Are you going through tough times and need quick cash to cover urgent expenses? While financial emergencies often hit when you least expect it, there are smart ways to raise cash and comfortably make it through these challenging periods. Here, we look at seven smart ways for raising cash fast.
1. Take a personal loan
A quick way to get money when you are cash-strapped is by taking a personal loan. Options such as simple title loans are an easy and fast way of getting cash, as their approvals only take a few minutes. However, for your long-term financial security, you need to avoid online lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates by taking the time to understand the terms and conditions of the loan.
2. Sell unused or unwanted items
We are all guilty of buying or holding onto items we do not use as frequently as we expected. These unused or unwanted items can be a way out of your financial crisis as you can sell them for cash. There are many ways to go about this, and the best options to consider are:
- Using reputable marketplace sites and online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Etsy, and Decluttr
- Organizing a garage or yard sale
- Selling your items to a pawnshop
3. Get a credit card cash advance
If you have an account in good standing, borrowing against your credit card is another way to raise cash fast. Typically, these cash advances are limited and will be mentioned in your credit card statement. They also attract a fee of around 3% to 5% of the amount you borrow plus annual interest of about 30%.
4. Request a payroll advance
Most employers offer payroll advance services, which are an excellent way to get quick cash without worrying about processing fees or high-interest rates. Some companies even offer their employees low-interest loans whenever they are in a crisis.
5. Borrow against your 401(k)
It is possible to borrow against your 401(k) if you meet the conditions required. Firstly, your employer has to allow 401(k) loans, and if they do, you can borrow up to 50% of your account balance with a payout limit of $50,000. You will also have to pay off the loan within 60 days; failure to do this, your loan will be considered a taxable income within 90 days.
6. Take up a side job
If you have time on your hands, consider starting a side job that best suits your interests and abilities. Readily available jobs that pay by the hour include babysitting, dog sitting, house cleaning, lawn mowing, takeout deliveries, and Uber or Lyft drivers.
7. Consider temporary jobs
Temporary jobs are an excellent way to make extra income to improve your finances without the commitment of being a full-time employee. You will further appreciate that most of these jobs pay by the hour, daily, or weekly.
Endnote
If you are ever cash-strapped, it is vital to know how to raise money without decimating your finances, and these tips are an excellent way to make it through those rainy days.