Creating and Selling Digital Products

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ What’s really important in the freelance writing world is developing a unique writing style and improving as a professional. Refining your writing in a competitive industry helps you become truly unique in your craft so you stand out among the thousands of writers you’re up against. Now, a unique writing style and improving as a writer can help you compete for traffic, rankin…

The other day, I was cleaning out my storage unit and I stumbled upon a pile of cassette tapes. All of them were my very first voice over demo that I produced way back in 1995. As I held one of them in my hand, I realized that this piece of plastic is a relic. It also dawned on me that this year marks my 30th anniversary as a freelance voice actor. Thirty years?! Wow. It feels like both a lifetime and the blink of an eye all at once. I’ve gone from booking studio time by the hour to editing mp3 auditions on my laptop from a hotel room closet. The technology has changed, trends have come and gone, but the core principles of building a lasting freelance voice over career? T…

Effective bookkeeping is the basis of any thriving small business. Correct financial records offer crucial insights into a business’s financial health, enabling sustainable growth and the ability to make informed decisions. However, numerous small business owners, managing several responsibilities, usually make common bookkeeping mistakes that could create cash flow problems, financial discrepancies, and tax issues. Knowing these mistakes and understanding how to avoid them is vital for preserving the financial integrity of your small business. #1 Mixing Business and Personal Finance Let’s begin with one of the worst common mistakes of DIY small business accounting: mixi…

How to create dynamic and sustainable work world during times of changeAI disruption, federal layoffs, and constant economic shifts has many freelancers asking: How do I stay relevant and financially stable when everything keeps changing? The answer is building what I call a “Fluid Career” — staying versatile, connected, and ready to pivot. To make your career more fluid is to first see yourself as your own employer (you are the boss!) and to distribute your time investments across different contexts to diversify where you create value. Here are five practices that will help your freelance business become more adaptable to weather whatever comes next. Be ruthless with …

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ As a freelancer, your computer is your most valuable tool — your office, storage space, and sometimes even your creative playground. Keeping it clean and organized isn't just about freeing up space; it's about ensuring smooth performance, protecting your data, and boosting productivity. Here's how to give your computer the deep clean it deserves. Not only does your Mac benefi…

We’ve made it to August, the final stretch of summer, and potentially the quietest your inbox has been all year. With seemingly everyone on vacation, you may be wondering: How can I go somewhere? Is it possible to take a vacation as a freelancer? Are vacations only for the non-self-employed? Don’t fret: Freelancers can go on vacation, too. Here are some hacks for planning a vacation — from affordability, to how to remind yourself that you can (and should!) take breaks sometimes. Think of your dream destination — then find a comp Do you dream of going to Paris? Barcelona? Tokyo? If you don’t have the time or budget to go to one of your bucket list destinations, think about…

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ You might think of the best AI writing tools as a recent invention that makes everything easier for freelance writers. And you’d be correct to some extent. It’s now easy to use them for clients who may be consistent in their expectations, and the tools can make writing easier. But, it can be challenging to incorporate such tools if you’re working for different clients. So, w…

The Freelancers Union and Freelancers Hub are proud to once again present our Freelancers Hub art show, this time highlighting work focused on Cityscapes and Architecture. Join us for the Opening Reception on September 10 to celebrate the incredible work created by the members of our community. RSVP today. All events at the Freelancers Hub are made possible thanks to the support of NYC Mayors office of Media and Entertainment. Featured Artists Alex KorolkovasSee more of their art Bio: Alex Korolkovas was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and considers himself an artist first, photographer second. Moving to Los Angeles in 1992, he refined his craft at the Art Center Co…

Now that tax season is over, you may be breathing a sigh of relief. However, once your return is filed (or before your return is filed on extension), it’s key to be prepared in case you receive an audit notice from the IRS. If you have already filed your freelance taxes, beware that there are a number of red flags described below that may sometimes draw scrutiny from the IRS. If you have yet to file because you were granted an extension on your tax filing, review this list so you can proactively avoid any of the audit triggers below. While being audited isn’t necessarily a sign of wrongdoing, it’s a stressful and time-consuming process that is best avoided. If you do ru…

Studies show that 58% of freelancers find it challenging to manage their time. I have personally experienced this challenge as a freelance writer. I sometimes struggle to maintain productivity and deliver high-quality work while meeting deadlines. My mind tends to become more scattered when I juggle multiple writing tasks or clients. However, I have been in the business for a long time. So, I have learned the art of balancing my clients or tasks quite well. And today, I would like to share some tips on what works for me. Keep a To-Do ListI use a to-do list notebook to write down my tasks for the month because I prefer the manual option. I find it much easier to keep tra…

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ In the context of freelance planning, time is a critical factor. Managing it well can make a real difference to your output and ensure you meet specific project deadlines. It’ll even help you spot the times that you’re most productive, which can, in turn, help you maximize your output. With good time management comes excellent time allocation; you can safely allocate the corr…

There’s never been more freedom for freelance professionals to build businesses around e-commerce sales and remote work. The globalization of client and work opportunities has revolutionized the freelance market, and opened up unprecedented access for business owners to expand their reach across states and even countries. However, this newfound flexibility comes with its own set of challenges—particularly when it comes to tax compliance. Multi-state and multi-country operations can expose your freelance business to complex tax nexus rules, creating audit risks and potential liabilities. Sales tax, in particular, has become a critical area of concern as jurisdictions tigh…

