The Best Money Management Apps for Freelancers in 2025
Managing your finances as a freelancer can be challenging, especially in a rapidly evolving market like South Africa’s. To help you navigate this landscape, here are some of the best money management apps you should consider in 2025. These tools can streamline your financial processes and empower you to focus on what you do best. Xero Xero is a powerful cloud-based accounting platform that simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation. It integrates seamlessly with local banks and supports South African currency, making it a great choice for freelancers looking for a comprehensive financial solution. 2.Sage Business Cloud Accounting This app offers an all-in-one accounting solution, providing tools for invoicing and tax reporting specifically tailored for South African regulations. Sage helps freelancers ensure compliance with VAT and manage their finances efficiently. 3.QuickBooks Online Renowned for its user-friendly interface, QuickBooks Online provides robust financial management features, including expense tracking and comprehensive reporting. Its compatibility with South African banks ensures that you can manage your finances without hassle. 4.Zoho Books Zoho Books enables freelancers to manage their finances with automated invoicing and expense tracking. It supports multi-currency transactions, making it ideal for those working with clients globally. 5.Wave Wave is a free financial management software that offers invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning features. Its intuitive design makes it accessible for freelancers just starting out who want to keep costs low while effectively managing their finances. 6.Nedbank Money Management App Tailored for South African users, this app combines budgeting tools with account management features. It helps freelancers track their spending and savings, simplifying financial oversight. 7.MangoPay MangoPay is an online payment solution that caters to freelancers and marketplaces. It allows you to manage payments, track transactions, and create invoices, making it an excellent tool for freelancers working with international clients. 8.FreshBooks Known for its intuitive design, FreshBooks offers tools for invoicing, time tracking, and expense management. It’s user-friendly, making it a great choice for freelancers without an accounting background. 9.PayPal As a widely used payment platform, PayPal allows freelancers to send and receive payments securely. Its support for multiple currencies makes it especially beneficial for freelancers engaging with clients worldwide. 10.Pocketbook Pocketbook is a budgeting app that helps you track expenses and manage finances effectively. While not exclusive to freelancers, its features can assist you in keeping a close eye on your spending habits. Integrating these money management tools into your freelance business can significantly enhance your financial management capabilities in 2025. By choosing the right apps for your needs, you can improve your financial oversight, streamline your processes, and ultimately focus on growing your freelance career. For more details on each app, check their official websites or tech review platforms to find the best fit for your freelancing needs. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Join our community of freelancers and entrepreneurs for tips, resources, and support to help you grow. Connect with like-minded professionals and take your freelancing journey to the next level! Submit You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.
How to become a freelancer in South Africa:A step-by-step guide
Freelancing in South Africa is still an emerging industry. While many have successfully carved out freelancing careers for years, there’s a growing wave of new talent stepping into the field. For many, the journey can feel overwhelming—especially when navigating a relatively unfamiliar landscape. In this blog, we’ll explore the key steps to take when starting as a freelancer in South Africa. Whether you’re looking to offer graphic design, copywriting, virtual assistance, or digital marketing services, these essential steps will help guide your journey. 1. Identify Your Niche and Expertise Before diving into freelancing, it’s crucial to understand where your strengths lie. Freelancing is all about offering specialized skills, so take some time to reflect on your expertise. What are you naturally good at? What have you studied or gained experience in over the years? Whether it’s social media management, web development, content creation, or consulting, focus on areas where your skills are most advanced.By narrowing down your niche, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself in the market. Specializing makes it easier for potential clients to recognize the value you bring, helping you stand out in a competitive space. 2. Earn Certifications to Strengthen Your Skillset n today’s digital age, having certifications can boost your credibility. Many platforms offer free or affordable courses that can help you gain knowledge in your chosen field. For example, Google offers a Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course, Coursera provides certifications in various industries, and HubSpot has a selection of marketing, sales, and design certifications.A certification not only adds to your portfolio but also shows potential clients that you are serious about your craft. It’s a simple but powerful way to build trust and stay competitive in your niche. 