Keeping track of what’s what is a crucial part of being a successful contractor or freelancer and in the modern world it’s easier than ever thanks to the technology now available to us.
One thing that has revolutionised the way we work in recent years is apps. Whether you’re looking for a way to organise your schedule, collaborate with co-workers or manage finances, chances are there’s an app for that!
So what should you be downloading to make your life easier?
1. Toggl 
No matter the industry you work in, time is of the essence. Toggl is an app that helps you keep track of it, through a live second-by-second timer.
When you’ve completed a task, you hit stop on the app and a report is generated that can be used for invoicing clients. This is available as either a PDF or CSV, ensuring it is compatible with most systems.
Cost: Free | Website
2. Remember the Milk
A task manager that can be accessed through any device is priceless when you’re out on a job. There are plenty out there, so it pays to find one that suits you. However, for Gmail users, Remember the Milk is perfect. It comes with an add-on for the platform and will remind you of appointments on any device. You can set up location reminders, plan time in advance and collaborate with others.
Cost: Free | Website
3. Freedcamp
This is a great free app that is a must-have for project management. Using this you can access tools like a customisable permissions system, project templates and a collaborative group wall.
Cost: Free | Website
4. Mint
Crucial for money management, this app has been named Best Finance App by the 1st Annual App Awards and TIME Magazine’s 50 Best iPhone Apps of 2011. It allows you to view balances and transactions on your mobile device, pulling all financials into one place.
Cost: Free | Website
5. Skype
This is a classic app that most professionals will admit they can’t live without. When you’re on the road or on site, you can easily dial in or video conference meetings, ensuring you can make all the appointments you’re supposed to. It’s also a brilliant way to keep in touch with friends and family if you have to work away for a while.
Cost: Free | Website
6. Evernote
This is effectively the notepad of the 21st century and is brilliant for jotting down things you need to remember or important ideas. You can also use the app to forward emails, save web pages or make screenshots. What’s more, Evernote can double-up as a project manager if you add due dates to insertions and create checklists.
Cost: Free | Website
7. Dropbox
When it comes to sharing documents, Dropbox is arguably the leading app. Users can store up to 2GB of files in the cloud for free, with an additional 16GB up for grabs if you can convince others to sign up.
Cost: 2GB free storage | Website
8. Concur – Travel, Receipts, Expense Reports
For a reasonable price, this app helps you itemize deductions on taxes. You can take a picture of all receipts, which will then be stored and made accessible when tax time comes around. There are also business travel tools available, making it easier to manage any trips that need to be taken.
Cost: £6pm (small business edition) | Website
Are you using a useful app that’s missing from the list and you feel would benefit your fellow contractors or freelancers? Leave a comment below and i’ll look to add it to the list!
I am a chartered tax advisor with a specialism in the freelance contractor sector advising contractors on how to structure their affairs and recruitment businesses and end hirers on the effective…
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