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Need Money Now? 6 Ways to Find Cash
Have you ever been in a financial bind and wondered how you could get money today? In situations like these, you may not have time to apply for a traditional personal loan or home equity loan from a bank or credit union.
Instead, you need a fast solution to get the money you need today.
Fortunately, there are several options you might consider that may help you supplement your income when you need to get money now.
How to get money now
1. Borrow money
Traditional bank loans aren’t the only option for borrowing money. In fact, with a direct lender like Advance America, you don’t even need good credit to qualify for a personal loan. Our financial solutions include:
Payday Loans
Also known as a Cash Advance, a Payday Loan is a small-dollar loan that you pay back in full the next time you get paid – usually within two to four weeks.
When you’re approved for an Advance America Payday Loan, you’ll typically get your money by the next business day. If your loan is approved before 10:30 AM EST (or anytime in-store), you’ll receive your funds the same day.
Title loans
With a title loan, you hand your vehicle’s title over to the lender as collateral. The lender holds on to your title until you’ve repaid the loan in full. Your vehicle’s appraised value, among other things like your income and state regulations, will determine the amount of money you can borrow.
⏵ LEARN MORE: See if your state offers title loans
Installment Loans
When you take out an Installment Loan, you repay it over time in convenient monthly payments. This can be ideal when you need more wiggle room in your budget.
Line of Credit
Opening a Line of Credit ensures you have a flexible way to borrow money when you need it. It's similar to a credit card in that you’re approved for a set credit limit. You can then draw as much or as little as you want, as many times as you want, up to your approved limit.
When you open an Advance America Line of Credit, you’ll typically receive the funds from your first draw within 24 hours.
2. Find a side gig
Thanks to the modern gig economy, there are various ways to supplement your income with a side gig. Here are a few you might consider:
Babysitting or pet sitting
If you love children or pets, babysitting or pet sitting can be a fun side hustle. You can advertise your services on local Facebook groups or find opportunities through websites like Care.com or Rover.com.
Food delivery
Food delivery services are more popular today than ever before. Take advantage of this by delivering groceries or restaurant meals to people in your local area. Check out Instacart, DoorDash, or Postmates to get started.
Ride-sharing
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are in high demand. If you don't mind driving and have a reliable car, sign up to be a driver. You can earn money while meeting new people and exploring new areas.
3. Sell your stuff
If you have electronics, clothing, appliances, and other things that you no longer or want, sell them instead of donating them. Websites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist make it easy to list items and get the cash you need now. If you have a lot to sell, you could potentially make a lot of money at once by holding a yard sale or setting up at a flea market.
4. Seek assistance from non-profit organizations
Depending on your living situation and why you’re in a financial bind, you may qualify for assistance from non-profits or government assistance programs. Google your local area to find out if you qualify for government assistance, or to find non-profits near you.
5. Request a payroll advance
Another option might be to ask for a payroll advance on your paycheck. It isn’t a sure bet, but it could be an option if you’re a salary worker or you have an understanding employer who wants to help you.
6. Get help from friends and family
Finally, you can also reach out to friends or family for financial assistance. If you have understanding people in your life who want to be there for you, this can be a good alternative to loans and similar options. Friends and family rarely charge interest on the money they lend, and they likely won’t send your debt to collections if you don’t repay them right away.
However, for the sake of your relationship with your lender, you should try to repay the loan as quickly as possible. The last thing you want is to be known as a person who takes advantage of the people who love you.
Benefits of a loan when you need money today
If you’re in a situation where you need fast cash, a loan from Advance America is an option worth considering. Our benefits include:
Easy application. Our customers lead busy lives. That’s why we offer the ability to apply online from the comfort of your own home or workplace. All you need is some basic personal information, like your name and birth date, along with financial details, such as your monthly income and checking account numbers.
Quick approval. Once you apply, you won’t have to wait long to get approved and receive the money you need. Some lenders will approve you instantly, while others will do so the same day you apply or the next business day. At Advance America, we offer instant approval decisions, so you’ll know within minutes if you’re approved.
Good credit not needed. You may still qualify for a loan when you need money now even if you have poor credit or fair credit. For instance, some lenders are willing to look beyond your credit score and consider other factors, like your income and employment history, to give you fast access to funds. At Advance America, our qualification criteria are based on your income and employment status rather than your credit.
