Freelance Rate Calculator and Negotiation Guide

Prompt

Help me calculate my freelance rates and build a negotiation framework.

My financial targets:
- Annual income goal: [AMOUNT]
- Billable hours per week: [NUMBER]
- Weeks worked per year: [NUMBER — ACCOUNT FOR VACATION]
- Business expenses per month: [AMOUNT]
- Benefits I need to self-fund: [HEALTH INSURANCE / RETIREMENT / OTHER]
- Tax rate estimate: [PERCENTAGE OR 'HELP ME ESTIMATE']

My market positioning:
- Years of experience: [NUMBER]
- Specialization: [NICHE]
- Target client size: [STARTUP / SMB / ENTERPRISE]
- Geographic market: [LOCATION OR REMOTE]
- Current rate: [CURRENT RATE OR 'STARTING FRESH']

Calculate and advise:

1. **Minimum Viable Rate** — The floor below which I lose money. Show the math.

2. **Target Rate** — What I need to charge to hit my income goal. Show the math.

3. **Market Rate** — Based on my profile, what is the market rate range?

4. **Rate by Project Type** — Different rates for: hourly consulting, project-based work, retainers, and rush work.

5. **Rate Increase Strategy** — How to raise rates with existing clients without losing them.

6. **Negotiation Framework** — How to respond when a client pushes back on rate. Scripts for 3 common objections.

7. **When to Discount** — Clear criteria for when it makes strategic sense to negotiate down (and when not to).