Five Things to Do When You Need Money Fast and Can’t Pay Your Bills

Get a Temporary Job

Whether you are currently working or not, you can get an additional job that will put money in your pocket – maybe even within the week. Some temporary agencies gear their pay schedules toward people who really need the money quickly and pay either daily or weekly instead of having to wait two or three weeks to see your first paycheck. Search online or look through your newspaper ads to find these companies and get signed up quickly.

Look at other Temporary Opportunities

If you live in an area with lots of state government offices, check out the Human Resources department for temporary job assignments that can add additional money to your budget. For those living near colleges and universities, those campuses may have temporary job pools for short and long-term campus jobs. Some of these jobs may be a mere four to 10 hours each week which could be just enough to bridge the budget gap for you.

Lawn Mowing and Snow Removal

This is an easy business to get into quickly and required very little in costs. You probably already have a lawn mower and edger. Find out the going rate in your area, make up some fliers and then pass them out around your neighborhood. Maintaining just a few lawns each month may be just the right amount of extra cash for you. During the winter months, you can offer snow removal service for neighbors, especially target those neighbors who are retired or physically limited.

Babysitting & Childcare

You’d be amazed at how much babysitters are paid these days. Maybe you can find a few people who work an overnight shift and have their children spend the night at your house for some added income. You may also find that if you stay home with your own children every day, adding another child or two for added income will not require you to make huge adjustments to your schedule.

Call Creditors to Change Payment Terms

If you have outstanding student loans you’re having trouble paying, a home mortgage, auto loan or credit cards, don’t wait until they begin calling you to discuss your situation. Be proactive and contact them first. Ask about the possibility of making interest-only payments for the next three to six months, or a temporary forbearance to stop making payments now and add those payments to the end of your loan. You’ll have to extend your loan and you’ll tack on more interest, but it’s better than ruining your credit now when you just need some immediate relief. When you contact credit card companies, always ask them if you qualify for a lower interest rate. Even if you can’t delay some payments, at least you’ll be charged less each month on your balance.

A desperate economy is stressful when you have bills to pay and the money you earn doesn’t go as far as it once did. But you can find ways to earn a bit more each month that can help you get past the rough patches and help you sleep better.