Navigating Financial Stability: A Guide for Voice Artists and Freelancers

Navigating financial stability as a freelancer can be challenging, ain't no news.  The ups and downs, the dry spells, and the sudden waves of work—it’s a unique kind of chaos.

But it’s not impossible to find balance and create a sustainable life doing what we love the most.Over time, I’ve learned a few strategies that help keep the stress at bay and the bank account healthier. Here are my personal tips to thrive in this unpredictable but rewarding career.

1. Think Yearly, Not Monthly

Freelancing income is rarely consistent and this is an absolute truth. One of the biggest mindset shifts I made was to stop obsessing over my monthly income and focus on the yearly average. Freelancing is inherently uneven: some months you’ll feel like a rockstar, while others can leave you questioning your life choices.

Looking at your annual earnings gives you a broader perspective and a more accurate sense of your financial health. It also helps you feel less discouraged during slower months.

It's about the big picture, not the small bumps.—what matters is the overall trajectory, not the dips along the way.

2. Know the Rhythms of Your Industry

Every industry has its own busy seasons and quieter periods. For example, a voice-over artist working in advertisement might find a surge of work just before or around the big holiday seasons or before major product launches, while sound healers might see demand peak during seasonal workshops and colder months. Understanding these cycles is key. When things are busy, push hard. Be ready, be visible, and say yes to opportunities. But also, use the quieter times strategically—schedule your holidays, invest in training, or work on passion projects that can enhance your career in the long term. 

3. Have a Business Plan

Freelancing doesn’t mean winging it. A clear business plan with defined goals and targets is essential. Break it down by year, month, and even week:

• What are your income targets?
• How many clients or gigs do you need to reach them?
• What skills, tools, or strategies will you focus on improving?
• What's your expenses budget? 

You won’t always hit your goals, and that’s okay. But having a roadmap keeps you focused and motivated. And sometimes, you’ll surprise yourself by exceeding your expectations! Oh, how I love those moments!

By the way The Vagavoice Business Planner is available as a Freebie!

4. Invest in Yourself Without Guilt

During the first years in the business I was so scared of spending away and I still suffer from this syndrome from time to time. Simply put, it’s easy to fall into a panic-saving mindset when you don’t have a predictable paycheck. But what I have learned along the years is that holding on too tightly to your money can hinder your growth. Sometimes, you need to invest in yourself to move forward.

Whether it’s upgrading your home studio, taking a course, or attending a networking event, these investments can open doors to better opportunities. Again, thinking about your yearly average income can help ease the anxiety around spending—don’t let short-term worries hold you back from long-term growth.

5. Diversify with Complementary Skills

If you’re just starting out or looking for an extra income while you grow your business, consider diversifying your expertise with a complementary skill. For example as a voice-over artist, you could explore sound healing with the voice, guided meditation, or podcast hosting. As an actor, you could delve into storytelling, podcasts, audiobook narration, or public speaking coaching. The options are so many, depending on your passions, unique skills and aspirations. Any path you'll decide to pursue will require learning and dedication, but if you do have some extra time, it is always worth to invest into diversifying your skillset. Besides, adding layers to your skillset not only brings in extra income but also enriches your creative identity, while keeping your working hours exciting and varied.

6. Embrace the Freelancer Mindset

Freelancing requires a balance of flexibility and structure. Be adaptable, but don’t let your career be completely reactive—give it some shape. A mix of planning, grit, and self-compassion will take you far. And don’t forget to celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Whether it’s landing a dream client, hitting your savings goal, or simply making it through a tough month, those victories are what keep the freelance life fulfilling.

7. Build a Buffer Fund

It might sound obvious, but a dedicated savings buffer is your safety net. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This fund will allow you to stay calm during slow months or unexpected expenses, giving you breathing room to make strategic decisions rather than desperate ones.

8. Embrace Recurring Revenue Streams

When applicable, explore ways to create consistent income. Consider things like Subscriptions (for instance offering a monthly membership for access to your audios, sound healing sessions, voice-over ongoing collaborations etc), or creating Digital Products: ( like selling courses, e-books, or audio resources that align with your expertise) These recurring streams can create stability in a fluctuating world.

9. Collaborate, Don’t Compete

Freelancers often view others in their field as competition, but collaboration can open new doors. Team up with fellow voice artists, healers, or creatives to expand your reach, pool resources, and share clients. Gigs and jobs in this field are not a one size fits all matter. It can really happen that your dream client comes through a fellow artist. It actually happens to me quite often to pass on a colleague's name to a client. To be precise, I do so every time they ask me for guidance and I feel like I'm not the best match for that specific job! This might sound like a bad idea at first, but while I build trust with my clients (and most likely they will hire me for future jobs suitable for my unique skills), I also help a colleague and contribute to a healthier system based on collective growth and collaboration rather than competition. It's a win win!

10. Remember to Regularly Track, Review, and Adjust

Data is your ally. Track your income, expenses, and workload regularly. Use apps or spreadsheets to see where your money is going and where it’s coming from. Review this data monthly or quarterly to adjust your strategy. Regularly check your subscriptions and direct debits and look out for promotions when it comes to monthly plans. Unsubscribe from what you don't need anymore. Cause let's be honest we all have one of those 5$ direct debit on that obsolete vocal warm up app we haven't used in months. Remember that savings means earnings. And of course review to adjust, as small tweaks—like raising rates or shifting your focus—can lead to significant improvements.

Freelancing doesn’t have to be so chaotic or unpredictable. By embracing a strategic mindset, planning for the long term, and staying open to growth and collaboration, you can build a career that’s both stable and fulfilling.

Remember, freelancing is about more than financial survival—it’s about thriving on your own terms. Take these tips, adapt them to your unique path, and keep moving forward.

Do you have a strategy that works for you? Share it in the comments and let’s grow together!