3. Set Up a Portfolio Once you have a clear understanding of your skills and niche, the next step is to create a portfolio. Your portfolio is your showcase—it’s the proof of what you can do. Make sure it highlights your best work, the projects you’re most proud of, and any results you’ve achieved. Even if you are just starting and have no clients yet, you can create sample work or case studies based on hypothetical projects to showcase your capabilities.You can set up a simple portfolio website using platforms like Wix, Zyro, or WordPress, or share your work on platforms like Behance, LinkedIn, or even Instagram.Find out more from our previous Webinars 4. Gain Experience Through Volunteering Experience is key when starting as a freelancer. However, it’s not always easy to land paid clients right away. To overcome this, consider offering your services to local businesses or non-profits in your community for free or at a discounted rate. This will give you the practical experience you need and provide real-world examples to add to your portfolio.These early projects can help you learn what clients expect, improve your skills, and build a network of contacts. Volunteering can also open doors to paid work, as many businesses that see your value may later hire you for more extensive projects. 5. Showcase Your Work on Social Media In today’s digital landscape, having a strong social media presence is non-negotiable for freelancers. After building your portfolio and gaining experience, you’ll want to consistently share your work on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Social media offers a space for you to educate business owners, share valuable insights about your niche, and showcase what you can do.By positioning yourself as an expert and regularly sharing tips, case studies, and updates on your projects, you will attract clients who resonate with your work. Don’t be afraid to engage with your audience—answer questions, connect with potential clients, and even offer free consultations to build relationships. 6. Set Clear Goals and Keep Learning Freelancing is not just about landing your first gig. It’s about continually growing your business. Set short- and long-term goals for yourself. How many clients do you want to work with in the first three months? What income targets are you aiming for by the end of the year?It’s important to remember that freelancing is a continuous learning journey. Keep sharpening your skills, learning new trends, and staying updated with the latest tools in your industry. The freelancing world is competitive, and being adaptable will help you stay relevant. https://youtu.be/LyBAxyeFPDA?si=0cqU7u-yuemG2l3t Conclusion Starting your freelancing journey in South Africa may seem challenging, but by following these steps, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. From identifying your niche to showcasing your work on social media, each step is a building block toward a thriving freelancing career. Freelancing can offer incredible flexibility, creativity, and financial independence, and with dedication and the right strategies, you can establish yourself in the industry. If you’re looking to take the leap, remember—get started, keep learning, and network along the way. The freelancing world is waiting for you. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Join our community of freelancers and entrepreneurs for tips, resources, and support to help you grow. Connect with like-minded professionals and take your freelancing journey to the next level! Submit You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.
Profile : Tshiamo Mokgage
Hello world. Meet Tshiamo Mokgage, a rising South African freelancer and business woman. This is how she is transforming South African and international businesses : Last month ( August) was Women’s Month in South Africa, we asked her what it meant to her and what advice she would give to young girls. The following were her responses. What does Women’s Month mean to you? Women’s Month holds great meaning for me. It serves as a crucial opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the countless women who often go unnoticed despite their incredible contributions. While I believe that recognition should not be limited to just one month, I acknowledge that Women’s Month provides a valuable platform for bringing attention to those whose achievements might otherwise be overlooked. It’s a chance to honour both the women who have made groundbreaking strides and those whose everyday efforts deserve acknowledgment. Women’s month is about creating opportunities for women to shine and ensuring their voices and accomplishments are celebrated. What advice would you give girls in high school about freelancing, business / entrepreneurship? As cliché as it might sound, Nike said it best: Just Do It. That dream did not randomly appear in your heart; it was meant for you and there is a purpose behind it. While waiting for the perfect moment or opportunity can be tempting, perfect timing often doesn’t arrive. Instead, have faith and take the leap. The journey itself is where growth and discovery happen, not at some final destination. Just embrace the process, give it your all, and be open to learning new things along the way. Links to her channels LinkedIn Instagram Company Page
Coffee Shops & Restaurants for South African Freelancers.
