From last-minute spring break trips to something more serious like medical bills, sometimes you need money fast. When you’re in a financial bind, it can be stressful to know where to turn.
Take a breath. You won’t need to sell a kidney to go to Mexico with your friends. Check out the following tips to learn how to give yourself a quick financial boost.
1. Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
Personal loans can help borrowers pay for just about anything. This makes them an attractive option for those looking to quickly replace a dying appliance or fund an emergency home repair. However, most lenders will only lend money to people with a good credit score (670 or above). So if your credit score isn’t great, you need to focus on improving it before applying for a loan.
Paying bills on time and using a secured credit card can help you improve your credit over the long haul. But if you need to improve your credit fast, check through your credit report for errors. Occasionally, credit bureaus and lenders can make mistakes like falsely reporting late or missed payments. These can unfairly hurt your credit score.
If your claim proves valid, the credit bureau must remove the error from your report within 30 days. That makes reporting and remedying such errors a quick way to give your credit score a bump.
2. Snag a Side Hustle
Your main job may cover the essentials, but a side hustle can put extra money in your pocket for unplanned expenses. Side hustles are generally freelance or informal, making them easy to pursue outside of regular working hours. Most don’t require a significant financial investment or formal training. So once you’ve decided what side hustle you want to pursue, you can begin work immediately.
When choosing a side hustle, consider what activities you enjoy. If you love animals, pet sitting could be a great fit. If you’re crafty, you may like selling handmade goods online. Pushing yourself to work an additional 10-15 hours a week on top of a day job can be exhausting. By choosing an activity you enjoy, you can help prevent burnout and ensure the longevity of your new gig.
3. Sell Stuff You’re Not Using
Do you have a closet full of clothes but only wear half of them? Or maybe you have a game console you haven’t played for years. Instead of letting those items gather dust, why not turn them into cash? With websites like eBay and ThredUp, it’s easy to sell used items online.
Before throwing your old Jordans on the internet, it’s a good idea to research their worth. Start by finding out the retail price of new items. Then mark them down based on how much time has passed since you bought them and their condition.
Still unsure what to charge? Skim through other online reselling platforms to get an idea of what similar items are selling for.
4. Request a Salary Advance
If you’re in a tough financial situation, your employer may be able to grant you a salary advance. Salary advances are short-term loans that allow you to borrow money from future paychecks. Policies regarding salary advances vary based on employer, but borrowers should expect interest charges and a designated repayment schedule.
Only ask your employer for a salary advance if you’re facing a financial emergency like an unexpected medical bill, though. You won’t be doing your workplace reputation any favors if you request this money for luxury expenses like new furniture or a vacation. For those, you’ll need a personal loan.
Before asking your boss for a salary advance, research your employer’s policies. The best way to do this is by consulting the employee handbook or chatting with HR. Before submitting a request, double-check that the reason for your request is considered valid. It’s also a good idea to schedule a meeting with your supervisor to formally discuss the matter in person.
5. Rent Out an Extra Room
Are you a homeowner with a little more space than you need? Renting a spare room is an easy way to bring in some extra cash. Depending on where you live, you could charge anywhere from $200 to $800 a month. This is a great option for folks who don’t have time for a side hustle but would still like the additional monthly income.
Before throwing an ad on Craigslist, you should consider a few things. First and foremost, are you ready for a new roommate? You’ll likely share a living space with this person, so that means no more walking around in your underwear.
Even if you’re OK with the loss of privacy, you need to find the right person to rent to. If you won’t be renting to a friend or family member, finding a tenant you trust may be a challenge. However, if you’re an extrovert who loves meeting new people, this could be a great option for you.
6. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Millions of people purchase subscriptions each year, yet many go unused. In fact, 71% of Americans waste over $50 a month on subscriptions they no longer want. So if you’re looking for a quick way to save some cash, cancel the subscriptions you aren’t using.
Not sure what subscriptions you have? There are a few easy means of checking. One way is by reviewing your bank statements, which list all your monthly transactions. Another place to look is the App Store or Google Play on your phone, which will list all your Apple or Android subscriptions.
Sometimes life happens, and you need money fast. If you find yourself in a financial pickle, use the above tips to give yourself a financial boost.
For more valuable information visit this website
