{"id":32725,"date":"2026-11-03T17:04:36","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=32725"},"modified":"2026-11-03T17:04:38","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:04:38","slug":"afford-purchase-spend-creative-freelancers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/afford-purchase-spend-creative-freelancers\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I afford this? A freelancer\u2019s guide to spending during a quiet month\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCan I afford this? A freelancer\u2019s guide to spending during a quiet month \t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen work slows down, even a small purchase can feel difficult to judge. Here\u2019s how to check what you can afford, protect essential costs and decide what can wait. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-8 col-lg-4 entry-header__image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"entry-header__thumbnail js-hero-section\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"entry-header__thumbnail-image\" alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-03T17:04:36+00:00\">3 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Can I afford this? A freelancer\u2019s guide to spending during a quiet month\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/afford-purchase-spend-creative-freelancers\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/asavinwattanajantra\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Asavin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-810x810.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Asavin Wattanajantra<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check what your money already needs to cover before treating it as available.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test a purchase against delayed payments, not just your expected income.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide whether a purchase is essential, a business investment or optional.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include renewals, repayments and other future commitments in the cost.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set a review date for postponed purchases so you don\u2019t reconsider them every day.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve had fewer enquiries this month. A project has moved back and a regular client hasn\u2019t confirmed their next brief.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then your laptop starts struggling, a course goes on sale or a friend suggests a weekend away. You have money in the bank, but how much of it can you really afford to spend?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with the commitments behind your balance. Once you know what\u2019s covered and what remains uncertain, you can judge the purchase itself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what we discuss in this article:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#Work-out-what-is-available\" data-level=\"2\">Work out what is available&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-check-what-changes-if-a-payment-is-late-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Check what changes if a payment is late&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Decide-what-the-purchase-does-for-you\" data-level=\"2\">Decide what the purchase does for you&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Make-a-decision-and-set-a-review-date\" data-level=\"2\">Make a decision and set a review date&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs-about-quiet-month-spending\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs about quiet-month spending<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Flexible, free, HMRC-approved accounting<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/products\/sage-sole-trader\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-32735\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get Sage Sole Trader free<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Work-out-what-is-available\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Work out what is available&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose a period to look ahead: perhaps until the next expected payment, with extra time allowed for a delay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">List the essential household costs and business commitments falling due in that period. Include annual bills and any project costs you\u2019ve already agreed to pay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moneyhelper.org.uk\/en\/everyday-money\/budgeting\/how-to-budget-for-an-irregular-income\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MoneyHelper\u2019s guidance on irregular income<\/a> recommends identifying regular outgoings and planning for higher-cost periods as well as seasonal changes in earnings.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep tax money separate from the amount you treat as available. If you\u2019ve already assigned money to future costs, don\u2019t count it twice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an illustrative check for a sole trader, combining the money available for their business and household:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Item<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Amount<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Total cash across accounts included in this check&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a34,200&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Less tax reserve included in that total&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a3900&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Less essential household costs for the period&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a31,700&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Less committed business costs for the period&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a3500&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Less buffer to retain beyond the period&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a3800&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Amount remaining after planned commitments and buffer&nbsp;<\/td><td>\u00a3300&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u00a3300 is a planning figure, rather than a guarantee. It depends on whether the costs are complete and the period is long enough.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If tax reserves sit in a separate account excluded from your starting figure, don\u2019t subtract them again. Likewise, exclude transfers between your own accounts from spending totals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may decide you can afford a \u00a340 purchase from that remainder. A \u00a3600 purchase needs a different plan, such as a cheaper option, a repair or waiting for a payment to arrive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-check-what-changes-if-a-payment-is-late-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check what changes if a payment is late&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice due next week can make a purchase look affordable. But would it still work if your client paid a fortnight later?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, check&nbsp;why money is tight. Have you had less paid work, or are you waiting for clients to pay for work you\u2019ve already delivered? Both can restrict spending. You may need to review your income outlook, follow up outstanding invoices, or do both.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run two versions of your spending check: one with the expected payment and one with it delayed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if a \u00a3500 purchase only works when an invoice arrives exactly on time, the decision depends on that payment. Check which essential costs would be left uncovered if it slipped.