Finding yourself in a financial pinch can be stressful. But there are practical solutions available when you need money urgently.
This article explores multiple approaches to help you navigate financial emergencies without resorting to desperate measures.
We’ll show you creative ways to generate extra cash quickly through side hustles that don’t require startup capital and discuss loan options for situations where borrowing might be necessary.
Finally, we’ll provide strategies to strengthen your financial position for the future. With the right approach, you can tackle your immediate money needs while building better financial habits that prevent similar situations down the track.
33 Things To Do When You Need Money Urgently
1. Get free money from sign-up bonuses
You can score actual free money just by signing up for certain websites. It’s a brilliant way to get cash quickly when you’re in a pinch.
Several survey and get-paid-to (GPT) sites offer sign-up bonuses that you can cash out straight away.
For example, Swagbucks will give you $5 just for joining. You can earn more by watching videos, answering surveys and playing games.
Ibotta offers a generous $20 bonus when you activate an offer. You can easily do this during your next grocery shop. Meanwhile, InboxDollars provides a $5 sign-up bonus as well.
2. Offer to do odd jobs
If you’ve got basic tools and a bit of time, offering to do odd jobs can bring in cash quickly. People are always looking for help with gardening, yard work, cleaning and other household tasks.
Post your services on social media, particularly in local community Facebook groups. Set a reasonable hourly rate—remember, you need the money, so being competitively priced will help you secure more work.
Be responsive when people message you and be ready to start immediately. Local jobs are best as you’ll save on travel costs and time.
3. Have a yard sale
A yard or garage sale is one of the fastest ways to convert unused items into cash. You can organise and hold one in a single day, then list any unsold items online afterwards.
Price your items fairly, but don’t undersell them—you need the money after all.
Advertise your sale on local Facebook groups and put up signs in your neighbourhood to attract more customers.
Clear out everything you can spare—furniture, clothes, books, toys, kitchen items, and tools all sell well at garage sales.
4. Use Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is brilliant for selling things quickly when you need cash.
People buy all sorts of items there, and it’s often used by others who also need money fast.
Take inventory of unused items around your house and post them with clear photos and descriptions. You’ll be surprised at what people buy—from furniture to electronics, clothing to collectibles.
Just exercise caution with transactions. Only accept cash and arrange to meet in public places for safety. Be wary of scammers trying to get your items without proper payment.
5. Work freelance
Your existing skills could be your ticket to quick cash through freelance work. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr let you market your talents to people willing to pay for them.
Consider what you’re good at—writing, graphic design, web development, virtual assistance, online tutoring or social media management.
Almost any skill can be monetised online with a bit of creativity.
Even without specialised skills, you can offer services like data entry, transcription or research.
Start with competitive rates to build up reviews, then increase your prices once you’ve established yourself.
6. Consider renting out a spare room
That extra bedroom in your house could be a goldmine when you need money urgently.
Tidy it up, take some appealing photos, and list it on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.
You don’t have to commit to a long-term arrangement—offer it for a short period to get the needed cash.
Many people look for affordable short-term accommodation, so you could help someone else while helping yourself.
Who knows? You might find you enjoy the extra income and company so much that a temporary fix becomes a permanent solution.
7. Sublet your house and move in with family
If you’re truly desperate for cash, subletting your entire home while staying with family could provide substantial relief. This arrangement can cover your mortgage or rent while giving you breathing room to sort out your finances.
Before proceeding, check that local regulations permit subletting. If you’re renting, you’ll need your landlord’s permission first.
Create a proper subletting agreement to protect yourself and your property, even if you’re renting to friends or family.
8. Rent out your car
If your car sits unused for days, why not turn it into an income stream?
Platforms like Turo and Uber Carshare let you rent your vehicle to others who need temporary transport.
This works brilliantly if you can access public transport or can coordinate with family members to share vehicles.
The income can be substantial, especially if you have a newer or in-demand model.
Remember to check that your insurance covers this arrangement and that the rental platform offers adequate protection for your vehicle.
9. Sell your car
Selling your car might seem drastic, but it can provide a significant cash injection when you’re in financial trouble.
This could be a smart move if you can manage without it—perhaps by using public transport, biking or carpooling.
People buy used cars year-round, and many buyers specifically look for older, cheaper models.
List it on car sales websites, Facebook Marketplace and local classified ads to reach potential buyers.
Be honest about its condition, provide service records if available, and price it competitively for a quick sale.
10. Sell your old cell phone
Your old mobile phones could be worth good money, especially if they’re relatively recent models.
Many people consider second-hand phones affordable alternatives to buying new ones.
List them on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace with clear photos and honest descriptions of their condition.
Some wireless providers like Reebelo or Koodo Mobile even offer credit towards new phones when you trade in old devices.
Before selling, remember to factory reset the phone to remove your data and restore it to its original settings.
