Even Keel
Guides

Straight answers on freelance money.

No filler, no fluff. Each guide answers one real money question — and links to the free tool that does the math for you.

● Guide

How to set your freelance hourly rate

Why "old salary ÷ 2080" undercharges you, and how to build a rate that actually covers your costs.

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● Guide

Leaving a salary: what to charge as a freelancer

The hidden pay a job gave you that you now fund yourself — and why your rate has to be higher than you think.

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● Guide

How to set a freelance day rate

Why a day rate isn't just hourly × 8 — and when charging by the day beats charging by the hour.

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● Guide

Pricing a fixed-bid project without losing money

How to quote a flat price that survives scope creep — with a floor, a recommended number, and a worst-case check.

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● Guide

How to price a monthly retainer

A retainer sells reserved capacity, not just hours — here's how to price one that protects your income.

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● Guide

How to raise your freelance rates

The fastest way to earn more without working more — deciding the number, modeling it, and telling clients.

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● Guide

Hourly, fixed-price, or retainer: which to charge

Each pricing model fits a different kind of work. How to choose the right one for the client in front of you.

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