Facing an unexpected expense and need emergency money today? It’s stressful, but there are legitimate ways to get fast cash when you need it most. Whether you sell something, pick up a quick side hustle, or explore a title loan, you have options. Below, we’ll explore 7 ways to get quick financial assistance.

Key Takeaways

• There are several ways to get emergency money today, including starting a quick side hustle, selling unused items, dog walking or pet sitting, donating plasma, renting out a room, borrowing from friends or family, and exploring a title loan.
• Side hustles and selling unwanted items can provide emergency cash without taking out a loan, although the amount earned and how quickly you receive money can vary.
• Borrowing money from friends or family may provide quick financial assistance for smaller emergencies, but creating a clear repayment plan can help reduce the risk of damaging personal relationships.
• Tennessee title loans may provide up to $2,500 using a lien-free vehicle title as collateral, but they should be considered a last resort after other emergency funding options and only when repayment is affordable.
• When looking for fast emergency cash, watch for scams and risky offers, including lenders that charge upfront fees, lenders that do not clearly explain loan terms, and employers that expect work before discussing payment.

Why Would Someone Need Emergency Money Today?

According to the Federal Reserve’s Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households, 45% of American adults don’t have enough emergency savings to cover three months of expenses. That figure increases to 79% for adults without a high school diploma and 58% for those whose highest level of education is a high school diploma or GED.

Without sufficient savings, unexpected expenses can be hard to cover. Common reasons someone may need emergency money include medical bills, car repairs, urgent home repairs, and unexpected travel expenses.

If you need money for an urgent expense and don’t have enough savings, you have several options to consider.

Below, we’ll look at seven ways to get emergency money and what to know about each one:

1. Start a Quick Side Hustle

Side hustles are gigs you can complete to make extra cash. Some side hustles you can start quickly without licenses or major startup costs. You can even complete them remotely on websites like Upwork and Fiverr.

For in-person side gigs, you can use TaskRabbit or Instawork to connect with people who need help with repairs, assembling furniture, yard work, moving, etc. Whatever side hustle you take on, make sure it’s something you have experience in. The more you can prove your expertise, the more you could potentially make.

Here are some examples of side hustles to make quick emergency funds:

• Drive for Uber or Lyft
• Deliver food with DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart
• Freelance writing and editing
• Graphic design
• Remote assistant work
• Social media management

2. Sell Items You Don’t Need

If your home is full of items you no longer use or need, you can try to sell them to make extra cash. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, after all. The items you can sell that will likely have the highest value include furniture, clothes, jewelry, consumer electronics, fine art, and collectibles.

The following are some websites and apps you can use to sell your items:

• eBay (connects you with global customers; you must handle shipping)
• Facebook Marketplace (best for local sales)
• Poshmark (for those looking to sell clothes)
• Depop (vintage clothes and streetwear)
• Etsy (selling crafts, art, vintage items, and handmade creations)

3. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting

People with pets will pay you to watch them while they're at work. If you like animals and are patient, this can earn some serious cash quickly. Dog walking can help you get exercise, meet neighbors, enjoy new furry friends, and make emergency money.

Dog walking platforms include Rover, Wag!, and Care.com. Only go for this side gig if you have the time in your schedule to help out and love animals.

4. Sell Plasma for Quick Cash

Health centers are now set up nationwide to take plasma, and they can pay well, depending on demand. You can typically make $30-$70 per plasma donation, and it generally takes two hours on your first donation (and 60-90 minutes on subsequent donations). You must be in good health, and centers put you through rigorous evaluations the first time you go to ensure you're healthy.

To donate plasma, you must be at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, pass all medical screening, test negative for hepatitis and HIV, and not have gotten a tattoo or piercing in the last four months.

5. Rent Out a Room

Do you have extra space in your house? Whether it’s an extra room or garage space, you could convert it into space to rent. Websites like SpareRoom, Roomies, and Roomster can connect you with people looking for a place to stay.

You can rent your room out for a short time or an extended period. How much you can charge for rent depends on the size of the room and the location of your home. Make sure you meet the person before agreeing to rent to them to ensure you get along and can live together harmoniously.

6. Ask Friends and Family for Help

For a smaller financial emergency, you can ask friends or family for a peer-to-peer loan. Ask and see if anyone you know has extra cash they can lend you to help during your time of need. While someone may not be able to help you afford the full cost, even a little bit can go a long way.

Borrow only a small amount so you can repay it on time. Failing to repay friends and family who helped you can strain the relationship. Make a repayment plan before borrowing.

While side gigs, selling items, and friends and family can help, some emergencies require larger amounts of money more quickly. In those situations, borrowers may explore financing options like title loans.

7. Get a Title Loan in Tennessee

Title loans allow you to use your lien-free vehicle title as collateral to borrow up to $2,500, depending on your vehicle’s value. You must own your vehicle outright to get approved. You should only go for this loan for urgent funds as a last resort after considering other options. You will need to repay the Tennessee title loan, so make sure you can afford it to avoid risking your vehicle.

To get approved for title loans in Tennessee, you will need three required items: a state-issued photo ID that displays your full name and date of birth, a lien-free vehicle title in your name, and your car, truck, or van for an inspection.

The approval process for car title loans involves:

• Filling out our online form with your basic details
• Answering our phone call to learn how title loans work
• Bringing your required items to the nearest Tennessee store for verification
• Allowing a loan representative to inspect your car for its value
• Signing the final loan documents to complete the process
• Receiving your money later that day or by the next business day

Before applying, make sure you can afford repayment and learn as much as you can about your loan type. Read through our terms of use and consumer disclosures for more information.

What To Avoid When Looking For Emergency Money

When considering the fast funding options above, it’s essential to understand who you are going into business with. There may be people out there looking to take advantage of you, or you could make a mistake by failing to read the fine print.

Here are some red flags to avoid when seeking quick funds for emergencies:

• Lenders who charge upfront fees
• Freelance employers who want you to start working before discussing payment
• Room renters who cannot provide proof of income
• Lenders that don’t explain how their loans work
• Freelancing for companies with no website that includes their name, address, and phone number

FAQs for Making Emergency Money Today

What is the fastest way to get emergency money?

Getting a title loan or borrowing from friends and family is the fastest way to get cash when you need it in just a few days. Working side hustles, renting out your room, or selling items can take time before money comes in.

Can I get emergency cash with bad credit?

Title loans for bad credit are available. Since you provide high-value collateral, the lender is secured. You won’t have to prove you have good credit to get approved.

How quickly can title loan funds be deposited?

The full title loan process can take less than a day. You can receive your funds later that day or by the next business day. Those looking for same-day funding may want to consider Tennessee title loans, as long as you meet the requirements and feel confident in your ability to repay.

Get Title Loans for Emergency Cash Today!

When emergency expenses arise, Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. can help. Our title loans allow you to borrow fast emergency cash as long as you own your vehicle and can provide its lien-free title as collateral. We accept all credit types, and you keep your vehicle. Start with our online title loan form, then visit us in person to get approved in as little as 30 minutes.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.