What to Do When You Need Money Fast

Sometimes, you can’t wait for money. You might need fast cash to cover an emergency surgery or a leaky water heater that should’ve been fixed yesterday. Regardless of why you need money fast, there are several options to help you. Let’s dive deeper into what they are.

If You Need Money Today

If you need money fast and don’t have weeks or months to wait for it, these ideas can help you.

  • Sell Your Stuff:

    Chances are you have electronics, household appliances, clothing, or other items lying around your home that you don’t need or want. Look for them and use Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to put them up for sale.
  • Take Out a Cash Advance:

    Also known as a payday loan, a cash advance can give you a couple hundred bucks to cover some expenses until your next paycheck. You’ll pay it back when you get your next paycheck, usually within two to four weeks. A cash advance can save you from the high cost of a bounced check or credit card late fee, and Advance America offers fast decisions on online applications for payday loans that can put cash in your hand within 24 hours.
  • Ask a Friend or Family Member for a Loan:

    If you have a friend or family member that’s willing to lend you money, don’t be afraid to accept their offer. As long as you create a written agreement with a set repayment schedule and feel confident you can pay them back, a loan from a loved one could be a good idea.
  • Apply for a Title Loan:

    If you own your car or truck, a title loan allows you to take out a loan against the value of your vehicle. Advance America features simple online applications for title loans, where you can get money as soon as you bring your automobile to an Advance America location for a full appraisal.

If You Need Money Within A Week

There are a few ways you can get money within a week including:

  • Babysit or Pet Sit:

    If you love children or pets, post an ad on your neighborhood Facebook page and promote your babysitting or pet sitting services. People hire others to care for their children and pets all the time so you could land your first gig within a week.
  • Cut Back on Expenses:

    Take a close look at your credit card and bank account statements. How can you save money? You may be able to find some extra cash in a week if you get rid of cable, shop around for a cheaper car insurance company, or cancel the gym membership you rarely use.
  • Eat on the Cheap:

    Let’s say you spend $100 per week on groceries. Try to reduce your grocery bill and opt for less expensive options for a week. One week of rice, beans, and other low-cost options will slash your grocery bill and give you some additional money.

If You Need Money Within A Month

If you’d like some money within a month, consider these options.

  • Get a Part-Time Job:

    If you work an 9 to 5 job but still need money, a part-time job may be the solution. You can get hired at a place like a grocery store or restaurant and get your first paycheck within a month of hiring.
  • Share Your Home:

    Do you have a spare bedroom or basement you don’t use? List it on a site like Airbnb and rent it out. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your first renter in a month or so.
  • Deliver Food or Shop for Groceries:

    Many people will pay you to deliver groceries or restaurant meals to their doorstep. You can sign up to become a food delivery driver with a service like DoorDash or Instacart and may be able to start your first delivery gigs in a month.
  • Use Your Car:

    Ride sharing services can hire quickly and use your spare time to earn extra cash.

How Advance America Helps You to Get the Money You Need

Advance America specializes in short-term financing solutions that are ideal if you need money fast. We offer a number of online and in-person loans, including cash advances, installment loans, title loans, and lines of credit. No matter which loan you choose, you can get money the same day and take care of your expense immediately.

With a simple online application, quick decisions, and fast deposit, you could apply for a loan with Advance America and receive money within 24 hours. Explore our loan options to see how Advance America can get you the money you need today.

The Advance America advantage

Since 1997, Advance America has helped millions of hardworking people with a variety of financial solutions including Payday Loans, Online Loans, Installment Loans, Title Loans and Personal Lines of Credit.
157+ million
loans issued
800+ stores
and online loans
25+ years
providing loans