There are few things that cause more stress than needing instant cash now when you just don’t have enough available and don’t know how to get more. It can weigh heavy on you, affecting your relationships, job productivity, and emotional health. When all you can think is “I need money now,” take a long, deep breath. Then grab a pen and paper and begin listing all the possible options. Sometimes the best way to understand things clearly is to see them in front of you.
There are several potential options to help you out of a ditch fast. They may not all be applicable in your situation, but they will at least give you a start, perhaps leading to other avenues.
Talk to the people you are close to about the difficulties you are facing. Family and friends may be willing to help you, and you can arrange a contract and repayment plan to show them you are serious about paying them back. The contract does not need to be complicated. Simply outline the participants involved, the amount borrowed, and the time it will be repaid by. To avoid possible contention in the future, you might also want to include actions you will take if you can’t pay in full by the stated date, whether it means tacking on interest or turning to alternative methods to get the funds to repay them.
Other solutions include selling personal property. Focus on objects that you don’t need and that don’t hold any sentimental value to you. Craigslist ads and yard sales are a good way earn some cash. Some second hand stores may also pay money for used items, though don’t expect too much as they need to then sell it to make a profit.
These are of course only a couple of options, but they should be the first ones you try before turning to quick loans. Payday loans, because they have such a high interest rate, should only be a last resort. Just take a moment to consider your options, and don’t let the thought “I need money now” scare you.