
Side Hustle School Ep. 3192 - Q&A: “How can a freelancer pay herself a stable salary?”
6 snips
Sep 27, 2025 Dive into the world of freelance finances and discover a three-bucket system that stabilizes your income. Learn how to set aside 25–30% for taxes and choose a reliable monthly paycheck based on past earnings. Chris shares tips on automating transfers and maintaining a two-month operating buffer. He emphasizes separating business volatility from personal finances, ensuring your life remains predictable despite income fluctuations. Perfect for freelancers seeking financial peace of mind!
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Designer Facing Feast-or-Famine Pay
- Mariana, a designer, described months of $8,000 followed by months near $1,200 and stressed unreliable bill-pay timing.
- She asked for a simple way to give herself a consistent salary without full corporate payroll.
Three Accounts To Smooth Income
- Open three separate accounts: operating, tax holding, and owner pay to separate business cashflows.
- Automate transfers on a fixed schedule so personal spending becomes predictable even when revenue varies.
Set Aside Quarterly Taxes Right Away
- Immediately move 25–30% of gross income into the tax holding account to cover quarterly taxes.
- Keep that money untouched until tax time so you avoid last-minute scramble and penalties.