11. Sell unused gift cards
Check your cupboards – chances are you have some unused gift cards which you never redeemed.
Consider selling these on websites like Raise to get cash for them and make use of all those expired opportunities that would otherwise be going to waste.
You might be surprised at just how much money is hiding inside those expired gift card accounts!
12. Downgrade your services
This is a step to be taken very carefully.
If you have a lot of debt already and can’t make ends meet, then consider cancelling your expensive services – like streaming services or mobile phone plans – and downgrade to a cheaper plan.
This can be tricky because some companies will give you an extremely low offer in exchange for leaving their service altogether, so it might be worth calling around to explore options before simply cutting ties.
13. Take surveys online
This is one of those things you are going to want to make sure is legitimate before taking part in.
There are many companies that pay people for their feedback, but there are also companies who scam people into signing up for fake survey sites only under the pretense of making money.
It’s best to stick with large well-trusted sites. We like the following sites:
- Branded Surveys – awesome reviews on Trustpilot, available in Canada, USA, UK.
- Survey Junkie – popular, highest paying surveys. USA, Australia, Canada.
- Opinion Outpost – established trust brand – USA and UK.
- Opinion World – same company as Opinion Outpost. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland.
This is a list of genuine survey sites that pay cash through PayPal, so you can get free cash in your bank account.
If you are not based in the USA, these are the sites we recommend for our international readers:
14. Get a part-time job
A part-time job can answer all your woes.
Depending on your experience, you could find part-time work ranging from retail to admin, and even childcare or data entry.
You’ll need a flexible schedule, which might be hard if you already have family commitments, but it’s certainly one way to earn some quick cash!
15. Offer your services as a pet sitter or dog walker
Many people who go away on vacation don’t want their pet left alone at home – so they look for someone to come in and take care of them while their owners are away.
This is easier said than done, but with sites like Rover.com it becomes much more feasible because you can reach thousands of local clients needing dog walking services right away.
16. Get a personal loan
If you need to borrow money, a personal loan can be a good option, as long as you already have a job or other income source.
Just keep in mind that it may take some time before you get approved and receive the money.
This is because personal loans require application forms and credit checks and can be more of a hassle to get than other sources of funding.
However, if taking out a personal loan is what you need to do in case of emergency, then it’s something to keep in your arsenal.
Personal loans also tend to be easier to get when you have good credit, so it is a good idea to do everything you can to maintain your credit score.
This includes paying all of your bills on time every month and making payments more than the minimum due on any accounts that you have.
This is probably not helpful to read when you need money desperately or if you have bad credit, but it’s something to keep in mind for the future when you come out the other side of your money crisis.
In terms of interest rates, personal loans tend to have lower rates than cash advances and payday loans.
17. Ask family and friends
Ask for help from a family member, friends or other well-off acquaintances if you are in desperate need of money.
This can be very difficult to do, and shouldn’t be something you do regularly (if you value the relationship), as it creates tension.
That said, asking family and friends can be hugely helpful if done sparingly.
And most people who love you won’t want to see you stuck.
Make sure you provide upfront information about how you plan to repay the loan and stick to it.
18. Use credit cards
Credit card interest rates are high, but not as high as payday lenders so they should be near the bottom of the list of options.
Getting a new credit card isn’t something you should do when you need money urgently.
If you have an existing card, accessing the available funds can get you out of a bind.
19. Rent-to-own
Rent-to-own can be a good option when you’re in dire straits and need an essential item immediately.
This method is used by many stores, and it involves renting the item while making installment loan payments towards the cost of the item.
It’s essentially like buying on credit, but you have more time.
20. Get a credit union loan
If you are a member, a credit union can be a good option for getting loans with low rates and fees.
And, unlike some banks, credit unions are known to take you on as a member even if you have bad credit or not much money.
Many credit unions require that you join the bank before you make a loan request.
Some credit unions only all you to borrow amounts equal to what you have deposited in there.
If you have $1000 in your account, most are not going to give you a loan for more than $1000.
This is an unfortunate truth about credit unions and no amount of pleading or explaining will help. This is simply how the credit union survives.
21. Apply for hardship programs
Banks, card companies and even some retirement funds have hardship programs that might be able to help you.
To qualify, you’ll need to prove that your income has dropped or that you recently went through a life change (like unemployment or the death of your spouse).
22. Negotiate payment plans
If you’ve got a stellar track record with your creditors, many will negotiate terms when they see that you really need their services and are sincere about paying them back.
Keep in mind that this is only for emergencies so make sure you’re an ideal candidate by getting in contact and explaining your situation as early as you can.
You don’t want your file sent to a collections agency, as that is when you have lose some of your power to negotiate.
23. Max out your credit card
Sometimes you need cash fast so putting it on plastic can get things moving very quickly – especially if you’ve got a flexible interest free promotion running right now.
