stressing over bills

Struggling to Make Ends Meet? Here’s What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Bills

Don't lose hope just yet. Your bank account may not be growing, but you can still get the money you need on time. Here's what to do if you can't pay your bills on time this month.

Why Is It So Hard to Pay Bills on Time?

You work really hard. You're responsible for your money. You even say "no" when you want to say "yes" to things at the store. So, why can't you pay your bills on time every month? Well, it might not actually be your fault.

You see, many people deal with these 3 common problems when they're trying to balance life, love, work, and bills at the same time:

Differences in Due Dates and Payday Schedules

Your bills might be due on the 10th but you don't get paid until the 15th. So, when you go to pay it, you're always hit with a late charge or a negative mark on your credit report, which makes it hard to get a line of credit or a better job.

Large Amounts Due All at Once

You get charged an inordinate amount of money on something you budget much less for, making it impossible to pay in full. Then, you begin to fall behind as the finance charges and late fees mount.

Unexpected Expenses Took Away Your Money

You had everything under control and then BAM! – an emergency or unexpected expense pops up out of nowhere. Now, you have to juggle everything in your life just to make ends meet, often failing to do so because there's not enough to go around.

When you can't make ends meet, you get creative. Even if you have to ask friends and family for some money, you figure it out. This time is no different, except you'll be standing on your own two feet instead of relying on the kind sacrifices of others.

What to Do If You Can't Pay Your Bills

Rule number one: don't panic. Most places have grace periods wherein you can avoid a late fee if you make a payment within a few days. If not, then use one of these tactics to stay afloat.

1. Get an Advance until Payday.

Don't know what to do if you can't pay your bills? Aside from not panicking, you need to also use your resources. Payday advance loans let you spend money that's already yours before your employer deposits it into the bank.

Then, you can pay it back when your check arrives and move on with your life without stressing. This can help you get by when unexpected expenses spring up as well, plus it makes managing emergencies much easier.

NOTE: You can borrow only a portion of your paycheck to cover a specific debt or purchase.

2. Take out a Title Loan Using Your Car.

Still don't know what to do if you can't pay your bills because you're out of a job right now? No worries. You can trade in the title of your lien-free vehicle for a lump sum of quick cash. It's fast, easy, convenient, and legit.

Then, you can use the money to make large payments, erase pesky debts, or pay your bills ahead for a few months to buy some time. This option also helps you avoid late fees, evictions, and eliminate negative marks on your credit.

NOTE: You may be able to keep possession of your vehicle while the loan is in effect.

Woman happy about flex loan

3. Check out the Flex Loans Offered by Tennessee Title Loans, Inc.

When you don't know what to do if you can't pay your bills yet, it's easy to lose hope. However, there may be one more option that doesn't involve picking up a second job. It is called flex loans (also known as a line of credit).

What Is a Flex Loan/Line of Credit?

A flex loan is a type of loan that provides you with the access to money “on demand”. You can use it up to a maximum amount of $4000 with Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. After you pay off the borrowed amount, it will be available again for you to borrow.

A cool thing about flex loans is that you can get fast money, then repay some (or all) of it before re-borrowing money again up to your initial credit limit. Thus, flex loans/lines of credit are a great way to prevent oversights when due dates and paydays don't match up.

It's hard not to panic when you're short on funds. But knowing what to do if you can't pay your bills on time helps you stay cool, calm, and collected.

How to Apply for Flex Loans/Lines of Credit:

  1. Fill out a short inquiry form found on the Home Page of our website
  2. One of our loan representatives from the nearest store locations will give you a call, so, have your phone at hand. He will explain the rest of the process and give you the location where you’ll meet a verification agent.
  3. Head over to the meeting place. Bring the following documents with you:
    • Driver’s license or a State issued I.D.
    • Lien-free title to your vehicle
    • Proof of income (this can be your most recent paystub)
    • Your vehicle for inspection
  4. The verification agent will review your papers and inspect your vehicle. This will let him decide on the amount of loan you qualify for.
  5. Sign a few papers.
  6. Get your cash the very same day.

TIP: Still don't know what to do if you can't pay your bills on time? Create a more structured monthly budget or talk to a lending agent for advice on how to qualify for a loan.

Get a Flex Loan Today

There's no need to be worried. Even when you don't know what to do if you can't pay your bills, you're not alone. There are several options in the community and beyond. So, get creative, use your resources, and stand on your own two feet again.

And if you ever encounter an emergency, Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. is always there to help. Contact us for more information or get started today!

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

Mason Roberts

Mason Roberts is a seasoned economics writer and blogger with a knack for breaking down and simply communicating the ever-changing world of finance. He is philosophically committed to the premise that financial knowledge equals financial freedom.