Freelancing means working from home but that has it’s own disadvantages. Indeed cites distractions, isolation and an imbalance between work and life as some of the cons of working from home. There are alternative working spaces available for freelancers besides working from home. One of the most popular spots for freelancers are coffee shops and restaurants. They offer hot beverages, food, free wifi and a space to meet fellow freelancers. They also have less admin and fees associated with rented shared working spaces. Some co-shared working spaces in South Africa range from R890 to R2890 per person per month. The only associated fees that come with coffee shops and restaurants is only paying for your beverage and food. Here are some of the features South African freelancers should look out for when picking a coffee shop or restaurant to work from : Stable Free Wifi : This kind of internet connectivity in coffee shops and restaurants allows freelancers to download and upload files quickly, attend team meetings and meet deadlines effectively. Therefore, if you are freelancing in South Africa you might want to watch for spots that have complementary stable wifi. Comfortable Seats : This promotes good posture, reduces fatigue, stiffness allowing freelancers to have optimal focus and concentrate better on their tasks. Spending long hours on chairs can lead to aches and pains which can be distracting so you might want to pick a place with comfortable seating. Quiet Atmosphere : Pay attention to the surroundings before picking your coffee or restaurant for the day. Avoid places with construction work happening around unless you have the noise cancelling headphones that will block out the noise. In a quiet environment, freelancers can enter a state of flow allowing maximum productivity and creativity for those who are in creative industries. Multiple Power Outlets : Spending a couple of hours at a coffee shop or restaurants means your devices are likely to run out of power at some point. The smartest decision would be to choose a place that does only have power outlets but multiple outlets. You want to avoid an awkward situation where you ask someone else to share. So multiple outlets would be a bonus! Backup Power : If you are in South Africa, you are familiar with the word ” load shedding”. While most coffee shops and restaurants have backup power, it is best not to assume and ask outright before you sit down and get interrupted during your work sessions. Therefore, backup power is another nice feature to add when looking out for spaces to work out from. Having said that, let’s tap into a few recommendations provided by some members of the Collaborahub community. This also includes spots that are not exclusively coffee shops and restaurants. Fair warning, these are Gauteng biased but most of the list mentions franchises with nation wide outlets. SEATTLE COFFEE CO – ROSEBANK ( Muphulusi Nefale, Founder) ” Seattle Coffee stood out for me out of all coffee shops that I go to. I liked the round table, the plugs and the fact that there seemed to be an active community of people working there. It seemed people do this regularly so Seattle is my recommendation” The Rosebank Branch also came highly recommended by Tshego and Tshimologo Leburu who provided us with a picture from her work session : 2. SEATTLE COFFEE CO – BRAAMFONTEIN ( Denzel Machaka, Social Media Manager and Copywriter) ” I loved the creative atmosphere. There was great lightning , seats and also plugs for charging devices. The coffee was also great! ” 3. Mamakashakanadfriends – BRAAMFONTEIN ( Tshego, Community Member) ” Best working day would be Friday” “ 4. EXCLUSIVE BOOKS – HYDE PARK ( Tshego, Community Member) ” Great place but may get noisy because of Olives & Plates” 5. BOOTLEGGER COFFEE ( Ntando Mdletshe, Community Member) 6. ABIZ RESTAURANT, LONGPOINT – ( Ntando Mdletshe, Community Member) That’s the end of our short and sweet list. We will accommodate more places outside Gauteng in our upcoming blogs. Seattle Coffee for example has nationwide outlets so any freelancer outside Gauteng can try Seattle Coffee as a working space. We will also encourage South African freelancers to join our Hive days, if you missed the last blog on Hive days post, check it out here If you want to join our WhatsApp community you can join using this link
Celebrating Freelancers : International Workers’ Day 2024
Freelancing, in South Africa and globally is slowly becoming a recognized and vital part of the modern workforce despite the misconceptions about it not being ” real work” or a ” real career”. Today (at the writing of this article) is International Workers’ Day 2024 and we want to reflect on freelancers as a significant part of the local and global workforce. Before we explore the value of freelancers in the modern workforce let us explore one of the misconceptions about freelancing. Stability and Structure – Traditional jobs typically offer a stable income versus freelancing which comes in seasons of plenty and seasons of lack. This is not to suggest that freelancers cannot experience stability in income. However, the reality for many freelancers is that they experience fluctuations in terms of income especially in our current economic climate where some economies are going through recession. Inconsistent gigs deepen misconceptions about freelancing not being ” real work”. In addition to this, traditional jobs usually come with a set schedule and employee benefits such as medical aid benefits which is usually the case for full-time workers in South Africa. Globally, in countries such as the United States of America, employees usually get health insurance and dental care. Freelancers do not have the privilege of