Top 10 Tips to Help You Survive a Cash Crunch - Even Without an Emergency Fund

1. Financial Hardship Assistance Plans –

If you are going through a rough patch in your finances, you can reach out to your creditors, lenders, and bankers to ask for assistance. You may get payment relief on your mortgage, car loan, credit cards, and student loans if you have financial difficulty. It will lower the burden of EMIs and enable you to focus on the crisis.

2. Budgeting Planning -

Rethinking your budget during a cash crunch should be the first action to take whenever you find your financial plan faltering. Look at your weekly and monthly budgets to find places to cut expenditures. Press pause on things like eating out, spending on hobbies, and entertainment.

3. Private Personal Loans -

Applying for a personal loan for unexpected expenses may be wise during a cash crunch. Private Finance loans are quick, with paperless application and disbursal processes, and can help tide you over a financial problem in the short term. Personal loans may be a bit expensive compared to home or car loans, but they are much more affordable compared to credit cards and several other sources of finance. Research personal loan interest rates and loan tenures to check affordability and underlying terms.

4. Request for a Salary Advance –

Some employers offer salary advances to needy employees. The advance amount is then deducted slowly from your pay checks. You may be bound to pay the advance back in a specified time, you may also be obliged to continue working for the company until the advance is repaid, and in some cases, they may even charge interest. Check out the terms and conditions of a salary advance offered by your employer.

5. Borrowing from Investments –

Borrowing from investments like your life insurance or retirement fund should be the last resort. However, it is an option that you should be aware of. It can help you avoid high-interest debt and give you the financial support you need during a crisis. But dipping into your long-term investments profoundly impacts your interest earning and overall financial health.

6. Earn Some Extra Cash –

If you need a small amount, it may be best to look around for ways to earn some extra cash. Find a second job for a few months and earn extra money by devoting your time. You could also earn some money by selling expensive possessions that you no longer need, such as musical instruments, a second car, or a piece of furniture. Even though it seems like hard work, it will help you handle a financial crisis without taking on extra debt. Repaying debt is more complicated than earning extra before you spend.

7. No Credit Cards –

Credit cards are convenient, but if you use them to pay for everything without tracking your credit card expenses – they can derail your budget. If you are in a financial crisis, stop paying with credit cards and switch to cash. It will help you track your spending, save interest payments, and give you time to focus on the problem.

8. Get Ready to Cut Your Monthly Bills -

Another way to avoid having trouble while paying your bills is to keep your recurrent monthly spending as low as possible. Start by reviewing your budget to identify areas where you may be overspending. Are you, for instance, paying a monthly charge for a subscription that you hardly ever use? Find out how to cancel it or change to a lower-cost plan. If you look closely into your lifestyle, you might discover many cost-saving strategies to save money.

9. Find a Side Gig -

If you have an open mind, you can discover creative methods to earn extra money. Maybe you are good at writing but have never tried to make money from it. Now is the time to ramp up your portfolio to find a paying writing job. You might also excel in yoga or dancing. You can take online or offline classes to teach different skills and crafts from the safety of your home.

10. Make Sure You Have Adequate Insurance -

Do you have too much insurance? Or can you find the same coverage from a different carrier for less money? You can reduce your monthly bills by making these simple adjustments. Nevertheless, having good insurance protection helps stop crises from developing one after the other. And it's essential to ensure that you have adequate coverage rather than just the bare minimum. You must avoid going overboard at the same time.

Going through a financial crisis is stressful and challenging for everyone. But maintaining an emergency fund may help you stay prepared for unforeseen expenses. Investing your money and finding ways for your money to grow can also be very helpful in the long run. Don’t be afraid to explore opportunities to borrow with a personal loan or a life insurance loan. Affordable debt can also offer valuable support in times of need. We hope these tips will help you find your way out of your financial crisis.

She is specializes in Content Marketing and works with the Digital Team at KreditBee - India's fastest personal loan platform. Tanvi writes to-the-point articles on personal finance and budgeting which are truly appreciated by her readers. She is committed to making money matters easy to understand even for the layman. Her commitment to her work doesn't stop her from pursuing her hobbies of hiking, trekking and going on adventurous trips.