Being strapped for cash isn’t a pleasant experience at any point in your life, but if you are struggling to balance your finances and are hit with an unexpected, last minute expense, it can be catastrophic.
So, what’s someone unlucky in money supposed to do when job loss, a car breaking down, or a pet getting sick hits at the least opportune moment? This is when your financial back up plan comes into play.
- Sell your stuff
Selling your stuff is one of the faster ways you can accumulate some cash without adding to your credit. There are lots of options to get rid of your stuff, including online classifieds, eBay, Facebook buy and sell groups, or even pawn shops. If you can survive without it, selling your car is a good way to get some cash and to cut some of your expenses all in one go.
- Pick up a part time job
If you have the time, getting a part time job can help prop up your finances when you’re in dire straits. If it’s around the holidays, part-time retail positions are plentiful. However, if you don’t. have the time or need to be in the house for kids or pets, online work platforms are now abundant and can be a quick and easy way to make some extra cash.
- Get a short-term loan
A short-term loan is a loan you plan to repay in less than a year (and usually much sooner). These loans are not like bank loans and the borrowing amount usually starts low, even just a couple hundred dollars. This can help you pay off the unexpected expense and then repay the loan on your next payday. If you view MoneyBoat.co.uk you’ll be able to get a deeper understanding on a short-term loan and if it might be the right option for you.
- Ask for a loan from family and friends
This can be an uncomfortable situation for a lot of people, and for good reason. Taking a loan from friends and family can be potentially toxic since it can create bad blood. Especially if you aren’t able to pay the money back quickly and they are forced to ask for the money back. Good rule of thumb is to make sure you give them a date you will pay the money back by and not make your loved ones ask for the money.viview
- Say no
If the unexpected expense is something that is optional, you may have to say no, even if it’s uncomfortable. This could include: being asked to stand in a wedding party or being a wedding guest, outings with friends, birthday parties, or other events where you’re expected to spend money. While it might be awkward to explain to your friends that you can’t attend due to financial difficulties, it’s one way to make sure that you don’t spend money you don’t have on something that is optional
To make sure you don’t end up in this situation, you should try to make sure you have an emergency fund in place to help tide you over when the hard times hit. Even if you can only add a few dollars to it every pay day, it will help you get over the hump of unexpected expenses when they hit.
