Like most people, I occasionally find myself strapped for cash due to unexpected expenses or other financial needs arising. However, I’ve learned a few helpful secrets over the years for getting loans or credit when I need extra money.
Whether it’s a medical bill, car repair, or other urgent need, here’s how I secure the financing to get the cash I require even with average credit.
Maintain Open Credit Cards
Having a couple open credit cards with available limits gives me short-term financing options in a pinch. I make sure not to max out my credit cards or carry balances if possible.
Keeping spending low and paying off balances each month means I have unused credit I can tap into for small cash advances or purchases when unexpected needs pop up.
As long as I pay back quickly, credit cards provide quick access to a few hundred dollars without applying for loans.
Build Credit History
Lenders want to see responsible use of credit over time. I make sure to use credit cards and pay on time, but minimize balances.
Having long, solid credit history with on-time payments gives me better loan approval odds and interest rates when I do need financing for large expenses.
Building robust, positive credit files over many years pays dividends when urgent borrowing needs arise.
Check Credit Reports
About twice yearly I check my credit reports and fix any errors by disputing with credit bureaus. This ensures my credit scores reflect my financial responsibility accurately.
Higher credit scores mean better loan rates and approvals. Keeping credit reports error-free optimizes my scores so I have financing access when required.
Research Lending Options
I spend time researching the best loan sources for my needs. When I need extra home financing, my local credit union often provides the cheapest rates and fees on home equity loans or lines of credit.
For quick personal loans with average credit, online lenders like LendingClub offer fast approvals without collateral. I compare lenders to find the ideal loans before applying.
Build Savings
Even with good borrowing options, I try to build emergency savings also. Having cash reserves means I can cover smaller expenses from savings and avoid financing costs.
I automatially deduct savings deposits from each paycheck so the money adds up over time. While loans bridge bigger money gaps, savings covers day-to-day needs that pop up.
Ask for Help from Family
For extremely urgent or large borrowing needs, I sometimes ask family for help if possible. My parents have occasionally provided short-term personal loans when I was in a tight spot, which I repay quickly at low or no interest.
For huge needs like a downpayment, grandparents gifted money instead of me taking a high-interest loan. Support from family provides low-cost financing in difficult circumstances.
Peer-to-Peer Lending
If banks decline my loan applications, I turn to peer-lending sites. I can take out affordable loans from individual investors at these venues.
My credit scores meet minimum requirements for approval, though interest rates are higher than traditional loans because of my credit risk. Still, peer lending provides necessary cash when banks are unwilling.
Borrow Against Assets
If I have assets to leverage, I can tap borrowing sources like cash-out mortgage refinances, auto loan refinancing, or securities-backed lines of credit.
Tapping accumulated home equity or car equity lets me access larger cash sums if needed for major expenses. These loans use assets I’ve built up as collateral at competitive interest rates.
Buy Now, Pay Later Plans
For specialized purchases, I utilize “buy now, pay later” financing plans to delay payments.
These allow me to buy appliances, furniture, or other bigger items over months of interest-free payments rather than paying lump sums upfront.
This stretches my purchasing power for important family needs when money is tight temporarily.
0% Credit Card Transfers
To lower borrowing costs, I transfer balances from high-interest credit cards onto new cards offering 0% intro APRs on transfers. This eliminates interest charges in the short-term so I can pay down balances aggressively.
Balance transfers let me consolidate and pay off credit card debt fast and cheap when cash gets tight.
Negotiate Bills
If I get stuck with a huge urgent bill, I contact the vendor immediately to negotiate flexible payment arrangements. Many major service providers will create affordable payment plans if you communicate about money struggles transparently and politely.
Being upfront about cash flow issues leads to manageable payment options for large bills.
Review Payment Dates
I try shifting due dates for flexible bills to align better with my cash inflows.
Having bills like insurance, memberships, subscriptions, and other adjustable expenses due right after paydays rather than mid-month improves my cash flow management.
Staggering payment dates around income minimizes late fees and borrowing needs.
Seek Discount Programs
To reduce overall costs and keep cash needs low, I seek discounts like fuel rewards programs, insurance policy discounts, club memberships with savings, employee discount programs through work, student/senior discounts, etc.
Lowering my recurring expenses leaves more money available for debt payments and savings rather than new loans. Every dollar counts.
While less than ideal, financing through loans or credit is sometimes unavoidable when money gets tight in life.
By researching affordable borrowing options, maintaining good credit, keeping costs low, and communicating with providers, I’m able to access cash safely and responsibly in difficult circumstances.
A little planning goes a long way toward covering surprising expenses without spiraling into debt.