Lifestyle

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

Published

2 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

Top 6 Investments for Your Child’s Future

Published

9 hours ago

January 27, 2023

Michelle Langton

If you’re looking to give your child a head start in life, there’s no better way than investing in their future with some wise choices. From saving for a college education to teaching them the importance of financial literacy, there are plenty of ways to help them gain the skills they need for successful adulthood. Here are six great investments you can make now that will provide dividends in the future:

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is a critical skill that will remain valuable for life, and you should start teaching your child as early as possible. Not only can this help them understand basic concepts such as budgeting, saving, and responsible spending habits, but it can also increase their confidence when dealing with their finances. Encourage your children to save a portion of the money they receive, and show them how to make smart investments, such as opening up a savings account.

Positive Role Models

The people your kids look up greatly influence their lives, especially during their formative years. That’s why it’s crucial to be a good role model and surround them with positive role models who embody values such as honesty, hard work, and integrity which your children can learn from or aspire to emulate. This includes friends, family members, teachers, and mentors. Exposing your children to such people can help them broaden their horizons and see the world differently.

A Good Education

Investing in your child’s educational journey from elementary school to college will open doors to careers and opportunities they may not have had before. To save your child from the debt that comes with post-secondary education in Canada, start early and put into an RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). This is a special type of investment account specifically designed to save for college expenses. It is essential to understand the structure and features of the plan and how it works to maximize your savings.

Quality Family Time

Set aside family time and special activities such as cooking, playing board games, or taking nature walks. This allows your children to bond with each other and explore the world around them. Investing in quality family time will provide endless opportunities for growth, learning, and development, setting your children up for a bright future. Spending time with your little ones will also create lasting memories that will stay with them forever. It will also teach them valuable skills such as communication and conflict resolution.

Life Insurance

Investing in life insurance ensures your child’s future financial security. Not only will it protect them in case something unexpected happens, but it can also be used as an investment tool if you opt for the right policy. With the right plan, you can maximize the money your child will receive by providing them with a secure financial future should anything happen to you or your partner.

Mental Health Support

Life isn’t always easy; sometimes, your kids need extra help navigating life’s journey’s ups and downs. Mental health support takes many forms, from therapy sessions with psychologists or psychiatrists to mindfulness techniques like meditation. Supporting children during difficult times allows them to process emotions more effectively so they are better prepared for adulthood when life throws curveballs. With the rise of mental health issues in today’s society, it is vital to invest in your child’s mental health and ensure they have the right support system.

These are just a few top investments you can make for your child’s future. Whatever strategies you choose, remember that each has its benefits, from immediate gratification to long-term financial security. Investing in your child’s future will give them the skills and resources they need to live a successful, fulfilling life.