Work
The 1099 budget: contractor income, contractor discipline
1099 workers get no withholding, no employer match and no steady check — the entire tax and cash system is their job. The 1099 budget runs the three buckets that make it survivable: tax, essentials and buffer, all percentage-based.
- No withholding
The employer never takes the tax — the contractor must.
- Three buckets
Tax, essentials and buffer — percentage-based, flexing with each check.
- Dated installments
Quarterly tax dates and contract payments on one calendar.
- Per-check discipline
Every check splits by rule the day it arrives.
The three-bucket split
| Bucket | Share | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | 25–30% | Income + self-employment tax |
| Essentials + buffer | 50–60% | Living and lean months |
| Flexible | 10–15% | Spending and goals |
The rhythm
- Split every check the day it lands — by rule, not mood.
- Pay the essentials first: rent, bills, minimums.
- Top the buffer to its target before spending the flexible share.
- Check the tax bucket against the next installment two weeks ahead.
The contract gaps
1099 life includes gaps between contracts. The buffer is the bridge — and its target size is set by the longest realistic gap, not the average.
The calendar shows contract end dates and expected next starts, so the bridge is funded before the gap arrives.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 1099 budget?
A percentage-based cash system for contractors with no withholding: tax bucket, essentials, and a buffer that bridges contract gaps.
How much should a 1099 worker set aside for tax?
25–30% of each check typically covers income plus self-employment tax — adjust quarterly from your real rate.
How do I survive gaps between contracts?
Size the buffer to the longest realistic gap, not the average — and keep contract end dates on the calendar so the bridge is funded first.
What is the biggest 1099 mistake?
Treating gross as net — the tax share gets spent, then the quarterly installment becomes a card charge.
Contractor income, contractor system
Free percentage-based 1099 planning.