A lot of people can figure out how to earn money online. What fewer people know is how to make that income sustainable, reliable, and strategic.

In my conversation with certified financial planner Anita Niefeldt of Viridian Wealth Management, we explored what it takes to turn remote income into long-term wealth—and how digital nomads and location-independent earners can protect themselves from feast-or-famine cycles.

What Makes This Different From a Regular Financial Plan?

If you’re a remote earner, your income likely fluctuates. That doesn’t mean you can’t build financial stability. It means you need infrastructure that adapts. Think multiple currencies, shifting tax environments, and varied residency situations.

“You don’t need to make six figures to have a financial plan. But you do need to start treating your income like a business.” —Anita Niefeldt

That mindset shift, from random income to intentional strategy, is everything.

3 Common Gaps in Remote Earners’ Financial Planning

1. No system for irregular income. Most remote earners don’t stabilize their cash flow during strong months.

2. No emergency or go‑home fund. Without a cushion, one missed paycheck can quickly turn into a crisis.

3. No portable retirement strategy. Many assume investment accounts are a set‑and‑forget solution, but that’s not always true if residency or tax laws change.

Skills Are Just the Start

Earning is only half the equation. The rest is strategy and planning.

“Once you know how to make money, the next question is: how do I make it sustainable?”

That means:

• Tracking income & expenses across different currencies,

• Investing in ways that account for your residency and tax status,

• Treating your digital work like a business, not a side hustle,

• And setting up financial buffers so your life isn’t dictated by your bank balance.

Digital Nomad Snapshot: By the Numbers

Here’s a glimpse into the world of modern remote earners, and why financial planning matters more than ever:

• There are over 40 million digital nomads worldwide, with 18.1 million in the U.S. alone, a 147% increase since 2019. 

• Nearly half of digital nomads are aged 30–39, and 56% identify as men. 

• Over 90% have completed higher education, and many earn between $50,000–$100,000 annually. 

• Another source estimates there could be 50 million digital nomads globally by 2025. 

These aren’t fringe people. They’re part of a growing global workforce reshaping how talent, work, and homes fit together.

Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself

• How do I build a portable financial safety net?

• What do I need to know about taxes if I work abroad for part or all of the year?

• Am I overpaying, under-saving, or winging my money decisions?

• What do retirement and long-term security even look like outside a 401(k)?

• Are my financial platforms accessible and optimized for global or mobile living?

This Interview Is For You If...

• You work remotely, freelance, consult, or run an online business

• You’re planning to move abroad—or already have

• You want to stop feeling financially overwhelmed, even as your income grows

Watch the Full Interview

How Digital Nomads Make Money Without The Income Rollercoaster

Need Help Building Financial Freedom, Not Burnout?

Start with my free Skills2Cash mini-course, or elevate your planning with the full Digital Nomad Money Toolkit, packed with tools, templates, and ideas to structure your life around peace and sustainability.

Get In Touch With Anita

👉 Want to get in touch and set up a complimentary session with Anita? Click here.
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You don’t need to live paycheck to paycheck just because your job is location-independent.