Sorry, this page is no longer available

We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Making Money as a Freelancer

Tatiana Mulry

The second course in the Building Your Freelancing Career specialization is aimed at freelancers looking to integrate financial analysis and strategy into their business. Learners will discover and apply accounting best practices through creating a budget and financial plan and using it to set financial goals with rates and prices backed up by their own research.

CalArtians who do not see a "Sponsored by CalArts" notice when enrolling are encouraged to access this course and the specialization by joining through the Coursera for CalArts program linked in the course/specialization FAQ.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

In this section, you'll review the course introduction and student expectations. You'll also get to know some of the successful freelancers in our community and hear practical advice about how they handle financial decisions. Lastly, you'll have the opportunity to have a meet and greet with your peers.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores advanced financial strategies and analysis techniques to support freelance business operations

Builds a strong foundation for freelancers to navigate financial management and decision-making

Provides practical insights and examples from successful freelancers

Taught by an experienced instructor with expertise in financial management for freelancers

Emphasizes real-world applications and encourages learners to apply concepts directly to their freelance businesses

May require additional knowledge or experience in accounting and finance concepts

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Practical freelance financial management

According to learners, this course offers highly practical and actionable strategies for making and managing money as a freelancer. Many found it to provide clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible, particularly for beginners and creative professionals. It lays a strong foundation in essential financial planning, budgeting, and pricing, covering key aspects from personal to business finances. While widely praised for its foundational strength, some experienced freelancers noted that the content remains at a beginner to intermediate level and may not delve into advanced financial strategies or highly specific tax/legal considerations for all regions.

Builds essential understanding of freelance financial management.

"It covers all the basics from personal finance to business accounting."

"I feel much more confident about the financial side of my business now."

"This course laid a strong groundwork for my freelance journey and future growth."

Demystifies financial concepts, great for non-finance users.

"As someone new to freelancing, I really appreciated the clarity of the explanations."

"The course made financial planning less intimidating for me, an artist."

"Even without a business background, I could follow the concepts easily and apply them."

Provides immediately applicable advice for freelance finances.

"I found the pricing strategies incredibly useful for my services."

"Helped me understand how to budget my variable income effectively."

"The guidance on managing business expenses was practical and clear."

Better suited for new freelancers, less for seasoned professionals.

"As an experienced freelancer, much of the content felt like a refresher."

"I wished it went deeper into advanced financial modeling or specific tax scenarios."

"While excellent for new freelancers, it didn't offer many new insights for me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Making Money as a Freelancer with these activities:

Review financial concepts

Show steps

Review key financial concepts to build a solid foundation for freelance financial management

Show steps

Identify and define key financial concepts
Explore different types of financial statements
Analyze financial ratios and their implications

Explore accounting best practices

Show steps

Follow guided tutorials to learn essential accounting practices that will enhance your ability to manage your freelance finances effectively

Browse courses on Bookkeeping

Show steps

Understand the basics of double-entry bookkeeping
Learn how to track income and expenses
Explore different methods of invoicing and payment processing

Develop a financial plan for your freelance business

Show steps

Create a comprehensive financial plan to guide your financial decisions and ensure the success of your freelance business

Show steps

Determine your financial goals and objectives
Forecast your income and expenses
Identify potential financial risks and develop mitigation strategies
Review and update your financial plan regularly

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Participate in peer review sessions

Show steps

Engage with peers to exchange ideas, discuss financial challenges, and share best practices for freelance financial management

Show steps

Join or start a peer review group
Prepare your financial statements or plans for review
Provide feedback and suggestions to your peers

Learn about financial ratios and their applications

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of financial ratios and their use in evaluating the financial performance of your freelance business

Browse courses on Financial Ratios

Show steps

Identify key financial ratios and their significance
Learn how to calculate and interpret financial ratios
Apply financial ratios to your own financial statements

