Read our post on Cash Flow here

Most of us have problems when it comes to money, either negotiating or spending. I have come up with a few rules I’ve lived by over the years. Hope they help you as they’ve helped me.

1. Work for free or for full price, never for cheap.
2. Never collect 50-50 rates. That way, if your client disappoints you, you don’t lose!
3. Separate your work money from personal money. Have separate bank accounts for each. See rule 5. (I started doing this just this year, and it has helped drastically.)
4. Always use duly dated contracts, explicitly written when dealing with clients. (This rule is for web designers and freelancers alike)
5. Never touch business money. And I mean Never!
6. Cut out unnecessary expenses. (Why do you need an iphone when you could easily get a higher valued but cheaper phone? And don’t tell me it’s for business!)
7. Ill gotten treasures have no value. That means if you cheat, you’ll lose more than you made. Eventually.
8. Save. Save. Save. (Did I say it enough?)
9. Stay out of eateries. Cook your own damn food. (Sorry for swearing, but really, I need to follow my own rules. Last month, we found out that Pishon had spent quite a lot on eat-outs. I’d say the amount but I’m too embarrassed. It was disheartening!)
10. Invest in something. (A piece of land, shares, bonds… anything! Just don’t eat it all!)

Don’t mind the light way I’ve written this post. I mean every word. If we really take our time to look into our financial lives, we wouldn’t begrudge Bill Gates anytime they tell you he makes $5000 in his sleep.

Enjoy.
Zee