How To Raise Cash Fast

Don't panic. There are many resources available and many ways to tap into extra money.

Step 1: Apply for a personal loan from your bank, especially if you have good credit or collateral.
: Avoid "pay day" loans, which charge astronomical interest rates and transaction fees and can lead to a constant borrowing cycle to pay back the previous loan.
Step 2: Sell stocks, mutual funds, or other taxable investments; cash out certificates of deposit (CDs); or tap into your home equity to give you the quick monetary boost you need.
FACT: Annual interest rates for payday loans average over 400 percent.
TIP: Make sure you can pay back the loan within the specified time frame to avoid paying penalties and taxes on top of loan interest.
Step 3: Take out a short-term loan from your retirement savings.
Step 4: Find an extra part-time job, pick up odd jobs, or start a side business out of your home. Some ideas include doing yard work for neighbors, dog walking, and running errands.
Step 5: Return recent big-ticket purchases, such as electronics or appliances that are still covered by the retailer's return policy. Make sure to keep your receipts.
Step 6: Consider selling your blood, plasma, eggs, or sperm. Contact a research lab that will pay you to participate in medical tests.
Step 7: Liquidate your belongings, such as TVs, cars, or cameras, by selling them online, through your local paper, or at a yard sale or pawn shop.