It can seem as though you are hemorrhaging money when you're self-employed. By the time you invest in everything you need (or unfortunately sometimes in retrospect, don't need) the prospect of taking home a paycheck can be laughable.

If you feel like you have no idea where to invest your money safely, we've got 3 places to spend where you can't go wrong.

1. Photography
Regardless of what you are selling, your business needs to look professional. If your face is the moneymaker (meaning that people are buying your time above all else) then you need great portraits so prospects can feel a connection to you. If you have a product to sell (from consumable goods all the way up to real estate) you need crisp, clean commercial photography. Human beings are a visual group, so show them the best so that you can receive the best.

2. Professional Support
Be kind to your bookkeepers, online administrators, and office support. These are the people who ensure that your business is a well-oiled machine and free from cogs. Pay them on time and in full (if possible, everyone gets stretched thin from time to time) to let them know how much you appreciate them.

3. Philanthropy
Sponsoring local events and donating to charity is a phenomenal way to showcase your business. Not only does it show that your business has the money to give, it shows your community that you are committed to seeing it thrive. It's great to support a business that can act as a referral partner for you, but don't feel limited by category. As long as you know where the money is going, even a small donation will make a big difference to the reputations of your business.

Remember that you have to spend money to make money, so spend it in the right place!