Ways to Get Money Fast

It seems that everyone has their financial struggles these days. Whether it's being able to cover the mortgage, pay down credit card debt, or simply make it to the next payday, people from all walks of life are experiencing difficulty in this tough economy. That being said, some needs are definitely more pressing than others. For instance, most banks don't start foreclosure proceedings until you default on several payments. That takes months, and allows you some time to recover and catch up. But if you're living paycheck to paycheck and come up short one week, that means you might not be able to put food on the table for your kids. In situations like this, you need a way to get money fast just to survive.

One of the most common ways to get money fast is to apply for a payday loan. Each lender has slightly different policies, but the basic principle is the same across the board. During the application process, you must show proof of employment, which usually means bringing in your last couple of paycheck stubs. Then, based on how much you make, the lender will give you a cash advance. In return, you typically must leave a personal check -- dated after your next payday -- for the repayment amount, which of course includes heft interest or processing fees. The fees are pretty big, but if you have no other way to get money fast, then this is better than nothing. At least you'll be able to buy groceries and keep gas in your car so you can continue to go to work every day.

Another way to get money fast is to take out a personal loan based on some kind of collateral. This could be done through a bank or through a company that specializes in providing these types of loans. Most folks opt for the latter since those companies rarely require a credit check. To obtain this kind of loan, you have to put up something of value, such as a car, electronic equipment, computer, or jewelry against the amount of cash you're borrowing. This method is better than a pawnshop because you don't have to worry about someone else swooping in and purchasing your stuff before you have a chance to repay the loan.

People who need to get money fast often have to subject themselves to outrageous interest rates and tight repayment schedules, so if your need to acquire cash isn't as pressing, you might want to consider some alternatives. For example, you could sell unwanted items on eBay or Craigslist, start a home business doing odd jobs on the weekends, or take on a part-time job at a nearby store or restaurant. These options might not be glamorous, but they all can bring in extra cash to help you make ends meet.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to get money fast, so even if your situation seems dire, there's no need to despair just yet. Explore these alternatives first, because one of them might be the solution you're looking for!