I kind of have to since I have one client with a slow-as-molasses payment system. Luckily they run it like clockwork, so I know that by Monday I should have a nice check for work I turned in around mid-December. It published in January. The first week of February they initiate the payment process for everything from January, and their process takes six weeks. Six very long weeks, but at least the schedule is reliable.

Thanks for the added explanation, Paula. Makes sense, too. It might actually keep you more focused on the earnings, though I know personally I’d drive myself nuts with it. I choose my method solely because I know how hyper-focused I can get on things like that. 😉

I like that you track both ways. Makes for a more complete picture.

When I turn a project in I note down the amount it will pay, and each week I add those up. Some weeks are glorious, others aren’t—usually because that week’s projects have later deadlines. It gives me a quick view of my overall productivity.

But my bottom line: Invoices don’t pay the bills. Income does. So I don’t count my income until it’s been deposited.