Freelance Business Startup Worksheets
January 22, 2008
I know it can be nauseating trying to figure out all the numbers that go into calculating startup costs, cash flow, taxes, etc…, for a freelance business. But, numbers can be a marvelous thing.
To help you get started, I assembled 7 Excel worksheets into a single workbook. The included worksheets will help you…
1. Calculate income replacement
2. Determine a purchase decision (based on tax implications)
3. Predict cash flow
4. Calculate a loan repayment
5. Calculate a day rate
6. Calculate estimated taxes
7. Track schedule “C” expenses
These are calculations that helped me when I first started. I realize there are probably hundreds more. I only included what I felt are the “meaty” calculations.
These worksheets contain macros for navigation purposes only. They have been scanned for viruses and—I guarantee—will not crash your system. If your security settings do not allow you to open the files, follow these instructions to lower your settings:
1. Open Excel (do not open the files)
2. Click the “Tools” menu, point to “Macro”, and then click “Security”
3. Click the “Security Level” tab, and then select “Medium”
4. This option will warn you before opening worksheets with macros
When you open the file, you will need to click “Enable macros” on the first pop-up screen. This will open the files correctly.
I tried to make it as simple as possible, even if you’ve never used Excel before.
Please leave comments if you have any questions.
Download - Freelance Business Startup Worksheets
Tags: startup worksheets, freelance worksheets, business startup spreadsheet, calculating startup costs
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October 6th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Thanks so much. I’ve found these template to be so
useful for me - especially being a startup on a limited budget. I also
found a whole bunch a few weeks ago on Max Soutter’s site http://www.bizsetup@wordpress.com - if he still has them up!
Quick question - how much planning do you think is needed before taking the plunge - leaving my job? Is ready, Shoot, Aim really good advice?
Marion
October 6th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Hi Marion,
It depends on how comfortable you are with leaving. If you don’t have many outside responsibilities (i.e. family, mortgage, car), then it will be much easier.
What I usually recommend is weaning yourself slowly. Take working vacations where you actually run your business like normal.
I would also recommend having a few steady clients. That way you’ll have some cash flow. It takes extreme mental toughness to jump ship without existing clients or some other type of cash flow.
I’ve found that a gradual escape is best. Think of it as working yourself out of a job!
-Jerret
December 18th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
[…] an earlier post, I discussed my startup worksheets. In that group of worksheets is a cash flow prediction […]