I’ve got a handful of clients, and keeping tabs on who owes what is becoming a headache. Spreadsheets aren’t cutting it anymore. I’m curious how other solo freelancers manage this without losing their minds or missing payments.
Anyone found a system that doesn’t eat up half the day but still keeps everything straight?
Ditch the spreadsheets. They’re more trouble than they’re worth for tracking invoices. Get yourself a basic accounting software. QuickBooks or FreshBooks do the job without breaking the bank. They’ll track who owes what, send reminders, and show you at a glance who’s late. Takes 10 minutes to set up, saves hours every month. Plus, come tax time, you’re not scrambling to piece everything together. Been using this system for years. It’s simple, it works, and it keeps the cash flowing.
Tried a bunch of methods over the years. Here’s what’s working for me now:
Trello lets me drag clients between ‘Invoiced’, ‘Paid’, and ‘Overdue’ columns. Super easy to see where everyone stands.
The app handles the actual invoicing and sends auto-reminders. No need to nag clients myself.
Every Monday morning, I spend 15 minutes updating everything. Keeps me on top of cash flow without eating into work time.
Main thing is finding a system that’s fast and fits your style. You’ll know it’s right when you actually stick with it.
I’ve been in your shoes, and here’s what worked for me:
I use a combo of digital and old school. Got a whiteboard in my office with client names and amounts owed. Easy to see at a glance.
For the nitty-gritty, I use Wave. It’s free and does the job for invoicing and tracking payments. Sends reminders automatically too, which is a lifesaver.
On Fridays, I spend 30 minutes updating everything. Keeps me on top of who’s paid and who needs a gentle nudge.
The key is finding a system that’s quick to update and easy to understand at a glance. Took some trial and error, but now it’s smooth sailing.
Just remember, whatever you choose, stick with it. Consistency is what makes any system work in the long run.
I use a simple invoicing app on my phone. Enter client details and amounts when I finish a job. It tracks due dates and sends automatic reminders.
Once a week, I check who’s paid and who hasn’t. Quick and easy to manage without wasting time on complicated systems.
Just find what works for you and stick with it. The goal is to get paid, not become an accountant.
Never got into that stuff. Just keep track in my head. Works for me so far.
I just use a small notebook. Write down who owes what and when. Cross it off when they pay. Simple and works for me. Maybe not fancy but gets the job done.