3 Min. Read

Smart Ways to Track Expenses As a Freelancer

November 13, 2024

All businesses need to keep track of their money—and freelancing is no exception. If you’re a freelancer, tracking every tiny little expense can feel like a daunting task. The good news is there are smart ways to monitor your expenses to make your life far easier and organized. It’s no secret that automation increases efficiency and saves time, so why not apply the same principle to tracking your business expenses?

Define Your Needs

Your specific expenses will largely depend on the nature of your freelancing field, with some records being easier to automate than others. If you’re a driver, for example, you can use a mileage tracker app. Automatically keeping note of the distance you travel each day will allow you to extrapolate the running cost of your work vehicle. If you freelance as a tradesperson, keeping invoices for all business purchases and recording the information accurately can simplify your expense tracking. There are plenty of invoice programs that make it extremely easy to create invoices. However, if you want to learn how to create an invoice from scratch, our article on how to write an invoice as a freelancer will provide you with the exact steps to do it effectively.

No More Paper

While you need to ensure you’re monitoring everything you spend in your business, a modern way to do this is to keep electronic records. Making the shift from paper to digital recordkeeping will make running your business so much easier! With many people working remotely, there has been a pronounced shift toward online transactions. Electronic files can be sent effortlessly and rapidly, which is hugely beneficial to both the provider and the client. Digital information is easier to sort, compile and review than paper receipts and invoices. There are various apps and software that can help you store, share, and track your expenses automatically. Check out our article on business expense tracking apps to find the one that best suits your needs.

Stay Organized

Keeping a log of business purchases is another way to help you keep your expenses on track as a freelancer. Again, favoring the electronic approach is the best way to go. Any additions and amendments are far easier to do digitally than on paper. Remember that the smartest ways to track your expenses are those that save you time and minimize clutter or filing. Maintaining accurate electronic business expense records daily is the most efficient and professional way to track your business costs.