A three-step guide to financial planning for freelancers and self-employed

Published: 02nd Aug 2024

By: Value Research

Why financial planning is essential

Being a freelancer or self-employed implies having an erratic stream of income and absence of benefits available to the salaried class. This makes it even more important for them to manage their money wisely.

How can non-salaried people ensure financial stability?

We provide an easy step-by-step guide to smart financial planning for freelancers and self-employed.

#1 Build a safety net

This is the most critical step in your journey to financial stability. Here’s how you can create a safety net for yourself and your dependents – 1) Buy health and life insurance 2) Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least six months of your monthly expenses.

#2 Invest regularly

Though you may lack steady income, investing consistently is still possible. Here’s what to do – 1) Estimate the amount you may earn every month, 2) Calculate your monthly expenses, 3) Subtract the expenses from the income received. The amount left should be your monthly investment.

What to do if you earn extra income?

In case your income in a given month is more than expected, avoid investing the surplus in your business or in a mutual fund in one go. Rather, opt for STPs (not SIPs) to ensure higher returns and disciplined investment.

#3 Pick the right investment

Depending on your investment time horizon (short, medium or long term), you should invest in a mutual fund.

To find out which mutual funds are suitable for you, read the full story by clicking the link below.