Why gig workers need a different kind of plan
A W-2 employee walks into a financial advisor's office with a pay stub, a 401(k) statement, and a benefits summary. The advisor already knows the income, the tax bracket, the retirement contribution, and the insurance. Half the plan writes itself.
A gig worker walks in with a 1099 — or several — a quarterly tax estimate that may or may not be correct, no retirement account, no employer-provided insurance, and an income that changes every month. The advisor who knows how to handle the first client often has no idea what to do with the second. The industry is built for paychecks, not for people who earn by the project.
We build the structure that the gig economy does not provide. The tax estimate that is actually right. The retirement account that fits a variable income. The insurance that does not disappear when a client does. The savings rate that accounts for the months when the phone stops ringing.
What working with us looks like
First meeting — sixty minutes, no sales pitch
We meet at our Paramus office, at your home, or on video. Bring your 1099s, your last tax return, and whatever records you keep. We ask what the work looks like, what the income pattern has been, and where the gaps are. By the end of the hour we both know whether this is a fit.
Second meeting — the written plan
We return with a written plan that covers cash flow structure, tax estimates, retirement account selection, insurance review, and the next three things to do this quarter. The plan is yours to keep whether or not you decide to work with us.
A note on fit
When this might not be right for you
We are not the right fit for every gig worker. Some situations where we would say so up front:
- Anyone looking for someone to do their bookkeeping or prepare their tax return. We coordinate with your CPA, but we are not your CPA.
- Anyone who wants active stock trading or speculative investment strategies. We build diversified, low-cost portfolios designed for the long term.
- Anyone who needs the advisor to manage day-to-day business decisions — pricing, client acquisition, contract negotiation. We plan the finances. The business is yours to run.
If any of that sounds right, we would rather say so on the first call.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a minimum amount of savings to work with a fee-only advisor?
No. We have no minimum. Most gig workers who come to us do not have a large portfolio — they have income, expenses, and questions. The planning fee depends on the complexity of your situation, and we publish it before you agree to anything.
What is the best retirement account for a freelancer?
For most solo gig workers, a Solo 401(k) offers the highest contribution limits and the most flexibility. The contribution can scale with income — high in a good year, low in a slow one. A SEP-IRA is another option with simpler paperwork. We run the math on both before recommending one.
Should I form an LLC or an S-corp for my gig work?
It depends on your income level, your deductions, and your state. An S-corp election can reduce self-employment tax for freelancers above a certain income threshold, but it comes with payroll requirements and compliance costs. We model the savings against the overhead before recommending a structure.
How do I figure out the right quarterly estimated tax payment?
The right estimate is based on projected income for the current year, not last year's total divided by four. We work with your CPA to set estimates that are accurate enough to avoid penalties without overpaying. The goal is to get as close to the actual liability as possible.
Do I need disability insurance if I am self-employed?
In most cases, yes — and it is the coverage gig workers most often skip. If your income depends on your ability to work, and nobody else is paying you while you recover, disability insurance is the policy that keeps the household running. We help you evaluate the options without selling you a policy ourselves.
Can you work with my existing accountant?
Yes — and we expect to. The financial plan and the tax return need to agree. We coordinate with your CPA on estimated payments, entity structure, and retirement contributions. If you do not have a CPA, we will introduce you to one we trust.
Where do you meet with gig worker clients?
Most meetings happen at our Paramus office or on video. We also meet at your home when that works better. In-person service is the default, not a premium upcharge.