The door for Open Enrollment will begin in most states on November 1. If you’re choosing your healthcare through the government’s marketplace, November through January is your opportunity to enroll in one of these healthcare plans. Exact deadlines vary state by state, so be sure to double check the pertinent dates for your location. While we don’t yet know what the outcome will be of the fight to extend the Affordable Care Act tax subsidies, we do know it’s important to be educated and informed of your options, including what health plans are available via our partners. Take this quiz to determine which health plan is right for you and read on below to learn more about ea…

If you are a freelancer who gives to charity, there’s good news: recent legislation has reshaped how charitable contributions are treated under federal tax law. The Charitable Act (S.317) and the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), both passed in 2025, introduce new opportunities for tax deductions—especially for those who do not itemize—and new limits for high-income donors. Here is what you need to know to make the most of your giving strategy starting in 2026. A new deduction for non-itemizers: Under the Charitable Act, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can now claim a charitable deduction for cash donations to qualified charities. This is a significant shift from t…

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ Freelancing often occurs in the digital realm, where safeguarding personal information is essential. National Data Privacy Week, celebrated from January 27 – 31, serves as a timely reminder to take control of our data. Online activities leave a significant digital footprint, so understanding how to manage and secure this data is more important than ever. MacPaw is dedicated t…

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ You've probably heard whispers about Venmo scams. Despite being a convenient and generally secure way to send and receive money, it’s a favorite playground for scammers who devise clever ways to trick people out of their cash. At Moonlock, MacPaw’s cybersecurity division, we’ve dug into the world of Venmo scams to help you stay one step ahead of scammers. Below, you’ll find t…

Freelancers often encounter unique challenges regarding retirement savings, primarily due to the fluctuating nature of their income. In fact, according to Statistica, on average, self-employed individuals receive an old-age pension that is only 79% of what their employed counterparts earn within OECD countries. This disparity accentuates the need for freelancers to take proactive measures to ensure financial stability in their later years. Starting early and having a solid plan are crucial to achieving long-term financial security. This article will explore essential lessons every freelancer should know about retirement savings. Start Early and Stay ConsistentOne of the m…

The Freelancers Union and Freelancers Hub are proud to present our Self-Portrait Art Showcase, a curated collection of works by talented freelance artists who have turned their gaze inward to share personal and thought-provoking reflections through their art. Join us for the opening reception on April 8th at The Freelancers Hub to celebrate these incredible artists and their work: RSVP today. All events at the Freelancers Hub are made possible thanks to the support of NYC Mayors office of Media and Entertainment. Featured ArtistsJia Ying Lin – ReflectionsSee more of their art Bio: Jia Ying Lin is a contemporary artist based in New York City. With a multidisciplinary backg…

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ There are so many financial obligations to cover as a freelancer, right? You’ve got to handle living expenses, pay for key equipment, and save your dollars all at once. Your goal might be financial freedom, which is all about living comfortably and not being constrained by your financial obligations. But what’s the easiest way to do this? Budgeting apps are ideal. They’re a c…

New York City's recent implementation of its congestion pricing plan has officially gone into effect with the overall goals of reducing traffic and funding public transit improvements. The New York City Congestion Pricing Plan charges drivers a toll to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours. While the goal is to alleviate congestion and promote cleaner air, the impact on freelance business owners doing business in the city could be significant. How the New York City Congestion Pricing Tax Credit WorksDrivers entering the congestion zone between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, will be charged a $9 toll if they use an E-ZPas…

Tax season is officially here! Understanding the available tax deductions can help you keep more of your hard-earned income. Be aware, however, that you must claim all of the freelance taxable income you have received and substantiate all of your deductions with proper receipts (not just credit card statements). There are a few new key updates for freelance tax deductions in 2024, including: Form 1099-K Threshold: The threshold for receiving Form 1099-K has increased to $5,000 in gross proceeds. This form reports payments received through online platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and Venmo. It's essential for tracking income from online platforms. Even if you don't receive Fo…

The tax rules around how freelance income gets reported are changing again, thanks to the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA). While the intent is to simplify paperwork and modernize outdated thresholds, the rollout has created plenty of confusion—especially around Form 1099-K and its shifting requirements. For many freelancers, 1099s come in fast and furious during tax season. Understanding these new changes is important so that your records are up to date and you are aware of the tax implications on your freelance income. Key 1099 Updates Under OBBBA The following is a breakdown of the key updates and how to stay compliant under the OBBB. Form 1099-MISC and 1…

The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has introduced a wave of tax reforms many of which may benefit freelancers. Among the most impactful changes? A new provision that allows freelancers and gig economy workers to deduct car loan interest when their vehicle is used for business purposes. This marks a significant shift in how self-employed individuals can manage and reduce their taxable income, especially those who rely heavily on their vehicles to earn a living. A few important points in regard to the type of vehicle and loan that qualifies: This deduction is available for new car loans originated after December 31, 2024, used to purchase a qualified vehicl…

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ Our emails store everything from client contracts to grandma’s best cookie recipe. Naturally, someone’s snooping around in our inbox feels like discovering an uninvited stranger sleeping in our bed. It’s unsettling, intrusive, and downright dangerous. From stolen client information to identity theft, the fallout of a hacked email can be serious. But Moonlock, a cybersecurity …

and be entered for a chance to win $200! As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking time to reflect on the year behind us and plan for the year ahead. At Freelancers Union, our mission is to provide you with the resources, support, and community you need to thrive as a freelancer—and we want to ensure we’re meeting your needs and advocating for you in the best way possible. That’s where you come in. Complete Our Survey We’re inviting all of our members to take our End-of-Year Survey and share your thoughts on what’s working, what’s not, and what you’d like to see from us in 2025. Your feedback is invaluable. Whether it’s about the resources we offer, the events we host, or t…