this and usually have to sort out this sort by themselves. This worsens misconceptions about freelance work not being ” real work”. Despite this, freelancing is a valid form of employment for the following reasons Income Generation – Freelancing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes a long time to build a successful profitable freelance business and individuals with experience and highly specialized skills can command great rates and generate good income for themselves. This exchange of skills for monetary value makes such freelancers valid workers in the local and global workforce. Skill Development – The freelance pool is quite cutthroat and competitive. This necessitates freelancers to constantly keep up with their various industries through upskilling via courses, boot camps, and other professional development programs. One can argue that, unlike traditional employees, freelancers take professional development more seriously to stay relevant and competitive in the South African labour market and globally as well. Freelancing also exposes one to diverse projects and clients which makes it a valid form of employment as this also happens in traditional forms of employment. Having said this, let’s explore more the value of freelancers to South African, regional, and international businesses. 1. Skill and Innovation Access: Businesses can tap into a wider pool of specialized talent, gaining access to fresh ideas and expertise that might not be available locally. This fosters innovation and competitiveness across industries. 2. Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness: Companies can scale their workforce up or down based on project needs, reducing overhead costs associated with full-time employees. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for startups and growing businesses. 3. Global Talent Marketplace: Freelancing platforms connect freelancers worldwide, creating a global talent pool. This allows businesses to find the perfect fit for their needs, regardless of location, and for freelancers to offer their services to a broader market. 4. Diversity and Inclusion: Freelancing empowers individuals from various backgrounds and locations to participate in the workforce, fostering a more inclusive work environment. In conclusion, freelancers are welcome at the International Workers’ Day table, they also deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the local South African workforce and the global workforce as well. If you are new to freelancing, be sure to check out our webinars here. If you wish to join our WhatsApp community, feel free to join using this link
The Value of Networking for South African Freelancers.
Freelancing can be a dream career, offering flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to be your own boss. However, it can also feel isolating especially for South African freelancers who are just starting out. Unlike traditional office environments, freelancers often work remotely, missing out on the camaraderie and support of colleagues. This is where freelance communities such as Collaborahub become important. We are a community of South African freelancers and we also welcome other freelancers as well. We recently had a freelancer from Venezuela join our WhatsApp group. This is the beauty of the internet as it provides opportunities to join virtual spaces such as Collaborahub. Freelance communities provide a vital source of connection, support, and professional development for freelancers. They offer a space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others who understand the unique challenges and rewards of freelance work. Here are some of the key benefits of joining a freelance community: 1. Combat Isolation: Freelancing can be a lonely profession. By connecting with other freelancers, you can combat feelings of isolation and build a network of support. Collaborahub has hive days (a reference to worker bees) where freelancers from the same local area can meet up and connect. These are flexible, you can work together or socialize over a cup of coffee. Our hive days are still in the early days but we are witnessing success in major metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg, Pretoria and Capetown. At the writing of this article, our next hive days are on the 19th of April 2024 and 3rd of May 2024. 2. Professional Development: Freelance communities offer a wealth of resources for professional development, such as workshops, webinars, and mentorship programs. You can also learn from the experiences of other freelancers and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Collaborahub offers webinars from experienced South African freelancers to help you grow as a professional and land clients. You can check them out here 3. Client Acquisition: Your net worth is indeed your network. Many freelance communities offer job boards and other resources to help freelancers find new clients. Collaborahub is one of such communities. You can network with other members and build relationships that can lead to new opportunities. Collaborahub has a thriving WhatsApp group with such opportunities. You can check out the group here. 3. Business Advice: Freelance communities are a great place to get advice on everything from setting rates to managing your finances to marketing your services. As previously mentioned, our webinars cover this extensively and you can check out the link under ” Professional Development” for our webinars. 4. Peer Support: Freelancing can be a rollercoaster ride. Freelance communities provide a safe space to vent your frustrations, celebrate your successes, and get advice from people who have been there. You might not have colleagues like full-time employed workers but you can find that support from fellow freelancers. Collaborahub provides such spaces through our hive days which are usually held on Fridays. They are informal and laid back allowing people to unwind and connect authentically. You can meet in coffee shops, restaurants, book shops, or anywhere that suits you and your fellow freelancers! If you’re looking to build a successful and fulfilling freelance career, joining a freelance community is a great place to start. It can provide you with the support, resources, and connections you need to thrive. The link to our Whatsapp community once again can be found here
