-
Is it wise to invest in professional development during an economic downturn?
Investing in skills and learning often means spending money, which feels risky when the economy is shaky. But could focusing on professional growth during tough times actually set you up for better opportunities later? I wonder if it’s better to conserve funds or take the chance on career growth now.
-
Can you use invoice factoring to stabilize cash flow as a freelancer?
What are the real pros, cons, typical fees, and operational steps involved in using invoice factoring or invoice financing as a solo freelancer or small remote agency? How do I evaluate and compare providers, protect client relationships and data, avoid hidden charges, and handle tax/accounting implications? Are there lower-cost alternatives (e.g., lines of credit, payment...
-
Which is better during layoffs: cash savings or building side income?
As layoffs loom, should I prioritize building a larger cash emergency fund or invest limited time in growing a side income? I have finite spare time and money and want a strategy that balances immediate financial runway with longer-term resilience. What factors should tilt the choice (monthly burn rate, family dependents, industry volatility, age, access...
-
Can I accept cryptocurrency payments as a freelancer or contractor?
That’s the question…actually.
-
How can I choose the best business structure for a remote consultant?
I am a solo consultant planning to serve clients in multiple countries and eventually hire subcontractors. I want liability protection, simple invoicing, efficient tax treatment, and the ability to take payments in different currencies and by card. What are the practical pros and cons of common options (sole proprietor/freelancer registration, LLC/LLP/S-corp, UK Ltd/GmbH, etc.) for...
-
What are essential financial metrics for solo freelancers?
Which specific metrics should solo freelancers monitor (cash runway, burn rate, client concentration, average invoice value, DSO, profit margin, tax reserve, etc.), how do you calculate each one, what benchmark targets or ranges are realistic at different income levels, how often should they be reviewed, and how can those numbers be used to set prices,...
-
The pros and cons of accepting equity as part of your salary?
My offer replaces part of the cash salary with equity. What are the real-world pros and cons I should weigh before accepting equity-based pay, and how does it affect my career choices and personal finances? Please cover: the differences between RSUs, NSOs/ISOs and restricted stock; typical vesting schedules, cliffs and acceleration clauses; tax consequences (including...
-
Which is the best way to value my personal brand for freelance rates?
Which is the best approach to estimate the premium my personal brand justifies when setting freelance or consulting fees?
-
What tax issues come up when working remotely for a foreign employer?
I’m planning to work remotely from a different country than my employer (or already do). What are the main tax, payroll, and compliance issues I should be aware of from both the employee and employer perspectives? In particular, I’m looking for practical, career-focused guidance on: – How my tax residency is determined and when I...
-
The pros and cons of equity versus salary at startups
What should I consider when deciding whether to accept equity instead of a higher cash salary at a startup? Specifically: how do I estimate the realistic value of options/RSUs (stage, strike price, dilution), weigh tax and liquidity risks (83(b), AMT, private-company lockups, secondary markets), protect downside with contract terms (acceleration, buyback clauses), and balance personal...
-
How can understanding personal finance improve work-life balance for remote workers?
In what ways does having a solid grasp of personal finance contribute to better time management and stress reduction for individuals working from home?
-
How can freelancers effectively manage their finances to ensure a stable income while working remotely?
Freelancing offers flexibility but also comes with financial uncertainties. What strategies can remote workers employ to budget, save, and plan for taxes to maintain a stable income and work-life balance?
-
Rural vs. Urban Living for Remote Workers: Pros & Cons?
For a fully remote worker, is it generally better to live in a bustling city with higher living costs but more amenities and social opportunities, or a quiet rural area with lower costs, more space, but potentially fewer connections and slower internet?
-
What are some often overlooked tax deductions or expenses for full-time remote workers in the us?
I’ve been working fully remote (as an employee, not freelance) in the US for over a year now. Beyond the obvious stuff, what are some often overlooked tax deductions or eligible expenses that dedicated remote workers should be meticulously tracking throughout the year to potentially save money come tax season?