Free Stuff
Some of our online training is free to you because it’s funded by someone else.
- Check out our online courses for freelancers and people going through redundancy
- Scroll down for a section of free templates, helpsheets and online calculators
Advice & support:
Check out our list of bodies that might provide emotional or financial support for creative freelancers:
Not sure what sort of freelancer you are?
We’ve drawn up a handy guide to the three types of freelancer each with a pretty icon:
Check out our ‘what is a freelancer’ guide >
‘Making Tax Digital for Income Tax’ (MTD for IT) – a big change for sole traders and landlords
HMRC is introducing a new system of tax reporting for sole traders (and landlords).
The date for reporting income tax in this new way for some sole traders is April 2026.
Click here to see our new Making Tax Digital section for sole traders:
https://davidthomasmedia.com/freestuff/making-tax-digital
NEW! Online calculators
We have some online tools which can help you budget and keep an eye on costs.
Monthly budgeting calculator – how hard do you need to work? >
Sole Trader? Try our new online calculator to work out ‘use of home’ expenses >
Video explainers (with captions)
These videos have been made in partnership with The Film and TV Charity to help freelancers feel more organised and confident about dealing with their finances.
Resources mentioned in the videos are listed below each one.
Freelancer’s routine planning grid >
Monthly budgeting sheet for freelancers >
NEW! Monthly budgeting sheet with multiple income streams >
Savings and Pensions help sheet >
Government support for freelancers:
If you have low income and need support, please check what you might be eligible for via these independent sites:
Think you might need Universal Credit?
How to control freelance finances
Download slides with tips on controlling freelance finances >
Business templates:
For production and entertainment freelancers:
Spreadsheet – Monthly budgeting sheet for freelancers >
Spreadsheet – Cash flow planner incl. PAYE income >
Spreadsheet – Income & Expense (Profit and Loss) for sole traders and small companies >
Business help sheets and advice:
Help sheet 2 – Types of business >
Help sheet 2f – Defining ‘freelancer’ status (film and TV) >
Sole Trader? Try our new online calculator to work out ‘use of home’ expenses >
Getting paid:
Help sheet 12 – How to agree work >
Help sheet 13 – Late payments and how to avoid them >
Invoice – template >
Invoice example with notes >
Getting organised:
A Q&A checklist to help freelancers plan like a business:
Help sheet 10 – Business planning tips for all >
A grid to help you plan your time when working from home:
Savings and pensions when freelancing
Help sheet 1sp – Savings and pensions >
Networking skills
Keep well. Keep positive!
Please note:
Although every effort has been made to provide accurate tips and information, David Thomas Media Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or out-of-date facts. Trainees are advised to seek up-to-date professional advice on all financial and tax matters before making decisions relating to these subjects. Nothing in our notes, courses, webinars, downloads or social media should be considered as financial advice.
We believe our tips are useful - but they are only tips!
Available courses are listed below:
Setting up as a Sole Trader (full-day workshop with breaks)
Small group training for creative people going through redundancy and/or wanting to set up a business of their own. This interactive course runs across the day using Zoom.
From 10:00 until 4:30pm
Setting up as a Sole Trader (full-day workshop with breaks)
Small group training for creative people going through redundancy and/or wanting to set up a business of their own. This interactive course runs across the day using Zoom.
From 10:00 until 4:30pm
