I got hit with a 10,000 tax bill this year, but my 3-prong money management strategy meant it wasn't a problem

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After filing my taxes this year, I got hit with a surprise bill for just over 10,000 from the IRS.

I didn't panic, though, because I'd planned ahead for my taxes as part of my three-prong money management strategy that covers taxes, retirement savings, and just about everything else.

Whenever I get paid by a client for freelance work, I immediately set aside 30 in a high-yield business savings account for taxes, another 10 in a retirement savings account, and the remainder stays in my business checking account to pay business expenses, give myself a salary, and anything else.

Using multiple accounts helps me keep the money separate and ready for any surprise bills like the latest one from the IRS.

See Business Insider's picks for the best high-yield savings accounts

I've made a lot of financial mistakes in my personal life. Luckily, I sorted most of these out by the time I started my freelance business. I use budgeting software You Need a Budget, to be specific to budget for my business just like I do for my personal finances, and it's been a lifesaver in more ways than one.

Take, for instance, when I got hit with a surprise IRS bill for 10,034 after doing my tax return this year. That sucks. But, I already had far more than that saved in my tax savings account, so I'll be able to pay it with no problem and still have money left over to top off my other retirement accounts and pay off the last bit of my student loans. See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: This animation shows how far your sneeze can actually travelSee Also:9 signs you probably aren't saving enough money, even if you think you are12 terrible things that could happen if you don't do your taxes4 places to put your tax refund so your money grows with little to no effort

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