Lifestyle

Why You Need a Nest Egg Before Becoming a Full-Time Freelancer

Published

3 years ago

February 28, 2021

Working as a full-time freelancer is a freeing experience. There’s no one to tell you what to do when to work, or what projects to take. You get the opportunity to set your own rules and chase your passions. Once you get the hang of this lifestyle, it’s a rewarding experience. However, as with anything in life, being a full-time freelancer has its challenges. One of the most significant is finances.

You may have heard stories about freelancers that were able to supplement their income and lead decent lives. Though it’s a lot easier to be successful these days, the reality is that it doesn’t happen overnight. If you don’t have a financial cushion, things could get pretty stressful. Continue reading to learn more.

You’ve Got Bills To Pay

Before deciding to quit your job to be a full-time freelancer, consider your finances. You still have to cover the costs of living. Without a stable income to rely on, this could be challenging at times. As you’ll soon find out, freelancers don’t get a regular paycheck. If you can’t cover your bills, your passion ends up becoming a chore as you take on any assignment to stay afloat.

The Pay Isn’t Consistent

As stated previously, a freelancer doesn’t get regular paychecks. Sure, you can secure clients who pay you weekly or monthly, but it can take months or even years before you generate enough clients to acquire a stable income. Unfortunately, some freelancers run into clients that request work and don’t even pay for it. Since you can’t bank on a paycheck, you need a nest egg to dip into when funds are short.

There Are Associated Costs

Whether you decide to start a blog or sell beauty products online, there are associated costs with running a business. As the owner, you’re responsible for everything from internet services and website maintenance to marketing and production costs. You’ll also have to cover other expenses like a business, health, and life insurance premium. Until your business is generating enough revenue, you may need to use funds from your nest egg to cover these costs.

Slow Periods

You’ll soon learn that there are periods when business is booming and times when things are slow. Perhaps you offer seasonal products and services, or something has impacted the economy, causing clients to scale back. Whatever the case is, going weeks or months without income is rough. Having a cushion, however, could help tide you over until things pick back up.

Things Happen

As much as you try and plan and prepare for unforeseen circumstances, sometimes things just happen. Something could happen with your personal or professional life that requires a large sum of money to resolve at a moment’s notice. You might need a home or car repair. You could face a slow period or have a client that doesn’t pay your fee. If this happens, you need to be able to bounce back quickly. A nest egg could cover these costs and avoid the need to go into debt.

Peace Of Mind

Being a freelancer comes with a lot of ups and downs. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that when things are rough, you have the means to survive? The best way to do this is to have a nest egg. It gives you peace of mind in the midst of a storm allowing you to get back on your feet without the added stress.

Working as a freelancer isn’t for everyone. For those who wish to pursue and succeed in this line of work, you must prepare. Though there’s a lot of advice that can make your experience easier, one of the most significant things you can do is create a nest egg before taking a leap of faith. A financial cushion ensures you can handle everything from household bills to unforeseen circumstances while continuing to do what you love.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.