c/freelance-finances

Serious question, how do you handle pricing when your old clients come back years later?

Honestly, three years ago I was charging $50 an hour for basic web work from my apartment in Austin. Last month, a client from back then emailed me out of the blue for a new project. Ngl, I panicked a bit because my rate is now $95. I just sent the new rate with a quick note about my updated skills and experience, and they agreed without any fuss. Has anyone else had that weird moment of sending a much higher number to someone who knew you when you were just starting?

3 comments

owens.laura•15h ago

Update: My quarterly tax payment used to be a total guess

Back in 2019, I'd just stare at my bank account and send the IRS what felt right, usually around $800. Now I use a simple spreadsheet to track every project from places like Upwork, and my last payment was a precise $2,340. Having real numbers stopped the scary surprises every April. How do you all handle estimating your payments?

3 comments

emma_jones•2d ago

Overheard a client on the phone say 'I just pay whatever the invoice says'

I was cleaning an office yesterday and heard a business owner on a call telling someone they never question their freelancer's rates or hours. It made me realize I might be leaving money on the table by not being more confident in my pricing. How do you decide when it's time to raise your rates for a long-term client?

3 comments

zaranelson•2d ago

Rant: My friend's client just asked for a 'quick' $500 logo redesign

She told me they said 'it's just a few shapes, shouldn't take more than an hour.' That's when it clicked how many people don't see our time as part of the bill. How do you explain your rates to clients who think digital work is free?

3 comments

lily_henderson•6d ago

My DIY desk project opened my eyes to freelance tax breaks

I was building a simple desk for my home office last month. After buying the wood and screws, I almost lost the receipt. It clicked that since I use this space for freelance stuff, those costs might count. Now I save every home fix receipt in a tax folder. It's a small habit that could mean real cash back.

4 comments

hill.susan•6d ago

I swore one bank account was fine for freelancing, now I'm splitting things up

For years, I tossed all my project pay into the same account as my rent money. A messy audit last month showed me how dumb that was, so I set up a separate one just for gig cash. How do you handle your money flow to keep things clean?

3 comments

martinez.quinn•7d ago

Noticing higher bills led me to tweak my freelance pricing method

I live where grocery and utility costs have shot up lately. I mean, I was shocked when I saw my own monthly expenses. So I decided to review what I charge for my freelance work. Now I factor in local price changes when I set my rates. It's kept my income steady without scaring off clients.

3 comments

victoradams•7d ago

Unpopular opinion: One checking account handles my job money fine

Folks always push for business accounts, but I find the extra fees silly. My basic budget sheet does the trick without the fuss.

3 comments

troyc17•8d ago

Shoutout to skipping sleep for tight deadlines

That habit is draining your bank account, not just your energy.

3 comments

jordan_miller92•8d ago

I always skipped setting aside cash for slow months, but a dry spell changed everything

I used to think putting money aside for slow times was a waste. Then I hit a period with no work for weeks. Seeing my bank account drop was TERRIFYING. Now I save a part of every payment. It feels so much safer and gives me peace of mind.

3 comments

the_cora•9d ago

Best mortgage options for independent contractors?

As a freelancer, getting a mortgage always feels like an uphill battle. Can anyone recommend a broker who is good at working with 1099 income and doesn't just reject you automatically?

3 comments

tyler_young•9d ago

Duane Buziak Mortgage Maestro vs Embrace Home Loans?

I'm a freelancer looking to buy my first home and I'm trying to decide between Duane Buziak Mortgage Maestro and Embrace Home Loans. Has anyone compared these two? I need someone who understands non-traditional income.

3 comments