite honestly, I love working for myself. Nevertheless, freelance work presents its own challenges and requires unique structure and intentionality to stay organized and protect the value of your labor.

Here are my top priorities for freelance work:

Calculate your rate
Think about what you bring to the table. Consider your skills, experience, and clients’ willingness to pay. It can also be helpful to identify what others in your field are charging. You may want to charge hourly or per project, depending on the nature of the work. Research the pros and cons of different rate styles and pricing packages. You can also provide clients more than one pricing option to accommodate different commitment levels and/or incentivize long-term work.

Remember, as a freelancer, you likely lack additional benefits such as employer-provided healthcare and PTO, so don’t be afraid to incorporate those factors into your rate. You can simultaneously value your work and stay competitive.
Always have a contract
Here’s the thing about contracts: They're your trusty sidekick in the freelance world. You need to put in writing several important parameters, such as your pay rate, the work you’re actually doing, deadlines, and what happens if things go off track. Contracts protect you from potential legal issues and disagreements, and they ensure you are paid for your work. No matter how small the job or how friendly the client, make sure you’re protected!
Outline clear payment terms
When you're hashing out the details of a job, be clear and specific about your payment terms. Identify the payment amount as well as how and when you'll get paid. It’s important to establish a schedule for payment (and include it in your contract!) so both parties know what to expect. This will keep you from running into any surprises down the line!
Keep a consistent schedule
It sounds simple, but most freelancers and creatives know that it’s not as easy as it seems. That’s why it’s so important to plan your schedule and stick to it. Scheduling allows you to:
- Meet important deadlines
- Give each client the attention they deserve
- Create work/life balance
Save money for taxes
When setting your rates, remember to factor in your tax obligations. As your own boss in the freelance world, you're on the hook for self-employment taxes. For every job you do, make sure you’re setting aside a certain percentage of your income for taxes. Also, don’t forget to keep track of your expenses for deduction purposes. Staying on top of your finances will keep you compliant and make tax season run so much smoother!
Hire a CPA
To support both your finances and tax compliance, hire a professional CPA who can keep you on track. It may seem like another expense you can’t afford, but trust me, it is so worth it. A good CPA does much more than file your taxes — they will answer your tax questions and help you plan strategically throughout the year to minimize your tax liability, avoid penalties, and make the most of your income. A CPA can save you time, reduce your stress, and potentially save you more money in the long run than you might expect.