5 Tips to Help You Save Money as a Freelance Proofreader

As a freelance proofreader, you’re completely in charge of your work and lifestyle, including your finances. And unless you have an accountant, you may need to regularly evaluate where you can cut back on spending to make your earnings go further. In this post, we cover five tips to help you save money as a freelancer:

1. Do your research and buy equipment that will last to save money in the long run.
2. Save money on subscriptions by unsubscribing from ones you rarely use, or share the cost.
3. Cut out your gym membership and exercise at home or outdoors.
4. If you work away from home, find somewhere to work that doesn’t require you to buy anything.
5. Prepare your meals in advance to save money on eating out.

Read on to find out about each of these in more detail.

1. Invest in Good-Quality Equipment

Spending more on equipment may seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to save money, but it’s important to make informed purchases. And when it comes to your work, having the tools you need is essential.

If you work from home, investing in a good-quality ergonomic chair and desk, for example, will save you having to replace them down the road and will support your long-term health. If you’re really tight for cash, buying second-hand products that are originally from reputable brands is a money-saving (and more eco-friendly) alternative.

And when it comes to technology, you’ll need to invest in something reliable for work. As a modern freelance proofreader, it’s likely that most of your work will take place on a laptop or computer. Buying something just because it’s cheap can mean buying twice in this respect, not to mention the cost of repairs.

If you do your research and read plenty of reviews before purchasing, you can find reliable products that will save you money in the long run.

2. Cut Out Unnecessary Subscriptions

How many things are you subscribed to? And when was the last time you used each of them?

Take some time to go through your personal and work-related subscriptions and cancel any that you haven’t used recently (e.g., for more than two months). You can even cancel subscriptions directly through your bank.

Information found in many style guides, for instance, can often be found for free online (e.g., APA’s style blog). Do some digging to see if you can find free content. However, make sure to be careful when doing this, as a lot of online guides are out of date ((e.g., if you’re looking for information on APA style, make sure that you find a website with information on the current edition).

Finally, remember to keep an eye on any free trials you sign up for. Set yourself a reminder to cancel them after the trial time so you don’t get caught out by automated fees.

3. Exercise Remotely

Working isn’t the only thing you can do remotely! With a wealth of free videos and cheap subscriptions online, exercising at home has never been more accessible. And as a freelancer, you can fit home or outdoor exercise into your day whenever it suits you.

Exercising remotely or outdoors saves you the time, hassle, and cost of travel. And some of the money you save from gym memberships can be invested in home equipment, such as adjustable dumbbells or resistance bands.

4. Visit the Library

The cost of working in cafes adds up fast. If you prefer to work away from home, make the switch to working in a local library.

Libraries are lovely (and free!) places to work. Your productivity and focus will benefit from being in a quiet working environment, all while keeping your wallet happy. You could also look up whether there are any coworking spaces in your area.

With a world of knowledge around you, you might enjoy picking up a few books that don’t need proofreading! And you may even be able to borrow some of the style guides you need.

5. Meal and Drink Prep

$3 on coffee, $8 on lunch – buying food out is expensive. If you work away from home, or live too near a food establishment to resist its pull, prepping your own meals and having them ready throughout the week can save you money.

It’s not much of a hassle with a bit of planning. You can prepare all your meals for the week on a non-work day and freeze portions to be thawed or microwaved later.

Meal prepping is also a great way to improve your cooking skills (and everyone loves a cook). Plus, eating healthily is a lot easier if you’ve home-cooked your meals in advance.

And if you’re a caffeine fiend, treat yourself to some nice coffee in your food shop (it’s still cheaper than takeaway coffees). Then you can even take a flask of coffee out with you.

Invest in Your Professional Development

If you’re interested in becoming a freelance proofreader, quality training is one area where you don’t want to skimp. Our Becoming A Proofreader course is a cost-effective way to get all the skills you need. And with guaranteed work if you pass, it’s a great way to supplement your income. Sign up to our free trial today.

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Freelance Tips: How to Keep Track of Your Finances How Much Money Can You Save When Working from Home? Accounting Tools for Freelancers