How to Raise Cash Quickly and Quick Money Schemes to Avoid
Unexpected financial situations happen to even the most careful among us. When financial emergencies occur in your life, you may find yourself tempted to go for the easiest ways to raise cash. However, there are usually better ways.
If you can keep your wits about you, money can often be raised in ways that have minimal long-term consequences.
Follow these tips to help you calmly assess the situation and determine which option would be best for you.
Be Certain You Really Need Cash
You might not even need cash if your unexpected expense is relatively small. Maybe you have some gift cards to stores or restaurants that you’ve forgotten all about. Also, some credit cards have reward programs that frequently go unused. Some of these pay cash and others build points than can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, and more.
Quick Money Schemes to Avoid, if Possible
1. Family loans. Borrowing money from family and friends can be a positive or negative experience. Whether or not this is a good option for you really depends on your unique situation.
- Consider the likely outcome if you are unable to pay them back as agreed. In many instances, if such a likelihood occurs, it can cause hard feelings for a long time.
2. Payday loans. Some of the worst ways to raise cash are loans that come with very high interest and fees. Payday loans are an easy way to raise money quickly, assuming you’re employed. But when you consider the interest and fees associated with these loans, you could easily end up paying them back twice as much as they lent you – or even more!
3. Title loans. Loans that use your car title as collateral are not only very expensive, they are also quite risky. If you can’t pay as agreed, you’ll lose your vehicle.
4. Cash advances from credit cards. These advances are another expensive way to get your hands on some cash. While credit card purchases don’t usually start accruing interest immediately, cash advances do.
Better Options
While still not your best option, you can withdraw money from your retirement account. Here’s a loophole you can use to avoid taxes and penalties: (Note: Please check with a financial advisor.)
If you transfer your IRA into a new IRA account, you have the option of having the money sent directly to you, on the condition that you deposit the money into a new IRA account within 60 days. If you can replace the money in that time frame, you’re getting an interest-free, penalty-free, and tax-free loan. You can only do this once each year.
If an IRA transfer isn’t an option for you, you can also sell savings bonds that haven’t yet matured. Also consider selling your stamp, coin, or jewelry collection. Keep in mind that if you’re going to sell them quickly, you’re unlikely to get a good price.
Your Best Choices
1. Sell some liquid investments. Selling items from your non-retirement portfolio is, for many people, the best way to raise some money. First, sell those items that have been stagnant and show no signs of doing anything in the near future.
2. Borrow from your 401k. However, there are penalties and taxes if you fail to pay the money back.
3. Take out a home equity loan. A home equity loan is a viable option for some; just keep in mind that you are putting your house at risk if you can’t pay back the loan.
4. Start a low-cost business. There are many ways to start a low-cost business that you can get paid between a day to two weeks. Check out the following articles below.
PLANNING AHEAD
Having an emergency fund is critical to negating the effects of financial emergencies. Strive to save 3-6 months of expenses and leave the account alone unless you have an actual emergency. This is the most fundamental step you can take to ensure your financial security. To learn more about how to build an emergency fund, I recommend Dave Ramsey’s “The Total Money Makeover” book.
Avoid letting a challenging situation become even worse by making a hasty decision. First, decide if you really need cash. Maybe a non-cash alternative is available. If this doesn’t work for your situation, do some planning before you decide how to proceed.
Be sure to thoroughly investigate the fees and interest rates that are associated with your options. Although unexpected expenses can bring with them tension and high emotions, remember that making a good choice now will result in fewer headaches later. Take as much time as you can to make the best decision for you.
Hope this helps.
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