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/ 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…

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…

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…

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/ If you’ve ever bought something from Best Buy, you’re probably familiar with Geek Squad. For those who pick up their freelance gadgets elsewhere, Geek Squad is Best Buy’s trusted tech support service. It’s well-known and reliable, which makes it a prime target for scammers. Some Geek Squad scams trick people into visiting fake websites where they’ll unknowingly enter sensitiv…

There are two sides to every coin, and that includes freelancing. While you can enjoy flexible working hours, no commuting benefits, office-free attendance, and many other perks, you might encounter issues with burnout if you lack the right planning and strategizing methods. But there are specific approaches you can use to stop burnout before it starts or recover from it when it’s affecting your output; you can do this with a few specific apps that will help you organize your time and enhance your mood. Ready to discover which impressive apps can help with this? Nip freelancer burnout in the bud with the list of apps in this article and the top tips for success. What is …

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…

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/ Many freelancers really struggle with staying productive. Whether you’re experiencing writer’s block or getting distracted regularly, maintaining productivity can be a significant challenge. Yet, there are a few actions that can help freelancers stay productive. Techniques like the Pomodoro method and blocking your access to distracting apps are ideal for this. Some even bett…

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…

It was early morning, and I was sitting by a lake in Maine, a cup of coffee in hand when one of those bolt-from-the-blue moments of clarity struck me. Before I share my big a-ha moment, let me give you some context. I am a business coach for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers and have dedicated my entire career to helping creative professionals build profitable and successful businesses and careers. You’re my people! I am also a neurotypical parent of a neurodivergent child. Until I had my son, I had no idea how different neurocognitive styles impacted everything from time management and planning to motivation and focus (yep, some neurotypical privilege right there!)…

This article is posted with permission from our partner Hiscox Insurance. Learn more about Hiscox at: https://freelancersunion.org/liability Starting a business comes with a slew of important decisions, not the least of which is choosing the right business structure. Whether you're considering a DBA (Doing Business As), an LLC (Limited Liability Company), or a sole proprietorship, each option has its own advantages and caters to different business needs. From liability protection to tax implications and administrative duties, understanding these differences is crucial for your success. Keep reading to see what sets these structures apart and discover which one might be t…

One Year Since the Relaunch of the World’s Longest Invoice, Nonpayment Remains a National Crisis One year ago, we relaunched the World’s Longest Invoice to shine a light on one of the most pervasive issues facing independent workers. Since then, the numbers have only grown and they tell a sobering story. In just twelve months, over 1000 freelancers from 44 states have added their names and invoices to the campaign. Together, they’ve reported more than $7.4 million in unpaid wages. These aren’t edge cases or one-off mistakes. They’re evidence of a system that continues to allow clients to delay, avoid, or deny payment with little consequence. Freelancers from nearly every …

Have you filed your freelance taxes yet? If not, it’s definitely time to gather your tax documentation, maximize deductions, and use these tips to avoid costly mistakes before the April 15 deadline. While there’s plenty of questionable tax advice out there, this list will help you avoid it as well as keep your tax records in tip-top shape should you receive an audit or other notice from the IRS. Keeping on top of your freelance taxes year-round is the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises at this time of year. So make your best effort to file on time and with the maximum potential tax savings for 2024 now. Doing so will set you up for a favorable tax situation for years t…

This article is posted with permission from our partner Solo Health Collective. Learn more about Solo at: https://freelancersunion.org/solo Freelancers and independent contractors often struggle to find an affordable, high-quality health plan. Traditional plans can be expensive, lack flexibility, or offer minimal benefits for self-employed individuals. Freelancers Union partner, Solo Health Collective, is a unique health plan designed specifically for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small business owners. Here’s how it can provide significant tax advantages—and why it’s a great option for independent professionals. Tax Advantages for FreelancersOne of the biggest benefits …

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…

Tax Day (April 15, 2025) is just days away. Are you still scrambling to gather tax documents and get your return filed? If you just can’t complete your return accurately, you may be better off simply filing an extension with the IRS. Doing so allows you to have a six-month grace period to get your taxes filed without having the failure to file penalty assessed. However, you must still pay any taxes you owe (make an estimate and pay on or before April 15, 2025) to avoid late payment penalties and interest. Filing an extension can help reduce the stress of trying to meet the deadline and reduce your tax penalty burden if you already have one to contend with. Many taxpayers,…

Your office can be anywhere you choose to set up your laptop. Traditional employees may remain stuck in whatever city their employer chooses, but you have something invaluable: complete geographic freedom. Moving opens doors to lower living costs, fresh creative inspiration, and access to markets that might remain out of reach from your current spot. Whether you're seeking financial relief from rising local expenses, craving a change of scenery to spark new ideas, or hoping to position yourself closer to ideal clients, your next ZIP code could become your smartest business move. Writing, makeup artistry, photography, event coordination, and tour guide work represent just…

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…

You log off for the night, but your brain stays logged in. The project you didn’t finish hums in the back of your head. Your shoulders ache from hunching over your screen for hours. You’re tired, but not the kind of tired a nap can fix. That foggy, restless, emotionally drained feeling? That’s work-from-home fatigue. Working from home might look effortless from the outside, but it can wear on you in ways office jobs don’t. According to Psychology Today, the blurred lines, isolation, and irregular sleep schedule that often come with remote work can chip away at your mental health. As a freelancer, you may feel this even more intensely, as you don’t have built-in breaks, co…

If you’re like most freelancers, many of your best clients come from referrals, word of mouth, and your network. But this is a recipe for feast-and-famine months. Your network is finite. If something unexpected happens — like a client has to reduce your hours or end a contract early — you could have a dip in income without a warm pipeline of high-quality leads. If you’ve never done proactive marketing and lead generation before, you’re not alone. Freelancers and consultants often come to me after three, five, even ten successful years in business because their referrals dry up and they realize they never built a proactive marketing strategy. Believe me, I’ve heard it all.…

Next week, the Freelancers Union will mark a major milestone: We’re turning the big 3-0. Obviously, the world is much different than it was 30 years ago, and by extension, so is the business of freelancing. Freelancers are nimble by nature, and just as the last three decades have forced freelancers to navigate a constantly shifting media, tech, and economic landscape, the Freelancers Union, too, has grown and changed. In the spirit of navigating change and getting back up again, even after you’ve been knocked down, we asked freelancers to share some of the “mistakes” they’ve made over the course of their freelance careers. Our members kindly shared their stories, as seen …

The One Big Beautiful Bill has introduced a series of tax reforms designed to simplify the filing process and provide targeted relief to key taxpayer demographics. One of the most notable changes is the significant increase in the standard deduction for seniors—those aged 65 and older. This adjustment has the potential to make a meaningful difference for retirees and older adults living on fixed incomes, offering a straightforward way to reduce taxable income without the need for the itemization of each deduction. Under previous tax law, seniors received a modest increase in their standard deduction compared to younger taxpayers. While helpful, the bump was relatively sma…