The Finance Blog

Brain Trust 24

The Finance Blog

Author

Henry Caldwell

Digital Record Keeping: Best Practices
Henry Caldwell May 8, 2025

You know that feeling — rustling through an overstuffed drawer, trying to find that one receipt from six months ago, only to discover it’s faded beyond recognition. Or worse, it’s gone entirely. In today’s digital world, that doesn’t have to be your reality. Digital record keeping is more than a trend — it’s now essential Read More

Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Freelancers: Boost Your Efficiency Before April 5
Henry Caldwell May 4, 2025

For many freelancers, the end of the tax year can feel like that last-minute sprint at the end of a marathon — juggling invoices, expenses, and spreadsheets while trying to stay on top of it all. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of forward thinking and some smart year-end strategies, you Read More

Calculating Your Estimated Tax Payments
Henry Caldwell May 3, 2025

You’ve landed new clients, wrapped up a big project, and invoiced for your best month yet. Life as a freelancer or sole trader is finally looking up—until tax season rolls around and hits you with a figure that makes your stomach drop. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges of self-employment is Read More

Building an Emergency Fund for Tax Bills: Your Financial Safety Net
Henry Caldwell April 27, 2025

Ever had that sinking feeling when your tax bill lands and you realise your bank balance isn’t ready for it? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a freelancer, sole trader, or small business owner, the unpredictable nature of self-employment often comes with a financial rollercoaster — and the taxman doesn’t wait for you to catch your Read More

Avoiding Penalties for Late Payments
Henry Caldwell April 24, 2025

You’ve worked hard all year, juggled clients, managed invoices, and poured energy into growing your business. But in the flurry of deadlines and life admin, one important date slipped your mind: your tax payment deadline. A week later, you get a letter from HMRC, and just like that, you owe not only tax but also Read More

Utilising the Trading Allowance Effectively: A Freelancer’s Guide to Tax-Free Income
Henry Caldwell April 22, 2025

Ever wondered if there’s a simple way to earn some tax-free income without diving into the depths of Self Assessment or stressing over HMRC paperwork? If you earn a bit of money on the side — say, selling on Etsy, doing weekend photography gigs, or tutoring part-time — the trading allowance might just be the Read More

Freelance Tax Basics: What You Need to Know
Henry Caldwell April 21, 2025

So, you’ve taken the leap into freelancing — flexible hours, working in your pyjamas, being your own boss. Glorious, right? But just when you’re celebrating ditching the 9-to-5 grind, tax season rolls around like an uninvited guest. Whether you’re a seasoned gig worker or just starting your side hustle, understanding how freelance taxes work is Read More

How to Register as a Self-Employed Freelancer in the UK (Updated May 2025)
Henry Caldwell April 20, 2025

Thinking of freelancing in the UK? Registering as self-employed is a key step. It matters if you’re starting a creative project, contracting, or selling services online. If you don’t register properly, you might get fined. You could also lose tax benefits and hurt your credibility with clients. Last updated: May 9, 2025. This guide shows Read More

Equipment and Software: Maximising Your Deductions
Henry Caldwell April 15, 2025

Imagine this: you’ve just bought a high-spec laptop to handle your design work. Maybe you’ve also subscribed to Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom Pro, or project management tools like Trello Premium. These tools aren’t just costs — they’re essential to your business. But are you making the most of them at tax time? Too many freelancers Read More