Money Saving Tips Every Freelance Graphic Designer Should Know

Most graphic designers are engaged in freelancing. Many people enjoy this type of job due to its advantages like being able to handle their own time. It is also said that freelancers earn more while they work at home. Many freelancers really earn a lot from the work because of the wide market. There are also so many online opportunities that need designers. But these jobs are not really constant. What can a freelance graphic designer do to ensure his future?

Well, saving money is the answer. You have to make sure that your future is secured. Also, there are certain things that you can do in order to spend lesser and save more. Everyone knows the importance of saving. We will give you some money saving tips that will surely help you.

1. Prepare for rainy days.

Image: shutterstock

As a freelancer, you can’t really expect to have a work all the time. Hence, it would be wise to prepare for the worst to come. You need to diversify your portfolio, create your own website and save money. By doing that, you are preparing for future jobs to come and you will have an emergency fund for yourself.

2. Spend less.

Image: shutterstock

If you are really serious about saving money, you have to make sure that you won’t be spending a lot. You won’t be able to save money if you spend them every time you have it. Buy those which you really need. Never waste your money. You’ll see that if you spend less, you will be able to save more. It is also a manifestation that you value your money and you value the efforts that you have exerted in order to earn it.

3. Establish a personal budget.

Image: shutterstock

Make a budget for yourself. This is important so that you will know how much you need and how much you need to earn. Having a budget will also help you to monitor your money as to much is going out and how much is coming in. You will also be able to identify how much will be left for your savings.

4. Don’t engage in excessive debt.

Image: shutterstock

There could be times that you need to use your credit card to buy some stuff or maybe you need to borrow money from a lending company or loan from a bank in order to do something very important. That is okay as long as you know how to manage it. You have to pay every debt first before engaging in another one. You need self-discipline so that your debt will not accumulate.

5. Spend less than what you can earn.

Image: shutterstock

It is important that you live according to you what you earn. Your lifestyle should suit it so that you wouldn’t be having debts. It is even smarter to live below your means in order to save enough money. This is a good financial practice not just for freelancers but for everyone.

6. Look for free WiFi.

Image: shutterstock

If you work in a coffee shop, a bookstore or anywhere that you are actually spending money every time you work, then you have to change that. Look for areas where there are free WiFi. This way you can save money and you can still continue working.

7. Buy office equipments and supplies that are important.

Image: shutterstock

Do not buy stuff which you won’t be able to use. You don’t have to purchase the newest equipment if yours is still functioning. The important thing is that you could still use it for your work. Do not splurge on gadgets which won’t be helpful for your work. Also, look for sales in the internet and in shops in order to save money. Choose supplies to buy. Make sure you can use it. Recycle some used papers so you won’t consume a lot when you are just having some test prints.

8. Opt for multifunction equipments.

Image: shutterstock

For sure, you would need some equipment in order to work. It would be wise if you buy equipments that have multiple functions like a three-in-one printer, scanner and fax machine. Other than saving money, you can also save space in your work place. Do not buy equipments that you won’t be using. Learn to determine what you need and not what you want.

9. Protect your equipments.

Image: shutterstock

You’ll be able to save a lot if you will make sure that your equipments won’t need frequent repairs. You will surely be spending a lot of money for that. Secure your computer by installing anti-virus and anti-spyware. Aside from saving money, this can also avoid delay in your work.

10. Stay focused with work.

Image: shutterstock

If you focus in working, you will be able to consume less time for using the computer and the internet because you’ll be able to finish your work at once. Do away with using social media sites. Aside from saving money, you can also be more productive. More production means more earnings for you.

11. Shop wisely.

Image: shutterstock

For sure, you would go out to shop for stuff. When you shop, be a smart buyer. Check out places where you can get affordable stuff. It would be cheaper if you buy bundles of supplies. At least if you have lots of stock, you really don’t have to buy every now and then. It is also cheaper when you buy in large quantities. But as you shop, do not hesitate to buy something for yourself. It is always good to reward yourself for doing a great job.

12. Start saving money.

Image: shutterstock

Well, everything will be useless if you won’t really start saving. Make it a habit to allocate an amount every week or every month. But do not be saving a huge amount of your money to the extent that you no longer have enough money to use. The hardest part of saving money is to start saving. So, start saving TODAY.

No doubt, money is important in order for us to survive. Hence, it is important to save money in order to make sure that you have an emergency fund when unexpected things happen. How about you? What do you do to save money? Have you started saving or do you find it hard to save?