Building Automated Revenue Streams

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…

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/ It’s often quite a challenge to have deep focus when you begin your career as a freelancer and must complete online freelance work, right? This is especially true when working from home — there are so many distractions that can result in poor-quality work. To succeed, you’re going to need strategies that’ll restore your deep focus. And this is easier with the best apps and ti…

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…

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…

As a freelancer, you might have clients request services from you that you can’t deliver. However, plenty of other freelancers could offer that service. Enter cross-referrals and professional networks for freelancers, which allow you to refer clients to other freelancers with different skill sets. Partnering with others who have complementary skills allows you to offer broader services to clients and build lasting relationships that benefit everyone involved. Benefits of a Diversified Freelance NetworkBuilding a diversified freelance network can help you grow your business by expanding the value you provide to clients. By partnering with freelancers who have skills that …

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’s an increasing popularity in the freelance blogging profession these days. Many freelance bloggers earn an income by creating exemplary content or collaborating on social platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The thing is, success in the field needs technical knowledge, regular posting, ongoing activity, and effort. For this, the right inspiration, moti…

Have questions about Aflac? Attend our informational session on 2/11/25 to learn more! RSVP HERE Life is unpredictable, and unexpected health events can put a strain on even the most carefully managed budgets. As part of our commitment to supporting independent workers, we’ve partnered with Aflac to create a group plan to provide you access to their supplemental insurance plans at a lower cost. These plans provide an added layer of financial protection, helping you and your family navigate challenging times without added stress. Aflac is not health insurance, but supplemental benefits that offer you financial assistance for medical situations. Based on the plan you choose…

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been devastating, affecting countless lives and communities across the city. Our hearts go out to those impacted by this tragedy, including the members of the Freelancers Union whose lives have been upended by this crisis. To support our members and the larger Los Angeles community, we want to highlight several resources that are available to help: Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN): This grassroots network is dedicated to providing community-based support during crises. MALAN offers a variety of resources, including financial assistance, shelter options, and volunteer support for individuals affected by the wildfires. You can access th…

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 …

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/ Have you noticed that sometimes, a simple online daily task can still be time-consuming? You might want to get it done without taking up too much time and really wish for an incredibly quick way to handle them. Now, this might prompt you to think about delegating some of your routine online freelance tasks to someone, which can still take time. But what if you had some of the…

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…

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 …

We know that independent workers are already redefining what work looks like. So why not redefine what climate action looks like, too? This Earth Day and Climate Week, we’re thinking about how freelancers are uniquely positioned to build a more sustainable future. Whether you’re working from home, biking to your local coworking space, or setting your own schedule around what matters to you, your freelance lifestyle might already be doing more for the planet than you think. Here are a few ways freelancing and sustainability go hand-in-hand, plus ideas for how you can take climate action as a member of this powerful, independent workforce. 1. Freelancers Leave a Smaller Car…

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…

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!)…

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,…

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 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…

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 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…