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we explored in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/the-hidden-hours-behind-late-payments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hidden hours behind late payments<\/a>, getting paid can itself create extra work. Check whether the client has received your invoice, whether anything is holding up approval and when payment is expected. Until the money arrives, keep the delayed-payment scenario in your plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep unconfirmed projects outside the money you rely on. An encouraging conversation isn\u2019t yet an agreed commission.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a discretionary purchase would put essentials at risk when a payment slips, waiting is a practical choice. Decide what would need to happen before you reconsider it: payment received or another cost reduced.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the purchase is urgent, investigate the least costly way to meet the need. Could you repair a laptop, rent equipment for a particular job or use a tool you already have?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim is to preserve your ability to work while protecting the commitments you can\u2019t postpone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Decide-what-the-purchase-does-for-you\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decide what the purchase does for you&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all spending has the same purpose. Ask which of these best describes the purchase.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It keeps essential work or life running<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food, housing and equipment delivering an agreed project need a different decision from an optional upgrade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If essential costs aren\u2019t covered, pause discretionary spending and identify the shortfall. Contact affected providers early and seek support if you\u2019re struggling with bills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It could improve the business<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A course, software tool or portfolio update may be worthwhile. Make the benefit specific.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will it help deliver confirmed work? Replace another cost? Address a skill clients already ask for? Or is the hoped-for return much less certain?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/money-diaries-beauty-studio-boss\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Money Diary of a beauty studio owner<\/a>, the owner describes paying for a booking system that reduces the need for clients to contact her to arrange or change appointments.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That offers a useful question for a creative freelancer considering software: which task will this remove, and how much will that matter to your work?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During a quiet period, having spare time to learn something also doesn\u2019t necessarily mean having spare money to buy it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sometimes, the cost of doing something yourself matters too.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the SMB Advisory Board in September 2026, formed by Sage, self-employed handyman Josh explained that he had turned down jobs to complete his first Making Tax Digital submission. The experience convinced him that paying for accountant support was worthwhile.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He was talking about tax administration rather than quiet-month spending, but the principle is useful when weighing an investment: what will doing without it cost you in time, work or disruption? That benefit still needs to fit what you can afford today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It\u2019s something you want for yourself<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t have to justify every personal purchase as business development.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A modest leisure budget can be part of your plan if essentials and the reserve you need remain covered. Set an amount you can afford, rather than repeatedly deciding whether each coffee or outing is acceptable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there is no room this month, acknowledge that limit and choose when you\u2019ll review it. The decision can change when the numbers do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Look beyond the price today<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u00a325 monthly subscription costs \u00a3300 over a year. A discounted course may need extra software, and new equipment can bring insurance, accessories or maintenance. Check the full cost, the cancellation terms and what the purchase commits you to next.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Keep affordability separate from tax treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spreading the cost doesn\u2019t make it cheaper. If you\u2019re considering a credit card, buy now, pay later or equipment finance, include every future repayment in your check, and test it against a late payment too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also keep affordability separate from tax treatment. Something may qualify as an allowable expense and still leave you short of money. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/allowable-expenses-self-assessment-tax-return\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guide to allowable expenses<\/a> explains the claiming rules.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Make-a-decision-and-set-a-review-date\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make a decision and set a review date&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve checked the numbers, choose a clear next step:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Buy now:<\/strong> The need is clear and the cost fits your plan.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose a smaller option:<\/strong> Meet the need with less cash or a shorter commitment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wait for a trigger:<\/strong> Reconsider when a payment arrives or work is confirmed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leave it:<\/strong> The benefit doesn\u2019t justify the cost.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For anything postponed, record the reason and a date or condition for reviewing it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That could be: \u201cReview the course after the overdue invoice is paid\u201d or \u201cRecheck the laptop budget at the end of the month; arrange a repair meanwhile.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repeat the check when income, bills or deadlines change. You don\u2019t need to reopen it every time you see the same offer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-thoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose one purchase you\u2019re considering now. Check it against the money left after commitments, then test what happens if your next payment is late. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll have a clearer reason to buy, wait or choose something cheaper.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-faq\">\n\t\n<h2 id=\"h-faqs-about-quiet-month-spending-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs about quiet-month spending&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-items\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-abab9ff4\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-how-do-i-know-if-i-can-afford-something-when-freelance-income-is-unpredictable-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do I know if I can afford something when freelance income is unpredictable?