Sometimes the time between paydays can feel like an eternity, and when you throw an unexpected bill into the mix then you might find yourself in a position where you need to find money in a hurry. These ideas will help you to find money in a hurry.
Shop your home
To immediately make savings and free up cash you should stop spending money where you can. Whilst you need to stay on top of your regular bills, by trying to not visit supermarkets or do any other shopping you can save a significant amount of money. You can shop your own kitchen cupboards and freezer to see what meals you can make, and instead of buying new clothes have a good look through what you already have. If you have an occasion where you need to give a gift then see what you can re-gift or what you can make from items you already have in your home.
Return items for refunds
If you have recently bought something that is still new and sealed or with tags then you can usually return it for a refund. These returns can free up some money in your budget, and if you really need them or miss them you can purchase them again when your financial situation has improved.
Sell items quickly to get money in a hurry
If you have unwanted items around your home then you can sell these to free up some cash. You can use short auctions on eBay (from as little as 1 day auctions) or use Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to get a quick sale. You could also take your items to a car boot sale or jumble sale to rake in the cash. If you have a lot of books, CDs and DVDs to sell you could get an instant quote from Music Magpie or We Buy Books. They don’t pay out a lot, but you can bundle all your items and post them for free.
Use your loyalty rewards
Loyalty schemes are a great way to get rewarded for your custom, and whilst you might be saving them for Christmas if you are struggling until payday then you can use your rewards to help you out. You can use supermarket loyalty points to pay for groceries to help tide you over.
Ask for money that you are owed
We often feel awkward asking friends and family to repay money we have loaned them, however if you are facing financial hardship then it is time to ask for money you are owed. If you can’t stomach the thought of asking face to face then you can ask via text or email.
This also extends to companies who owe you money. If you are due money from switching bank account or anything else then chase them up.
Check if your utilities are in credit
If any of your utilities like your energy or water are in credit from you overpaying then you can get a refund to release some extra cash to you, for instance if you have signed up to Bulb for £50 free credit. Simply check your account by logging in online or giving them a ring and seeing if you are in credit. You can then request a refund as this is your own money. Don’t forget that you can also ask to pay a lower monthly fee moving forward, which will free up some more money in your budget.
Cancel unwanted subscriptions
Take a few moments to go through your regular banking transactions and see if there is anything you can cancel. You might even find subscriptions that you can stop for just one month until payday comes, such as Netflix. In some instances you can also save money just by trying to cancel online. Some service providers ask why you are cancelling and give you the chance to say that it is too expensive. Then an offer often pops up with a great deal to entice you to stay.
Cash in your coins to find money in a hurry
If you have been saving your loose change then now is the time to use it. You can bag it up using free money bags from your bank or Post Office and deposit it into your bank account to spend. Alternatively you can use it towards your shopping in small amounts – just use your discretion.
Find suitable credit
If you still need to get access to credit after trying all of the above, look for credit that is suitable for you. Going into an unauthorised overdraft can be pricey depending on who you bank with, so you might be able to find a better alternative. Try to avoid going for payday loans because these have high interest rates attached to them, and if you need to apply for a mortgage or other credit such as a car loan in the near future then payday loans will have a negative impact on your credit report.
