Stage 10:
Financial Tools
Budgeting, Invoicing & Tax Support
Once you’re earning money from writing, you need a system to manage it. These tools help with tracking income, preparing for taxes, creating invoices, and learning how to run your author business financially. Don’t let disorganization cost you time or money—plan ahead with the tools below.
Budgeting Tools
Budgeting is about knowing where your money is going. These apps help you track income, plan expenses, and prepare for slow months or big investments. Ideal for freelance writers, authorpreneurs, and anyone with variable income.
EveryDollar
Simple, user-friendly budgeting app created by Dave Ramsey. Great for zero-based budgeting and tracking monthly goals.
https://www.everydollar.com
GoodBudget
Envelope-style budgeting tool perfect for visual thinkers and those who prefer manual tracking.
https://www.goodbudget.com
YNAB – You Need a Budget
Popular budgeting software that helps you give every dollar a job. Offers education, financial reports, and community support.
https://www.youneedabudget.com/affiliates/
Invoicing & Payment Tracking
When you offer freelance writing, coaching, or editing services, professional invoices make a big difference. These tools make it easy to bill clients, track payments, and stay organized.
Bonsai
Freelance platform with contracts, invoices, payments, and time tracking built in. Great for writers who work with clients regularly.
https://www.hellobonsai.com/affiliate
FreshBooks
Easy-to-use accounting software for sending invoices, tracking expenses, and accepting credit card payments.
https://www.freshbooks.com/affiliates
Wave
Free invoicing and accounting software for small businesses. Includes reports, payment tracking, and receipt scanning.
https://www.waveapps.com
Tax Preparation & Support
Self-employed authors need to plan for taxes year-round. These tools help you track deductions, categorize expenses, and prepare for quarterly and annual tax filings.
Collective
Built for solo business owners. Helps you form an LLC, manage bookkeeping, and file taxes—all in one platform.
https://www.collective.com/affiliate-program
Keeper Tax
Automatically finds tax write-offs and keeps records for you. Designed for freelancers and solopreneurs.
https://www.keepertax.com/affiliate
QuickBooks Self-Employed
Track mileage, sort business vs. personal expenses, and generate tax summaries. Great for authors who drive for events or sell services.
https://quickbooks.intuit.com/partners/affiliate-program/
Financial Education & Courses
Managing your money as a creative entrepreneur takes learning. These resources teach you how to handle debt, save, and run a small business financially strong.
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University
Popular course on budgeting, saving, and financial discipline—great for writers transitioning to full-time income.
🔗 https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/financial-peace
Intuit Academy
Free online courses from the makers of QuickBooks on bookkeeping, taxes, and managing small business finances.
🔗 https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/quickbooks-training/intuit-academy-learn-bookkeeping-training-courses/L6gHX8I4D_US_en_US
Smart Passive Income – Business Finance Guides (Not affiliate)
Education and podcast episodes about money management for creators, freelancers, and business owners.
🔗 https://www.smartpassiveincome.com