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Subtract tax, essential costs and your buffer from your balance, then check whether the purchase still fits if your next payment is late.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give essential costs, reserves and discretionary spending clear places in your plan. Then judge purchases against that plan. If something needs to wait, set a review point so it remains a decision, rather than an ongoing worry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-986c327b\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-should-i-stop-all-non-essential-spending-when-work-slows-down-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should I stop all non-essential spending when work slows down?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not necessarily. Check the numbers first. If essentials and your planned reserve are covered, some discretionary spending may fit. If there is a shortfall, prioritise addressing it before adding optional costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-d96f3f85\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-can-i-spend-money-from-my-quiet-month-buffer-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can I spend money from my quiet-month buffer?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, that\u2019s what it\u2019s for. Use it for the costs it was meant to cover, check what\u2019s left, and keep tax money separate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-330f2ca7\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-should-i-buy-a-course-while-i-have-more-time-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should I buy a course while I have more time?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only if it meets a specific business need and you can afford the full cost. Spare time makes learning possible, but doesn\u2019t establish that a paid course is the best option.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-25a74c81\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-if-i-need-equipment-to-complete-a-paid-project-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What if I need equipment to complete a paid project?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare repair, rental, borrowing and replacement options. Check when the client will pay and whether agreed staged payments could help cover project costs. Confirm any changed terms before relying on them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Flexible, free, HMRC-approved accounting<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Get one free app to manage income, payments, and taxes. Sage Sole Trader is free tax and accounting software built for freelancers like you.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/products\/sage-sole-trader\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-32735\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get Sage Sole Trader free<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/bookkeeping\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBookkeeping\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/finance\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tfinance\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/freelancers\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFreelancers\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/payments\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPayments\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-32783 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-cash-flow tag-freelancers tag-tax business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-03T17:04:56+00:00\">3 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/allowable-expenses-for-creative-freelancers-what-can-you-claim\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAllowable expenses for creative freelancers: What can you claim?\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tSoftware, studio hire, a new laptop, or coffee while you work: which costs count as business expenses? Here\u2019s how to separate claimable costs from personal spending and keep useful records. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-32789 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-business-costs tag-business-finances tag-freelancers tag-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/freelancer-tax-amount\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-03T17:03:50+00:00\">3 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow much should a freelancer put aside for tax?\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-32775 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-freelancers tag-make-receive-payments tag-performance-management tag-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-manage-feast-or-famine-income-as-a-freelancer\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-02T14:36:00+00:00\">2 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to manage feast-or-famine income as a freelancer\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-32746 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-strategy-legal-operations tag-bookkeeping tag-freelancers tag-mtd-business tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-payments tag-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/freelancer-tax-terms-explained-in-plain-english\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-02T14:35:00+00:00\">2 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tFreelancer tax terms explained in plain English\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-32761 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-cash-flow tag-freelancers tag-payments tag-tax tag-work-life-balance business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/creative-freelancer-how-much-can-i-spend-when-paid\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2200405570-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2200405570-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2200405570-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2200405570-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-02T14:34:00+00:00\">2 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tI\u2019ve been paid\u2014how much of the money can I actually spend?\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When work slows down, even a small purchase can feel difficult to judge. Here\u2019s how to check what you can afford, protect essential costs and decide what can wait. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":356,"featured_media":32726,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"9","sage_membership_post_content_type":"","sage_membership_post_featured_video_id":"","sage_membership_post_video_type":"","sage_membership_post_featured_video_duration":"","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,9],"tags":[23,164,776,311],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[75],"imagine_tag":[777,91,312,109],"coauthors":[351],"class_list":["post-32725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-bookkeeping","tag-finance","tag-freelancers","tag-payments","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Asavin Wattanajantra","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795.jpg","imagine_tags":{"777":"Freelancers","91":"Growing business","312":"Payments","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/356"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32725"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32725\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32742,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32725\/revisions\/32742"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/32726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=32725"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=32725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}