Managing several clients has me questioning my current setup for tracking unpaid invoices. My simple spreadsheet is turning into a cluttered mess.
I’m curious how other freelancers effectively manage their outstanding payments while keeping their systems straightforward.
I just write it on whatever paper I have when sending the invoice. Works fine.
I just text myself when I send invoices.
I kept my spreadsheet but added basic color coding - total game changer. Here’s my system:
I made a separate tab for quick totals so I can see what’s outstanding and when money’s coming in.
Update it right after sending each invoice. Takes 30 seconds, saves hours of headaches later.
Simple beats fancy software when you’re juggling multiple projects and need to see everything instantly.
Switched to paper notebooks after Excel crashed and wiped out weeks of tracking data.
I use one page per month in a dedicated notebook. Each invoice gets: client name, amount, date sent, due date. When they pay, I cross it out with a thick pen.
Every week I flip through and circle overdue stuff. Makes it dead simple to see who needs a follow-up call.
Writing by hand helps me remember way better than clicking through software. And it never crashes or needs updates.
Still send digital invoices but the notebook’s my backup tracker. Three years running now.