5 Free Resources to Launch Your Freelance Business
Freelancing has become a buzzword over the years and it almost seems like it is a new concept when it has been around for longer. The word ” free lance” dates back to the 1800s British history when members of private armies were called ” free lances”. Now that we have delved into a little bit of history it’s time to come back to the present. Launching your freelance business can be costly given that there are paid services that can set you up for success. However, this does not mean you cannot pursue your freelance business if you have little to no money. Here are 5 free resources to set you up for success if you are in South Africa. 1. Canva Topping the list is Canva. This is your branding kit as a beginner. If you have not heard of Canva yet then you must be living under some rock ( just kidding!). Canva helps you create professional graphics with provided templates on the free plan. You do not need to hire a graphic designer ( although you will need one as your brand and wallet grows). Canva helps you show up professionally with clean cutting-edge visuals that will entice clients and make them work with you. This intuitive platform boasts a vast library of templates, fonts, and stock photos, allowing you to craft stunning logos, social media graphics, presentations, website mockups and most importantly visually appealing portfolios! Canva’s user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to navigate, even for non-designers. With a little creativity, you can design a cohesive brand identity that reflects your unique style and expertise. This not only projects professionalism but also sets you apart from the competition. 2. Trello As a freelancer, you are your own project manager and Trello helps you move through your projects with ease! Freelancing often involves juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines. Trello comes to the rescue, acting as your free project management command center. This visual tool utilizes “boards” and “cards” to organize your workflow. Create separate boards for each client or project. Within each board, use cards to represent tasks, deadlines, and notes. Trello allows you to assign collaborators (if you choose to outsource), attach files, and track progress – all in one centralized location. Pro Tip: Take advantage of Trello’s automation features. Set up automatic reminders for deadlines, trigger card movements based on progress updates, and create checklists within cards to ensure no detail gets missed. 3. Google Docs. Proposals are your gateway to landing clients but crafting compelling proposals can be a time-consuming struggle. Google Docs offers a free and accessible solution. Start by building a template that showcases your expertise and value proposition. Include sections outlining your services, experience, and a clear call to action for the client. Leverage Google Docs’ collaborative features to allow potential clients to leave comments and feedback – demonstrating your openness to communication. Pro Tip: Integrate free add-ons like “DocuSign” for electronic signatures, streamlining the proposal approval process. 4. Clockify. As a freelancer, understanding your time investment is crucial. Clockify is a free time-tracking tool that helps you monitor how long you spend on tasks and projects. This valuable data allows you to identify areas for improvement. Analyze your time logs to see where you might be lagging or overspending time. This allows you to optimize your workflow and boost productivity. Pro Tip: Explore Clockify’s reporting features to generate insightful data visualizations. This can help you identify trends and make informed decisions about your workload and pricing strategy. 5. Social Media. Social media can help you launch your freelance business and most are free to use with an internet connection ( If you are reading this I assume you have an internet connection) Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram (depending on your industry) are powerful tools for connecting with potential clients and building a strong professional network. * Position yourself as an expert: Share valuable content related to your field, participate in industry discussions, and showcase your expertise. * Connect with relevant communities like us ( CollaboraHub), also join forums where your clients are active. * Engage and build relationships: Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and build rapport with potential clients. Pro Tip: Don’t just be a broadcaster, be a connector. Share the work of others in your field, engage in genuine conversations, and establish yourself as a valuable resource within your online community. There you have it. 5 free resources that can help you launch your freelance business in South Africa. While the ideal will be to subscribe to different “fancy” services. The truth remains you can still build a business if you only have an internet connection. Go ahead and check out the resources listed above. If you liked this post, leave a comment with your views or useful free services.
