My current system for tracking invoices is a mess. I’m using a mix of spreadsheets and handwritten notes, but it’s becoming unmanageable as my client list grows.
I know there must be a better way to stay on top of this. How do other solo tradespeople handle their invoicing without losing their minds?
Look, you need to ditch those spreadsheets and notes. They’re eating up your time and causing headaches. I’ve been there.
Get yourself a basic invoicing app. I use QuickBooks Self-Employed. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done. Create invoices, track payments, see what’s overdue. The mobile app’s handy for sending invoices right after a job.
It costs a bit, but it’s worth it for the time you’ll save. No more shuffling through papers or updating spreadsheets. Everything’s in one place.
If you’re not ready to pay, try Wave. It’s free and does the basics well. Just pick something and stick with it. You’ll thank yourself when tax time comes around.
I’ve been there with the messy invoice tracking. What worked for me was moving to a simple invoicing app. I use Wave now - it’s free and does the job well.
You can create and send invoices, mark them as paid, and it even lets clients pay online if you want that option. The app sends reminders for overdue invoices too, which saves me from awkward follow-up calls.
The best part? It syncs with my bank account, so I don’t have to manually enter every payment. Saves a ton of time.
If you’re not ready for an app, at least set up a dedicated spreadsheet. Use separate tabs for sent, paid, and overdue invoices. Makes life so much easier than scattered notes.