The Giggs Podcast: #16 Rachael Bronstein | Managing Money on the Move

Welcome to The Giggs Podcast! Giggs is the career platform for live event professionals. We're starting this podcast because there's not nearly enough content out there about what it really takes to be on the road. Whether you're an aspiring tour manager, a seasoned backline tech, or just getting started in the business, this podcast is for you. We're taking you behind the scenes to explore the highs and the lows of life gigging on the Giggs Podcast. 

For many in the live events industry, financial stability can feel out of reach. Nearly 70% of music industry professionals are freelancers, and almost half report financial anxiety. Giggs CEO Nikki Sanz sat down with Rachael Bronstein, founder of Life’s Jam, to explore the financial struggles of gigging professionals and the practical strategies she uses to help them stay on top of their finances.

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Why Financial Struggles Are So Common for Gigging Pros

Rachael, with a background in finance and a passion for helping creatives, noticed that many freelancers struggled with the highs and lows of gig income. Between the surge of tour money and the uncertainty of off-tour months, it’s easy to see why saving and budgeting can be a challenge. She founded Life’s Jam to provide guidance for those who often fly under the radar when it comes to financial support.

Practical Financial Advice from Rachael

For gigging professionals, one of the biggest issues is managing taxes, especially for those paid as freelancers. Rachael emphasizes setting aside money for taxes, understanding expenses, and keeping personal and business finances separate. Her approach? Think of yourself as a small business. Consider forming an LLC and maintaining it properly, and if you don’t have an accountant or bookkeeper, consider adding them to your team.

Her process is hands-on, starting with a Q&A call to understand a client’s financial pain points. From there, she develops a plan that includes budgeting without feeling constrained, building an emergency fund, and using tools like high-yield savings accounts.

Navigating the Psychology of Money

Money is personal, and emotional. Rachael recognizes that finances often come with shame, fear, or anxiety, so she works to create a safe, non-judgmental environment. Her goal is to help clients rewrite their financial stories, build confidence, and tackle issues with clarity rather than avoidance.

Building a Support Network

A big piece of Rachael’s work involves collaboration with industry organizations like MusiCares and the Roadie Clinic. These partnerships make coaching available to those who might not otherwise afford it. She also helps clients with health insurance, debt repayment, and even credit-building strategies, like negotiating interest rates and managing credit wisely.

Final Advice

For Rachael, successful financial planning in the gigging world isn’t about depriving yourself. As she shared on the podcast: “Life is short—spend on what matters to you and cut out the rest.” By making financial planning accessible and tailored to the realities of gigging, Rachael is helping freelancers find stability and peace of mind.

Connect with Rachael

To learn more about Life’s Jam, visit lifesjam.com or follow her on Instagram @lifesjam.