Guides

Practical, plain-English help for budgeting on irregular income.

How to Pay Yourself a Steady Salary as a Freelancer

Pay yourself the same amount every month by routing all client income into a business account and a buffer, then drawing a fixed salary from it.

How Much Should a Freelancer Set Aside for Taxes?

Most freelancers set aside 20% to 30% of net income for taxes. Here is how to find your own percentage from self-employment tax plus your bracket.

Budgeting for Gig Workers: Uber, DoorDash and Other Apps

Driving for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart or a mix of apps means income that changes daily. Here's how to combine it into one budget and know what you can spend.

Taxes and Mileage Deductions for Gig Drivers: Uber, DoorDash and Instacart

Rideshare and delivery driving comes with a mileage deduction that often beats every other write-off combined. Here's how it works and how to set aside taxes correctly.

How to Budget When Your Income Comes from Brand Deals and Sponsorships

Brand deal income arrives in lump sums with no tax withheld. Here's how to split it, set aside taxes, and pay yourself a steady amount each month.

Budgeting for YouTubers and Streamers When Platform Payouts Are Delayed

YouTube, Twitch and Patreon all pay creators weeks after the money is earned. Here's how to budget around the delay instead of getting caught short.

How to Budget on an Irregular Income: A Step-by-Step Guide

Budget on your lowest months, not your best. A step-by-step method for freelancers and gig workers, with a worked example using real numbers.