Smart Money Tips for Freelancers With Unpredictable Income featuring Kiersten Brown
Struggling with inconsistent income? Managing money as a freelancer can feel like a constant guessing game. One month you’re fully booked, then the next you’re wondering how you’ll cover your expenses. If you’ve ever felt stressed about variable income, struggled to plan ahead, or questioned whether freelancing (especially abroad) is financially sustainable, you’re in the right place.
Freelance writer Kiersten Brown built financial stability while navigating life and work abroad in Spain. At the age of 27, Kiersten moved to Spain to teach English, where she faced delayed payments and the reality of making ends meet in a new country.
Instead of giving up, she built a freelance writing career from scratch, and more importantly, created a money system that supports fluctuating income.
Today, Kiersten lives in southern Spain, balancing a creative career with a slower, more intentional lifestyle. But getting there required discipline, consistency, and smart financial habits.
Continue reading for practical money tips for freelancers, especially if your income changes from month to month. These financial strategies will help you create stability, reduce stress, and take control of your finances.
You can also listen to the full podcast episode with Kiersten Brown here.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora | Any player
1. Build a Budget That Works With Irregular Income
One of the biggest shifts Kiersten made? Getting serious about budgeting.
“Really and truly, what helps me is budgeting… I do a monthly and a weekly budget.” – Kiersten Brown
Instead of guessing, she plans ahead with:
- A monthly budget to map out expected income vs. expenses
- A weekly budget to stay on track in real time
This allows her to quickly adjust if income is lower than expected, either by cutting expenses or finding ways to earn more.
Key Takeaway: Make your budget as flexible as your income.
2. Plan for Low-Income Months Ahead of Time
Freelance work isn’t always steady, and Kiersten embraces that reality.
“Sometimes my expenses are more than my expected income… then I look at what I need to do to balance it out.”
Instead of reacting in panic, she plans proactively:
- Reducing non-essential spending when needed
- Actively seeking new opportunities, whether pitching assignments or applying to gigs
Key Takeaway: Plan ahead to fill income gaps as a freelancer.
3. Always Market Yourself (Even When You’re Busy)
One of Kiersten’s biggest lessons? Never stop pitching.
Always put yourself out there… even if your workload is full.
Early on, Kiersten paused marketing when work was steady and later felt the impact when things slowed down.
Now, she consistently:
- Pitches editors, and publications
- Applies to opportunities
- Shares her work publicly
Key Takeaway: Consistent visibility is key to consistent income.
4. Create a “Freelance Fund” for Peace of Mind
Saving is a non-negotiable for freelancers.
“I have one (a bank account) that I labeled my “freelance fund”… if one month’s work is a little slow, this is my pot.”
Kiersten builds this bank account by:
- Saving a percentage of every payment
- Using small habits (like saving money she didn’t spend)
- Leveraging banking tools to automate savings
Key Takeaway: A dedicated emergency fund is your safety net during slow seasons.
5. Shift Your Money Mindset
Although freelancing can feel uncertain, a positive, abundant mindset will help you weather the storm.
Instead of operating from scarcity, Kiersten focuses on possibility and action.
As Kiersten puts it, “There’s money out there… I just have to get to it.”
This mindset shift—from scarcity to possibility—is what helps freelancers stay resilient during slow periods.
Key Takeaway: Confidence and consistent action drive stability.
Tired of reading? Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.
6. Take Advantage of Lower Living Costs Abroad
One of the biggest benefits of living in Spain? Lower expenses.
From groceries to rent, Kiersten has been able to stretch her income further in Spain than she did in the U.S.
This is one of the most underrated tips for living abroad as a freelancer—choosing a location where your money goes further can make a huge difference.
Key Takeaway: Where you live can directly impact your financial stability.
7. Build Community and Network for More Opportunities
One of the most overlooked money tips for freelancers isn’t saving, it’s earning more consistently.
For Kiersten, this means regularly connecting with other freelancers, attending local events, joining online communities, and building relationships that often lead to new projects or referrals.
Key Takeaway: Your network is a strong referral source for opportunities.
Quick Money Tips for Freelancers
- Budget monthly and weekly
- Save a percentage of every payment you receive
- Never stop pitching or marketing your work
- Create a dedicated “freelance fund” for slow months
- Use automation tools to make saving effortless
Related: Build Business Savings: A Step-by-Step Guide To Small Business Finances with Gina Knox
For more insights on managing unpredictable income, listen to my conversation with financial educator Gina Knox. In that episode, Gina breaks down how freelancers and entrepreneurs can build financial stability through intentional money systems, like preparing for slow months, smoothing out income fluctuations, and creating long-term predictability.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Any player
Final Thoughts: Money Management For Freelancers
Managing variable income isn’t easy, but it is possible with the right systems in place. Kiersten’s story is proof freelancing is about managing your money well. From budgeting and saving to consistent pitching and mindset shifts, her approach is intentional, practical, and sustainable.
These money tips for freelancers aren’t theory; they’re real strategies from someone actively navigating freelance life abroad.
With the right systems, habits, and beliefs, you can create stability, build confidence, and design the life you want.
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
