SELF-EMPLOYED​

Self-Employed and Money

Being in your own boss is exciting, but it also comes with more financial complexity. Here are some common considerations for self-employed people: 

1) Income can be unpredictable: Self-employed individuals may not have a steady income like salaried employees do. The amount of income can vary from month to month or year to year, depending on the nature of the business. Therefore, it’s important to plan for fluctuations in income and have a backup plan in case of emergencies.

2) Retirement planning: Self-employed individuals are responsible for their own retirement planning. You may need individual retirement accounts (IRA), a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan, or a solo 401(k) plan to save for retirement.

3) Tax planning: Self-employed individuals have to pay self-employment taxes in addition to regular income taxes. It’s important that to plan ahead for tax payments and to take advantage of any deductions that are available.

4) Health insurance: Self-employed individuals have to purchase their own health insurance. It’s important to shop around for the best coverage at an affordable price.

5) Business expenses: Self-employed individuals can deduct certain business expenses on their taxes, such as office space, equipment, and supplies. It’s important to keep track of these expenses throughout the year.

6) Savings goals: Self-employed individuals may have different savings goals than salaried employees. They may need to save for business expansion, equipment purchases, or other business-related expenses.

Overall, financial planning for self-employed individuals requires more discipline and self-motivation than it does for salaried employees. It’s important to plan ahead, save for retirement, and manage cash flow effectively to ensure the success of the business and personal financial well-being.

You don't have to go at it alone.