Are you a freelancer? Or do you have your own side hustle? According to recent reports, about 73% of Filipinos have taken on side hustles to boost their income. They join the growing number of freelancers—about 1.5 million—who have decided to pursue financial freedom on their own terms and earn money outside of traditional employment.
But whether you’re a full-time freelancer or juggling a side hustle, managing irregular income can be tricky. Unpredictable earnings, lack of employee benefits, and inconsistent expenses can throw your budget off balance. The good news? It’s not impossible to stay on top of your finances while freelancing or running a side hustle.
Here are finance tips that you—either as a freelancer, side hustler, or running your own small business—can try to manage your income more confidently.
7 Budgeting Tips for Side Hustlers & Freelancers
As a freelancer, you know that work comes with its ups and downs. One day you’re cashing in on a bunch of gigs, and the next you’re wondering how you’ll cover your monthly expenses. This inconsistency makes planning ahead a must.
Budgeting on an irregular income might seem daunting, but it really comes down to flexibility and smart planning.
1. Track your spending
You can’t budget what you don’t know you have. When you track your expenses, you have an objective idea of where you money actually goes, whether it’s food, transport, or subscriptions, to name a few. As someone whose income may be unpredictable, keeping a close eye on how your money moves will help you decide how to adjust your financial habits.
There are countless apps out there to help you track your spending. It would also help to use an app that does it automatically for you, such as the Atome app, to help you see where and when you spent an amount, without relying on your memory.
2. Build your budget based on your lowest income month
Most people budget based on their average earnings, but for freelancers, this approach can be risky. A more effective strategy is to budget based on your lowest income month.
Look at your past six months of earnings and identify the lowest amount you made in a single month. That’ll be your baseline. Now when you budget, you’ll always be aware and prepared for the worst-case scenario. Anything extra can go toward savings or investments.
If you ever experience a slow month and need to spend for essentials like groceries, transportation, or work-related tools, Atome Card can help by letting you pay later with 0% interest for up to 40 days. This gives you breathing room to manage expenses without immediately draining your cash flow.
3. Separate your freelancer and personal finance accounts
Plenty of freelancers and self-employed professionals often struggle with financial clarity because they mix personal and business funds.
To stay organized, set up three separate accounts: one for earnings, another for business expenses and taxes (where you set aside a percentage of every payment), and a third for savings and emergencies. This system makes it easier to track your profits, expenses, and tax obligations.
4. Prioritize yourself
Freelancers often pay their bills and expenses first, saving only what’s left. But many soon find that this approach isn’t sustainable. When you pay yourself first—setting aside money for personal savings—you’re investing in your future.
A good rule of thumb is to save at least 20% of every payment you receive. To make this habit easier, automate transfers to your savings or emergency fund whenever you get paid.
Since freelance income fluctuates, save more during high-earning months. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot, Atome Card’s installment options let you break down payments into 3-6 months, keeping your cash intact while covering necessary expenses.
5. Use a PayLater card for big purchases
Freelancers and side hustlers often need to invest in business tools like a laptop, camera, or software subscriptions, but paying in full can strain your finances. Instead of spending a large amount at once, use Atome Card to split purchases into 3-6 month installments. It’s one of the most worthwhile finance tips to follow because paylater cards keep your cash flow stable while allowing you to invest in your business.
For example, if you need a new camera set up for your TikTok side hustle but don’t want to pay ₱3,000 upfront, you can break it into three monthly and manageable payments with Atome Card. This small adjustment to your spending can unlock massive opportunities for how you allocate your money.
6. Time your spending around payment cycles
Since clients and freelance work online platforms pay at different times, it’s important to time your expenses accordingly. List your expected payout dates and schedule big expenses after payday to prevent cash shortages. If you have bills due before you get paid, Atome Card’s 0% interest period can help you cover them without penalties.
For example, suppose your side hustle income arrives every 15th and 30th but your phone bill is due on the 10th, you can use your Atome Card to pay now and settle later—interest-free. This allows you to manage expenses without stress.
7. Invest in upskilling as a freelancer
You are your most important asset. Any amount you spend on learning a new skill will always be worth it. But—and there’s a big caveat—it isn’t always cheap. Online courses, books, and new apps can quickly throw off your monthly or weekly budget.
To avoid this, you can create an Upskilling budget. You can start saving as little as 10% of your income on it. It’s best for the money here to invest in purchases that have a clear return on investment; if you’re in the creative field, for example, a faster laptop would be a huge upgrade.
If the cost of an important investment is too high upfront, Atome Card’s installment option makes it easier to spread out payments so you don’t have to sacrifice other financial priorities. For instance, if you plan to enroll in a ₱10,000 online course to level up your skills, you can use Atome Card to break it into 3-6 payments while still gaining immediate access to the training.
Leverage the Power of Atome Card as a Freelancer or Side Hustler
Whether you’re a freelancer or you’ve got a side hustle, managing your money is about progress, not perfection. A proactive attitude helps improve your money habits and create a financial system that works for you—even on unpredictable days. The goal is scalability, stress reduction, and empowerment. While freelancing or side hustling may be challenging at times, don’t forget what’s important to you: your dreams and passions.
For even more tips, check out our YouTube video on 5 tips for maximizing your Atome Card as a freelancer.
The best part? Atome Card makes financial flexibility easier. You won’t need a minimum income to apply and get approved. All you need is a valid ID. So stay savvy, keep hustling, and here’s to your financial freedom!
