As a freelancer, I used to think I could get by with just a handshake and a few emails. Then I realized I was one missed payment away from losing everything. That’s when I learned that every freelancer needs one essential document: the freelance contract. I can’t stress this enough—this contract protects both you and your client by clearly defining payment terms, scope of work, deadlines, and confidentiality. Without it, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to disputes and non-payment. When I started using a detailed freelance contract, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Suddenly, my clients respected my work more, and I had legal recourse if they didn’t pay on time. A contract also ensures there’s no confusion about what’s expected, so everyone’s on the same page. I now use the same contract for every project, with tweaks depending on the job. Trust me, don’t skip this step—having a solid freelance contract has been a game-changer for my business.