It goes without saying, managing money can be a complex and challenging task for anyone lacking financial discipline.

However, through the ups and downs of life, I have learned a few valuable lessons about money management that I’d like to share.

My journey as a writer has taught me a lot, from creating a budget to managing my expenses. 

In this article, I will share six money lessons from my experience so far.

Hopefully, these lessons will help you make smart financial decisions, minimize money issues, and achieve your financial goals. 

Here we go!

1. The Importance of Budgeting

One of the realities of writing, be it freelance, online or blogging, is that your income may fluctuate.

This makes it essential to budget your earnings and expenses in order to stay afloat.

A budget allows you to keep track of your income and expenses and ensures that you are spending within your means.

Besides, a budget helps you prioritize your spending, saves you from overspending, and gives you a clear picture of your financial situation. 

By creating a budget and sticking to it, you can avoid financial stress and ensure that you have enough money to cover your bills and save for the future.

Here’s how to create a budget:

• Track your expenses: Keep track of all your expenses for one to two months to get a clear picture of your spending habits.
• Categorize expenses: Categorize your expenses into categories, such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainment.
• Set income and expenses: Determine your monthly income and expenses, including fixed expenses like rent and variable expenses like entertainment.
• Identify areas for improvement: Look for areas where you can cut expenses, such as dining out less or reducing cable expenses.
• Set spending limits: Set spending limits for each category to ensure that you are staying within your budget.
• Monitor your spending: Continuously monitor your spending and adjust your budget as needed to ensure you stay on track.

I use Microsoft Excel to track my financials, and more than often keep an eye out for my spending.

At the end of each month, I sit in a quiet room or go out to a serene environment for a cup of coffee to review my Budget plan.

Here is how I created my budget:

2. The Value of Saving for the Future

It is important to save for the future and have an emergency fund in case you of any unforeseen eventualities

Having a solid emergency fund can provide peace of mind and financial security.

By saving a portion of your income each month, you can build a nest egg that can be used in case of a financial emergency or to achieve long-term financial goals.

In addition to a rainy day fund, it’s also important to consider other savings and investment options, such as a savings account for future expenses, or a sinking fund.

By saving for the future, you are investing in your financial security and ensuring you have the funds you need when you need them.

Remember, the earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow and the more secure your financial future will be.

So, commit to saving for the future and start setting aside a portion of your monthly income for this purpose.

Experts recommend setting aside 3-6 months of your monthly expenses in an emergency fund.

3. The Importance of Networking

The phrase “Your network is your net worth” highlights the idea that the strength of your relationships can directly impact your financial success in life.

As a writer, building a strong network can lead to new opportunities and increased income. 

Here are more benefits of networking as a writer.

• Building relationships: Networking allows you to build relationships with other writers, editors, and industry professionals who can provide support and advice.
• Staying informed: Networking can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and new technologies.

4. The Importance of Financial Planning 

Financial planning is essential for ensuring your financial stability. So, set a realistic financial plan to cater to all your needs. 

Your plan can include the following:

• Debt repayment plan: Paying off debt can help reduce financial stress and improve overall financial health.
• Investment plan: Building wealth through investments and saving can help provide financial security and independence.
• Short-term savings: Maintaining a short-term savings account can provide peace of mind in case of emergencies.
• Long-term planning: Setting long-term financial goals and creating a plan to achieve them can help you stay on track and reach financial security and stability.

READ: These 4 things make the best investment strategy for all young people

5. The Value of  Self Discipline 

Self-discipline is a critical factor for success anywhere and everywhere. The key thing is to consider every day as a work day.  

Here are a few lessons on self-discipline I’ve learned.

• Time management:  If you have poor time management skills, you’ll miss out on deadlines.
• Focus: The ability to focus and avoid distractions is essential for producing high-quality work. Concentrate like a Roman. 
• Consistency: Consistently working on projects and delivering quality work is critical for building a reputation at work
• Organization: Keeping projects, deadlines, and invoices organized can help streamline the workflow and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
• Staying motivated: Maintaining motivation and inspiration is vital for staying productive and producing high-quality work.

6. The Value of Ongoing Education

The way the world works these days is more about the skills you bring on board rather than the number of college degrees or masters you have. Are your skills best suited for the job?

Skills aren’t limited. The more skills you have the better. As a writer, I spend a lot of time scouring the internet. To write, you have to read and acquire the information.

In a day, I may visit countless of websites, but is the information I read valuable to me?

All in all, using the sugar-grain technique, I ensure there’s value addition to my pool of skills; by learning a new technique or reading something unique, little by little.

Here are other methods you can use to learn new skills and develop as a writer:

• Take online courses: Many online courses are available that cover a wide range of writing topics, from creative writing to content marketing. Check out sites such as Udemy, Simple Learn, and Alison for courses that interest you.
• Read books and articles: Reading books and articles on writing, marketing, and the writing industry can help you stay informed and continue learning.
• Collaborate with other writers: Collaborating with other writers can provide opportunities to learn from each other and grow together.