5 Steps To Launch Your Freelance Business From Scratch ( South African Freelancer Edition)
Freelancing has become a significant movement in the labor market since the pandemic which normalized remote work not only in South Africa but globally as well. Freelancing has also allowed many South Africans, an opportunity to earn a living given the brutal unemployment stats in the country. If you want to join this growing movement in the labor market then you have come to the right place. At Collaborahub, we assist South African freelancers find their feet and grow their their business. Firstly, congratulations on taking this big step, and we know you might be confused but we here to help you.
Essential Tools Every Freelancer Needs
Embarking on a freelance journey requires more than just talent and creativity; it demands efficient tools to streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and manage the various aspects of your freelance business. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a curated list of must-have tools that every freelancer should consider integrating into their toolkit for success. 1. Project Management Tools: Effective project management is the backbone of a successful freelance career. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com help freelancers organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate seamlessly with clients and team members. 2. Time Tracking Software: Time is a freelancer’s most valuable asset. Utilise time tracking tools such as Toggl or Harvest to monitor and manage your work hours efficiently. This ensures accurate billing, project transparency, and improved productivity. 3. Invoicing and Accounting Software: Maintaining financial records is crucial for freelancers. Tools like FreshBooks or QuickBooks can simplify invoicing, expense tracking, and overall financial management, allowing you to focus more on your work and less on administrative tasks. 4. Communication Platforms: Clear communication is key in freelancing. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord facilitate smooth communication with clients and collaborators, enabling real-time collaboration and reducing the chances of misunderstandings. 5. Cloud Storage Solutions: Securely store and share your work with clients using cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. These tools ensure accessibility to your files from anywhere while providing a backup for your important documents. 6. Password Managers: As a freelancer, you likely deal with numerous accounts and passwords. Simplify your security with password managers like LastPass or 1Password, ensuring strong, unique passwords without the hassle of remembering each one. 7. Graphic Design Software: For freelancers in design and creative fields, having graphic design software is a necessity. Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or Figma provide a range of tools for creating stunning visuals and designs. 8. Social Media Schedulers: Maintain an active online presence without spending excessive time on social media. Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite allow you to schedule posts across various platforms, ensuring consistent engagement with your audience. 9. Website and Portfolio Builders: Establish a professional online presence with platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. These tools make it easy to create and maintain a website or portfolio, showcasing your work to potential clients. 10. Collaboration Tools: For freelancers working in teams or with clients remotely, collaboration tools like Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft Office 365, or Slack can enhance real-time collaboration and streamline document sharing. Conclusion: Equipping yourself with the right tools is essential for navigating the complexities of freelancing. By incorporating these must-have tools into your workflow, you not only enhance your efficiency and productivity but also position yourself as a professional freelancer capable of delivering high-quality work to your clients. Stay ahead of the curve, embrace the power of technology, and watch your freelance career flourish with these indispensable tools in your arsenal.