Building Automated Revenue Streams

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 …

Whether you're self-employed or a partner, you may be able to deduct certain expenses for the part of your home that you use for business. To deduct expenses for business use of the home, you must use part of your home as one of the following: Exclusively on a regular basis as your principal place of business for your trade or business;Exclusively on a regular basis as a place where you meet or deal with your patients, clients, or customers in the normal course of your trade or business;A separate structure that's not attached to your home, used exclusively on a regular basis in connection with your trade or business;On a regular basis for storage of inventory or product …

As a freelancer belonging to a community-based platform, it’s easy to understand the benefits of working with diverse and international teams. Aside from the amazing networking opportunities that come from connecting with like-minded freelance friends and professionals, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of the realms of remote work. In today's universal and online working space, the freelancing world continues to extend even further from a local and community sphere. You have most likely collaborated with talented professionals from different corners of the globe on remote work platforms or international client projects. This article explores how these cross-cultu…

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…

When you’re self-employed, you’ve built a life around independence. You set your own schedule, choose your own clients, and take control of your financial future. But have you thought about protecting that future for the people who rely on you? Life insurance may not be the first thing on your mind when managing your freelance business, but it should be. If you have loved ones who depend on your income—whether it’s a partner, children, or even aging parents—life insurance ensures that they’re financially secure if something happens to you. Why self-employed workers should prioritize life insuranceUnlike traditional employees, freelancers don’t have the safety net of emplo…

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 freelance writer, you’ll have to write or jot something down during the working day. Whether you’re a team leader, project manager, freelance writer, or freelance SEO expert, you’ll need to write a range of notes, such as emails or a simple to-do list. If you want to avoid memorizing pieces of information, you have a choice in terms of how you want to write down the inf…

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…

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 …

Cash App is a decent way to receive instant payments. It’s fast and convenient, and there’s an option to open a legitimate business account and report taxes. But like any payment platform, it attracts scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting users. Scammers use deceptive tactics to trick you into sending them money or handing over your Cash App account details. Once they get access, they can drain your linked credit card or bank account before you realize what’s happening. Moonlock, the cybersecurity division of MacPaw, is here to help. We’ll break down the most common Cash App scams, how to recognize them, and how to protect your money. Why use Cash App for fre…

Does anyone else feel like generative AI has plateaued? Remember 2022, when text-to-image generators like Midjourney and DALL-E debuted? I think we all contributed to melting a glacier or two with our gleeful exploration of these platforms. Once I mastered writing prompts that resulted in images beyond the realm of "uncanny valley meets ’80s airbrush poster art"—an aesthetic AI favors—I was enamored. My prompts became consistent enough that Denver-based artist Jared David Paul asked me to collaborate to create prompts describing sculptures he’d made. The final AI-generated visuals were printed and exhibited alongside the sculptures. They were strange and imperfect…

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/ 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…

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 online security isn’t just personal—it’s your livelihood. But with cyber threats evolving daily, staying secure online isn’t just about protecting your data; it’s about safeguarding your career, reputation, and income. Unlike employees in traditional workplaces with dedicated IT teams, freelancers are their first and last line of defense. Cybercriminals …

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…

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…

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, you’ll need to constantly improve your project management skills to manage your projects smoothly. This constant improvement is important because it can result in effortless transitions between projects and a better output. But there’s another way to handle project management with ease, no matter how many projects you need to take on. With project management…

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…

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…

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/ 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…