Freelance
Self employed budget: planned around your income's shape
Self-employment breaks the monthly budget: income lands in lumps and droughts, tax is on you, and a bad month is always possible. A self employed budget plans around that shape — dated income, smoothed spending, automatic tax set-aside.
- Lumpy income, dated
Every expected payment sits on its date — no fake monthly salary.
- Tax set aside
A percentage moves to the tax bucket with every payment.
- Dry months flagged
See the gaps months out and plan spending to match.
- Bills keep repeating
Fixed costs stay scheduled while income fluctuates around them.
The self employed budget structure
Fixed costs are the anchor: rent, insurance, software, minimums — scheduled on the calendar. Income is the variable: each payment dated as it is agreed, and a percentage routed to tax. The projection shows the account's real shape — and the buffer it needs.
The three buckets
| Bucket | Share | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | 20–35% | Quarterly obligations, set aside per payment |
| Fixed costs | Whatever they are | Bills, insurance, software, minimums |
| Living + buffer | The rest | Spending money and the gap cushion |
Frequently asked questions
How do I budget with variable income?
Plan by expected payment dates instead of a monthly salary, keep fixed costs scheduled, and set aside tax per payment.
How much should I set aside for tax?
Typically 20–35% of each payment, depending on your bracket — check with an accountant.
Is it free?
Yes — the calendar and recurring plans are free forever.
The budget that fits the lumps
Free core, one-time Pro, no bank linking.