Tools & Resources for Freelancers

FreshBooks*

Best for: Solo freelancers and small teams · Price: $19–$50/month

The best invoicing experience we've found. FreshBooks makes it simple to create professional invoices, track expenses, and see profitability. Time tracking integrates directly with invoices — perfect for hourly freelancers.

Pros: Beautiful invoices, automatic payment reminders, expense categorization

Cons: Limited inventory features, okay but not great mobile app

QuickBooks Self-Employed*

Best for: Tax-focused freelancers · Price: $15–$25/month

QuickBooks automates SE tax calculations, quarterly estimates, and Schedule C prep. The mileage tracking is excellent. If you want to hand your CPA clean reports at tax time, this is the tool.

Pros: Tax reporting, mileage tracking, receipt capture, quarterly estimate calculation

Cons: Invoicing is basic, UI can feel clunky

Bonsai*

Best for: Freelancers who need contracts, proposals, AND invoicing · Price: $25–$39/month

Bonsai has the best contract templates for freelancers — rate agreements, NDA, SOW, subcontractor agreements — all lawyer-reviewed. Combine with proposals and invoicing and it replaces three separate tools.

Mercury*

Best for: Freelancers operating as LLCs or corporations · Price: Free

Mercury is free, has no minimum balance, integrates with Stripe and Gusto, and gives you modern banking. The API access is a bonus for tech-savvy freelancers.

Upwork*

Best for: New freelancers building a portfolio · Fee: 20% on first $500, then 5%

The largest freelance marketplace. For new freelancers with no network, it's the fastest way to get paid clients. Established freelancers typically leave after 1-2 years.

Toptal*

Best for: Experienced freelancers ($100k+/year) · Fee: ~30% of rate

Toptal screens the top 3% of freelancers. If you get in, you get access to premium clients ($100–$250+/hour). Less competition, higher quality projects.