Be careful not to go overboard, but try to remember that there’s always another option down the road for when these funds run out.
24. Get a cash advance
Withdrawing cash from your credit card as a cash advance is a viable strategy in a financial emergency.
This option should be used sparingly because cash advance charges are typically very high (17%+), and interest is applied from the cash advance date.
Use this option only in emergencies!
25. Visit the pawn shop
If you have valuables hanging around the house that aren’t making an appearance these days, take them to the pawn shop and see what they can give you for them.
These shops will give you a cash loan using the item as security.
The loan amount is almost always less than the item’s value, so it’s definitely a good idea to do some research before handing over your stuff!
You can then repurchase the item by making regular payments.
If you decide to do this, make sure you have a good idea of what your item is worth. Keep in mind that the pawn shop will also charge interest and fees for their service.
If you value the item, then it’s not worth doing.
But for things you could live without, the cash might help cover some of your outgoings.
It’s usually paid instantly, so it’s a good option when you need money today.
Note: If you have the time and energy, you’ll almost always make more money selling your valuable items privately than at a pawn shop. This is last-resort option for when you are desperate for money.
26. Use a payday loan as a last resort
If you’ve never used a payday loan before, you might not know that there are two types.
A short-term loan and a longer-term loan.
They work like this:
You complete an online application form and submit it to the loan provider.
You are given the option to choose your repayment period (e.g., 1 month, 3 months, etc.), the amount you want to borrow ($500 – $1000), and how often you’d like to pay back ($100 a week, every two weeks, every month).
Once that information is submitted, they will perform an automated credit check followed by human verification of your income (we live in a robot world, after all!).
Once verification is completed, you’ll have access to the funds.
Payday lenders sit on the fringe of the financial services world because, unfortunately, they are very much needed.
Payday loans are for when you need money fast and have no other options.
Because of the extortionate fees and interest rates, they should be your last line of defense.
Things to do once your money crisis is over
27. Start an emergency fund
Now that you’re back on your feet financially, your first priority should be building an emergency fund.
This safety net ensures you’ll never need to scramble for cash again because you’ll have your savings to tap into.
Aim to save between 3-6 months of expenses, though this might initially seem daunting.
If you can manage just $50 per month, do so. Consistency matters more than the amount when you’re getting started.
Related: How to Start an Emergency Fund: A Complete Guide
28. Create a budget
Understanding exactly where your money comes from and where it goes is crucial to preventing future financial crises.
A well-structured budget acts as your financial roadmap, guiding your spending decisions.
Consider using a tool like Pocketsmith or YNAB that automates the tracking process by linking to your bank accounts.
Get into the habit of reviewing your finances regularly to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Pro tip: Develop a bare-bones survival budget alongside your regular budget.
Think of this as your emergency action plan that you can implement if another financial crisis strikes.
29. Live more frugally
Even if you think you’re already living frugally, there’s always room for improvement.
Small changes like skipping that daily coffee shop visit can make a surprising difference to your bottom line.
Look for free or low-cost entertainment options in your community.
Getting outside and connecting with others saves money and can genuinely improve your quality of life.
For inspiration, check out this comprehensive list of frugal living tips to discover new ways to save.
30. Check your credit score
After weathering a financial storm, reviewing your credit score annually is wise.
This simple habit helps you monitor your financial health and take early action if problems arise.
If your score has taken a hit, don’t panic. Take small, consistent steps to improve it—even modest improvements can significantly impact the types of loans and interest rates available to you in the future.
Your credit score will determine your future borrowing options, so prioritise getting it back on track.
31. Pay off debt once and for all
Eliminating debt should be a top priority after you’ve stabilised your finances. Start by tackling any high-interest loans you might have taken during your financial difficulty.
Once those are cleared, follow the interest rate strategy—focus on debts with the highest interest rates first, then work your way down. This methodical approach will save you money and create momentum as you knock out each debt.
Becoming debt-free removes a major obstacle to achieving your long-term financial goals.
32. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need
This advice might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: when money is tight, focus on necessities only.
Every dollar you save can help pay down high-interest debt faster.
Even a small amount of money can make a significant difference when you’re struggling financially.
If you have just enough to cover your monthly expenses, be grateful and use it wisely.
Prioritise needs over wants until you’ve built a more substantial financial cushion.
33. Have someone to bounce ideas off of
Financial struggles can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face them alone.
Speaking with a financial counsellor or mentor can provide invaluable guidance and accountability.
A financial support person can help you develop a realistic budget.
They can also communicate with creditors on your behalf and assist in creating manageable payment plans.
Having someone who understands your situation without judgment makes the journey less daunting.
Most people don’t naturally excel at managing money without proper education.
Financial literacy is often learned through difficult experiences rather than formal training.
The good news is that once you’ve organised your finances, maintaining them becomes much more straightforward.
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