How I'm wrapping up the last month of the year


Hi Reader,

Happy Friday!

I'm feeling on the brink of burn out at the moment, so I've been chanting "one more month" for a while now in the hopes that it'll somehow give me the energy to push through 4 more weeks.

Let me tell you, I cannot bloody wait to be at one with my sofa and a pack of mince pies. Anyone else?!

P.S. This week on Instagram, I shared what I'd do if I was struggling to make consistent income. Check it out here. And don't forget to give me a follow for regular tips and tricks!


Here's what I've been up to this week work-wise:

👉 I wrote 3 pieces for clients (Spoke and an influencer marketing tool)

👉 I refreshed 2 pieces for Shopify

👉 I went to my first Christmas party of the season

👉 I had 2 new client enquiries

⏱ Approx hours spent on client work this week: ~16

⏱ Approx hours spent on non-client work: ~2

💰 Total revenue this week: £4,150


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We really need more Freelancer Money Diaries entries!

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Friday Freelance Tip​​ ✨

I always forget how strange December feels as a freelancer. It's this weird mix of holy shiiiiit I’m tired, I should probably be doing more, and actually, maybe I’ll just put the out-of-office on early and eat a mince pie at 11am.

Every year I think I’m going to glide into the holidays like some serene Scandinavian productivity goddess, and every year I remember I am, in fact, definitely not.

But this year I’m doing it differently. Well, I'm going to try and do things differently, but who knows how that'll turn out. I’m being organised, intentional, slightly bossy with my calendar, and it feels good.

Here’s what my final month of the year looks like.

Reaching out to every client I’ve worked with this year (before they disappear into holiday mode)

I’m doing the rounds.

I'm checking in with everyone I’ve worked with in 2025 not with a simple, “Hey, how’s Q1 shaping up? Want to get anything locked in before Christmas?” kind of message.

The secret to a calm January is a steady February and March, and the secret to a steady February and March is not waiting until January 3rd to remember all your clients are still defrosting from the break (ask me how I know).

So yes, I’m getting Q1 work booked now. Or at least getting some potentials lined up.

Finishing up my big plan for freelance resources in 2026

This is the time of year when my brain starts buzzing about everything I want to build next.

The 2026 plan is nearly done, and in December I plan to sit down with a blanket, half a box of Celebrations, and a giant Notion board and get STARTED.

A proper content brain-dump, some might call it. Others might call it procrastination hibernation.

Completing all retainer work early so I can take two full weeks off

And I mean off off. No checking Slack, no quick email replies, NOTHING.

I’m planning to clear everything by mid-month so I can shut my laptop and not open it again until January. Reckless behaviour, I know, but I'm a sucker for a challenge.

This is one of the first years I genuinely feel protective of my rest. It's been a WILD year on all counts and my brain and body needs rest more than anything.

I’ve spent enough Decembers dragging unfinished tasks into Christmas week like some miserable Dickensian ghost.

Quietly showing up for dream clients before the year ends

My plan is to finish up my connecting spree on LinkedIn before mid-Dec so I have a bunch of new leads to hit up in the new year.

I'll use up my final 5 Premium DMs and aim to connect with about 10-20 content leads at companies I'd love to work with.

Winding down, slowing everything right down, letting the month be a month

The closer it gets to Christmas, the sloooower I’m getting.

I'm planning some long lunches, afternoon walks, and generally enjoying my favourite time of the year.

December is my soft-focus month. I'm still working, still planning, and still reaching out but at 70% capacity max, with extra snacks, with people I love, with mornings that feel slower and nicer and a bit less transactional.

And that’s really my plan:

  • Be present with clients.
  • Be intentional about next year.
  • Be done early.
  • Be on the radar of the people I want to work with.
  • Be offline for two glorious weeks.

What's your plan?

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Click the button below to do yours!

As always, happy freelancing :)

Lizzie ✨

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