- When it comes to success in getting and making a living from freelance work, the more resources, the better. Here are 6 resources every independent worker should know about, from health insurance information to getting your next gig. <i> — Starrene Rhett</i>
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- <a title="Freelancers Union" href="http://freelancersunion.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Freelancers Union:</strong></a> This organization makes it easier to be a healthy freelancer by offering health and dental insurance, retirement planning, and other resources for independent workers. There’s also a job board for employers looking for freelance and permalance positions and discussion boards for professionals looking to connect with other free agents.
- <a title="Mint" href="http://www.mint.com" target="_blank"><strong>Mint:</strong></a> Quicken is the classic money management software that many people use to keep track of their finances. And the company recently joined forces with Mint, making managing one's budget as quick and convenient as the click of a mouse. You can even pick up useful tips on everything from how to budget for vacation to investing. A bonus: You can connect with other freelancers via blog posts.
- <a title="Freelance Switch" href="http://www.freelanceswitch.com" target="blank"><strong>Freelance Switch:</strong></a> This site offers job posts tailored for job seekers in media and design fields (including photography, video editing, etc) but other freelancers can benefit from its blog, which offers money conserving tips as well as nifty facts on everyday workplace issues.
- <a title="Outright" href="http://www.outright.com" target="blank"><strong>Outright:</strong></a> This money management tool can be a good alternative or supplement to Quicken. It’s especially good for keeping your taxes in order.
- <a title="About.me" href="https://about.me/" target="blank"><strong>About.me:</strong></a> As we get deeper into the digital age, even paper business cards are becoming obsolete. This site allows you to create a digital business card, where you can incorporate a short bio and links to important Web sites all on one page. And for those who refuse to let go of the past, you can order paper business cards, too, if you like.
- <a title="Squarespace" href="http://www.Squarespace.com:" target="_blank"><strong>Squarespace:</strong></a> If you plan to design a Web site that highlights your work and your services, this site aids in finding a Web host, designer and purchasing a domain—a vital tool for freelancers in a process that can get quite confusing and expensive. Squarespace allows you to do it all in one bundle for a lot less than other sites with similar services—and you don't have to have any Web design or HTML coding skills.