How to apply for a loan to get money now
1. Choose a lender and loan option
Not all lenders who offer instant cash are created equal. That’s why you should shop around and explore all your options. Compare rates, terms, fees, and customer reviews so you can choose the right lender and loan for your unique situation.
2. Gather all necessary documents
Before you apply for a cash loan, you’ll want to make sure you have a few documents handy. While every lender is different, most will require a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, as well as pay stubs, tax forms, or bank statements.
3. Fill out and submit an application
Next, it’s time to complete the application online or in-store. Be sure to review it a few times and check for errors or inaccuracies. This way you can avoid delays with approval and funding.
4. Get the cash you need
Upon approval, the lender will give you the cash you need now as soon as possible. In most cases, you’ll receive the money via direct deposit that same day or on the morning of the following banking day.
What to watch for when you need money now
When you need money now, you may want to take the first fast loan you see. However, here are some things to avoid when you need money now:
- Excessive fees: Lenders should clearly state how much your loan will cost you in interest and fees over time. Compare the cost of the loan to the benefit it will offer to determine if it’s the right choice when you need money now.
- Unknown companies: Companies without a digital or real-world footprint may be scam websites designed to take advantage of people looking for fast money. Only share personal identifying information with trusted companies.
- Difficult repayments: If the loan seems perfect but has a repayment plan that you may not be able to realistically afford, it’s probably not the right choice for you when you need money today. Missing and late payments can lead to more interest and fees.
Should I get a loan when I need money now?
Deciding whether or not to get a loan when you need money today is a personal choice and will depend on what you need the money for. A fast loan may not be the right option for purchases that can wait, but sometimes we need money today and waiting would result in excessive fees or larger costs down the road.
Some reasons you might consider a loan today include:
- Rent coverage: Late fees for rent can be extremely high, costing tens or even hundreds of dollars for every missed day. In this situation, a loan can often mean less money lost than late fees.
- Medical bills: An urgent medical concern shouldn’t wait. After the immediate issues are resolved, look for resources that help with tackling medical debt.
- Home and car repairs: A simple leaky pipe can quickly lead to thousands of dollars in damage; similarly, an out-of-commission car could mean lost work opportunities. Sometimes money today can save twice as much down the line.
7 tips to save money now
Take a close look at your expenses to figure out what you can do to reduce or eliminate them so you can free up some cash flow and get through this tough time. Here are some ideas to start saving money today.
- Cut the cord on cable: Chances are you can find a cheaper way to access your favorite T.V. shows and movies. Get rid of cable and opt for streaming video on demand services like Netflix or Hulu.
- Lower your electric bill: Insulate your windows and doors, install a programmable thermostat, and unplug all appliances. These strategies can help you save big on electricity.
- Eat meals at home: It may be tempting to order a pizza, go through the drive thru, or visit the neighborhood pub the next time you don’t want to cook. Since restaurant expenses can add up quickly, try to eat most of your meals at home. Dine out only for special occasions.
- Buy generic: You can save a lot of cash if you choose the generic versions of various foods and household products. Don’t worry about quality because brand-name items are often exactly the same as their generic counterparts.
- Cancel subscriptions: Go through your credit card statement and look for subscriptions or services you no longer need or use. If you find that you subscribe to a gym you never go to or magazine you rarely read, cancel it.
- Shop around for car insurance: Call a few different car insurance companies to get quotes. You may be able to find a more affordable provider and slash your car insurance bill just by doing some research.
- Choose free entertainment options: While you can occasionally go to the movies or amusement park, doing so on a regular basis can get expensive. Try and opt for free entertainment options as much as you can. Go for a hike at the local park, play board games with your family, pick up a book at the library, or have a picnic outside.
Get cash with Advance America
Advance America is an invaluable resource when you need to get money now. Many of the loan options from Advance America, including Payday Loans, Installment Loans, and Lines of Credit, are available online. You can also stop by your nearest location today.
Simply fill out and submit an application and we’ll provide an approval decision within minutes. If you’re approved before 10:30 AM EST, you can even receive your funds the same day. Otherwise, you’ll receive your money on the next business day.
