Comments on: Chop Wood, Carry Water and Your Freelance Writing Business

By: Kat

Kat — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:11:31 +0000

Lord. I’ve had to start putting cash in labelled envelopes. I hope it works. Savings? What’s that? Money is definitely going to be the hardest part of my infant push into freelancing…

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:19:16 +0000

I had to crash and burn before I was willing to save that way… and even then I resisted, and still do from time to time… but when I don’t I love the peace of mind.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:44:29 +0000

Anne, you’re WAY better than I am at saving. I put $4K in my 401(k) every year. That’s about it. I like your system, though. I think I’ll adopt it. It’s about time.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:20:25 +0000

It took me forever to get in the habit… now I do it all online which makes it simpler… and it is a habit… practice ;)

By: Debra

Debra — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:03:52 +0000

I’m afraid I’m pretty terrible about saving the money I make freelancing. I support myself with the money I earn at my day job, and use my writing money for indulgences. But you’re right, I know I need to start saving. Maybe that will be my project for this year.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:42:05 +0000

Meg… I know the feeling… I now do small rewards, like lunch or something low cost but enjoyable.

Matt, believe me, I know! My experience says that if I keep putting at least 10% away, or 5% to start, even if I have to take it out the next day, my income grows to support that habit.

By: Matt Keegan

Matt Keegan — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:30:22 +0000

Anne, I can save if the money coming in at the time is more sufficient than my current bills, but that isn’t always the case. Occasionally, I’m ahead — but at other times I am behind. This month is better than last, but I cannot say for certain that March will continue the streak or whether I’ll have to tap reserves.

By: Meg

Meg — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:46:31 +0000

My first few sales I ran out and spent the money on a celebratory dinner or bookstore trip, but now that I’m trying to make freelancing a bigger part of my income (not just the odd check now and again) its very very hard to get out of the reward mindset!

By: Lis Garrett

Lis Garrett — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:53:31 +0000

Ugh. Kudos, to you friend. I have the benefit of relying on my husband’s income to provide most everything we need – mine just basically fills in the gaps from month to month and helps to pay off outstanding debt. And by “outstanding,” I mean that it is pretty outstanding. Blech. I would *love* to buy something frivolous.

However, I need to do better about saving to pay taxes, or that’s gonna get me in the end. Thanks for the reminder.