In my last post, things were looking a bit dire. (And in some ways they still are – like the fact I charged $162 on a credit card…eek.) However, I had to stray a bit from my previous plan. Why? Because all of a sudden, things started to pick up.
The day after I published that article, I received an email stating that I could add 12 extra hours per week to my lowest-paying gig. The rate is much lower than I’d usually take, but at the moment it’s providing me exactly the amount of money I need to cover essential bills. (My husband and I split all bills and groceries straight down the middle.) However, it doesn’t leave me any wiggle room for gas or daily spending. Or savings, which I desperately need to get built up.
Fortunately, another client who went ghost on me in October also sent me a batch of work the following day. Then, a few days later, I received a DM on LinkedIn with another freelance job offer. The pay is more in line with what I expect, and after a video onboarding call, it sounds like they can offer enough work to earn around $400 or so per week. The downside? They still haven’t sent me the contract they promised, and pay is monthly, so I wouldn’t receive any payment until January. I’m hoping they get back to me with assignments and a contract, but if I’ve learned anything bout freelancing, it’s not to hold your breath.
As of right now, I’m still broke for the month of December until about midway through, when I expect to receive a payment that will give me some breathing room. (Luckily, I do have separate funds earmarked for Christmas presents, so that’s not a concern.)
Which brings me back to the big personal finance goals for 2026:
- Save $10,000 (About 3.5 months’ worth of expenses, so that I’m not stressing next time work runs dry). Current savings: $0
- Fill the client roster with four clients, so I’m not high and dry when one ghosts me. Or get a full-time remote content-writing job, which I’ve been seriously considering.
- Cut the hours at my lowest-paying job in half and replace them with better-paying work.
Also, as a complete aside, I want to put more into my appearance. Working from home and mommin’ has really brought out the frumpiness, and I’m tired of it. I want to invest wisely in wardrobe staples over the coming year (when the money is flowing, of course), so I look and feel better. This also includes losing a bit of weight, getting my hair done, perfume, jewelry, and the whole nine yards of appearance.
Ok, off to go work on my plans. Until next time…