Attend a workshop on freelance financial management

Show steps

Participate in a workshop led by experts to gain practical insights and strategies for managing your freelance finances effectively

Show steps

Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Apply the knowledge and skills gained in your freelance business

Mentor other freelancers on financial management

Show steps

Share your knowledge and expertise with other freelancers to reinforce your understanding and make a meaningful contribution to the community

Show steps

Identify opportunities to mentor other freelancers
Provide guidance and support on financial planning, budgeting, and more
Reflect on your own financial management practices and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Making Money as a Freelancer will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Freelance Writer

Freelance writers produce written content for a variety of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. They may specialize in a particular type of writing, such as articles, blog posts, website content, or marketing materials. This course may be useful for freelance writers who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer

Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. They may perform a variety of tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing email, creating presentations, or conducting research. This course may be useful for virtual assistants who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Assistant

Freelance Consultant

Freelance consultants provide expert advice and guidance to clients on a specific topic or area of expertise. They may work on a project-by-project basis or on an ongoing retainer. This course may be useful for freelance consultants who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Consultant

Freelance Photographer

Freelance photographers capture images for a variety of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. They may specialize in a particular type of photography, such as portrait photography, event photography, or product photography. This course may be useful for freelance photographers who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Photographer

Freelance Videographer

Freelance videographers capture video footage for a variety of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. They may specialize in a particular type of videography, such as corporate videos, event videos, or marketing videos. This course may be useful for freelance videographers who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Videographer

Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They may specialize in a particular area of graphic design, such as logo design, web design, or print design. This course may be useful for freelance graphic designers who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance Web Developer

Freelance web developers design and develop websites for a variety of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. They may specialize in a particular area of web development, such as front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development. This course may be useful for freelance web developers who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Web Developer

Freelance App Developer

Freelance app developers design and develop mobile apps for a variety of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. They may specialize in a particular area of app development, such as iOS development, Android development, or cross-platform development. This course may be useful for freelance app developers who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance App Developer

Freelance Data Analyst

Freelance data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They may specialize in a particular area of data analysis, such as business intelligence, data mining, or machine learning. This course may be useful for freelance data analysts who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Data Analyst

Freelance Project Manager

Freelance project managers plan and execute projects for a variety of clients, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. They may specialize in a particular area of project management, such as software development, marketing, or construction. This course may be useful for freelance project managers who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Project Manager

Freelance Marketing Consultant

Freelance marketing consultants provide marketing advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area of marketing, such as digital marketing, social media marketing, or content marketing. This course may be useful for freelance marketing consultants who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Marketing Consultant

Freelance Business Coach

Freelance business coaches provide guidance and support to businesses and individuals who want to achieve their business goals. They may specialize in a particular area of business coaching, such as leadership development, strategic planning, or financial management. This course may be useful for freelance business coaches who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Business Coach

Freelance Financial Advisor

Freelance financial advisors provide financial advice and guidance to individuals and families. They may specialize in a particular area of financial planning, such as retirement planning, investment management, or estate planning. This course may be useful for freelance financial advisors who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Financial Advisor

Freelance Career Counselor

Freelance career counselors provide career advice and guidance to individuals who are looking for a new job or who want to advance their careers. They may specialize in a particular area of career counseling, such as job search strategies, resume writing, or interview preparation. This course may be useful for freelance career counselors who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Career Counselor

Freelance Executive Coach

Freelance executive coaches provide coaching and support to executives and leaders who want to improve their leadership skills and achieve their career goals. They may specialize in a particular area of executive coaching, such as leadership development, strategic planning, or career transition. This course may be useful for freelance executive coaches who want to learn how to manage their finances effectively, set financial goals, and price their services competitively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Executive Coach

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Making Money as a Freelancer.

Gonzo Capitalism

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the freelancing profession, covering everything from finding clients to managing your finances. It's an essential resource for any freelancer who wants to build a successful business.

Making Money as a Freelancer

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical freelance financial management

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses