21 emergency budgets for content creators

As a content creator, do you cater to emergency budgets?  In your personal and professional life, you need them.  Read my article to find blogger and vlogger examples.

Disclaimer: My blog is to be used for general information, inspirational, and motivational purposes. I share things that I’ve learned and experienced.  In case of need, do seek help from a professional in the relevant field.  Please read my full disclaimer for more information.

Even though I’ve studied some financial accounting as part of my BBA,  I’m not a financial specialist.  However, as a blogger, I’ve seen how unexpected events can be challenging.  My article is for you if you want to find the practical (layman) side of the topic.  It’s not about methods used at a professional level.

In this article, I’ll highlight the importance of having emergency budgets.  I’ll also list the types that bloggers and vloggers should think of.  This is a starting point for considering the different needs that could apply to you.

How I got caught by surprise!  

My first experience was with my laptop.  I was working with the only 1 I had, and it froze.  I had to buy a new device unexpectedly to be on time for my next post.  

My second experience came a year later.  My phone screen got damaged and I had to get myself a new phone.  I learned that I needed to cater to such surprises.  

Being more experienced than when I first started, I now expect such things.  Ensuring that I can quickly replace essential tools is a must.  I, therefore, have to save funds for any such sudden priorities.

Some needs are at a personal budgeting level, others more advanced.  Ask yourself how you’d cover for any emergencies that could arise.  You may find my article on what-if analysis helpful.

Types of emergency budget needs

In personal budgeting, you cater to events such as job loss, health, dentist fees, and so on.  Being a digital solopreneur, think about your business or side hustle.  You can find out about emergency funds in this Wikipedia article.

‘An emergency fund, also known as a contingency fund,[1] is a personal budget set aside as a financial safety net for future mishaps or unexpected expenses.’ 

Being prepared for risk-taking and mitigating them is essential.  The first set of examples will be for bloggers.  The second will be for vloggers.  Other types of content creators can find some similarities for themselves.

Budget examples for content creators 

My blog is primarily for digital solopreneur self-improvement.  My readers tend to create content.  I’ll provide examples for general creators, bloggers, and then vloggers.

A non-exhaustive list of emergency budgeting needs for content creators:

1. Laptop repair and upgrades
2. Software upgrades
3. Air tickets for travel
4. Hotel stay
5. Car petrol for blogging use
6. Advertising for blog and social media
7. Web hosting upgrades
8. Webinars attendee fees
9. Workshop training
10. Online courses
11. Taxation
12. Legal fees
13. Fines that could apply
14. Paying freelancers
15. Camera lens repair or replacement
16. Audio software upgrade
17. Lighting equipment repair or upgrade
18. Microphone replacement or upgrade
19. Software editing
20. Paying freelancers
21. Running social media ads

More specific blogger examples 

This can also be relevant for podcasters and vloggers with a site.  Even coaches and solopreneurs may need them.

Examples:

• Laptop repair and upgrades
• Software upgrades
• Air tickets for travel
• Hotel stay
• Car petrol for blogging use
• Advertising for blog and social media
• Web hosting upgrades
• Webinars attendee
• Workshop training
• Online courses
• Taxation
• Legal fees
• Fines that could apply
• Paying freelancers

These may apply to a wide range of creators as well as bloggers.  For example, blogs are easier managed on a laptop than on a phone.  However, phones can also be helpful. 

Although I do some tasks conveniently on my phone, it’s limited.  I need my laptop for most others.  For example, drafting articles is easy on a phone.  However, the final work has to be at my desk.

Without proper equipment, it’s inconvenient.  Publishing directly from my phone can lead to mistakes.  Therefore, having an emergency budget for such tools is crucial.

The rest of the items on the list are rather self-explanatory.  Web hosting, for example, is a normal expense that anyone would expect.  However, in times of crisis or change, there can be unexpected things.  For example, you might have to move to a new host or upgrade to a higher plan if your traffic level suddenly increases drastically.

For vlogger cameras 

In addition to the above blogger list, vloggers tend to have other specific needs.  Cameras are crucial to your activities.  You may have a site or not, but you surely vlog.

Examples:

• Camera lens repair or replacement
• Audio software upgrade
• Lighting equipment repair or upgrade
• Microphone replacement or upgrade
• Software editing

I make Instagram reels using my phone.  While I’m more into articles, I do some videos.  Needless to say, they’re natural, but not at a professional level.

Advanced-level vloggers tend to choose more sophisticated cameras.  Smartphones are great, however, the best quality comes from professional equipment.  Editing software expenses add to emergency budgets.

Just think, when you’ve got a brand deal, that’s great.  You need to work and put your best piece forward.  What happens if a crucial gear suddenly breaks?  You might have a spare piece, or else, need to quickly buy a new one.

Have an emergency budget plan

Be strategic, and cater to it.  Consider how much you might need to spend.  How much can you reasonably keep aside?  Use relevant available data to create your budgeting.  Do marketing research to find the info, if available.

Simple steps:

• Identify your potential needs 
• Create a budget for emergency savings
• Stick to your plan
• Review it periodically for relevance 

If you wonder ‘how much emergency funds should I have?’, it depends.  Consider your specific needs.  All types of funds don’t apply to everyone.  For example, not everyone needs air tickets.  Such an expense depends on niches.

Some accounting tasks are simpler,  while others could be more complex.  When you’re not into finance and accounting, you might prefer to use professional services.  If your blog or vlog is still new, you might find it convenient to do things yourself.  

So far (time of writing) I’ve handled my accounts.  Using apps is handy as well.  Read about the different ways that I use spreadsheets, both personally and professionally.

Take measures for emergency and budgeting requirements.  Be proactive for peace of mind.  Mitigate your risks whenever possible.

Conclusion 

My list of 21 emergency budgets is a starting point.  Content creators gain from being proactive.  Bloggers, vloggers, and others can make good use of it.