With a few years in freelancing under my belt, I’m feeling like my expenses are all over the place.
Should I invest in tools that actually help me get clients, or is it okay to stick with what makes daily tasks smoother? For instance, does expensive project management software make sense when my laptop is outdated?
Focus on your laptop first software can wait
Think about it this way - what’s actually stopping you from making money right now?
I see everyone saying laptop first, which makes sense if yours is dying. But if it’s just slow and you can work around it, maybe client acquisition tools are the real priority.
Here’s how I’d rank expenses:
The key is being honest about what’s holding you back. Sometimes we blame our tools when the real issue is something else entirely.
I wasted money on a fancy CRM when I only had five clients. Should have spent that cash on better marketing instead. Now I wait until I actually feel the pain of not having something before I buy it.
Track your expenses for a month and see where money goes. You might be surprised what you’re spending on things you barely use.
Fix your hardware issues before worrying about software. An unreliable laptop can hurt your business more than any subscription.
I had a similar problem when my old laptop failed during a pitch. I missed out on business and it was a hassle to replace it. Now I prioritize upgrades every few years.
For software, focus on immediate needs. Free tools will work until you reach a point where you truly need more capabilities.
Hardware first, then worry about fancy apps. A dead laptop loses you more money than project software saves.
Fix what breaks your workflow first. An old laptop that freezes during client work will cost you more than any software subscription.
Handle the basics before getting fancy. Reliable computer, decent internet, simple invoicing system. Once those work without headaches, then look at the nice to have stuff.
Most project management tools are overkill until you have enough clients to need them. A spreadsheet works fine when managing three projects. Save the money until you’re drowning in work and need the help.