Generally when someone needs money in a pinch they turn to shady, predatory loans that are likely to end them in a pile of debt. These loans have their place in a small set of circumstances, but in most cases they should be avoided at all costs. The good news is that there are some great alternatives out there that can get you the cash that you need, when you need it, without heading to the local lender.

Work For The Cash You Need

While it doesn’t pay you right away, working overtime at your job is the place to start. This option isn’t available to everyone, but if you can pick up some extra hours do it.

If you are unable to work OT or need the cash well before payday, turn to Craigslist. They have a job section called [ETC] that is full of quick to do, quick to pay jobs. Have you ever wondered where people get jobs passing out fliers, registering voters, or doing medical research? This is the spot.

Another option would be to do some work for your family or friends. They will likely respect the fact that you’re not trying to borrow money from them, and may offer work doing odd jobs around their house or work. Think of things like yard work, babysitting, cooking, or cleaning.

See If You Have Stuff That You Can Sell

The old trope is that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, which makes sense as long as you don’t have trash that you’re trying to sell! If you have stuff laying around your house that is in good shape someone out there will probably want to buy it. How you sell it is important, as each has its pros and cons, so we’ll break down three different ways so you can figure which is right for you.

Craigslist

Selling on Craigslist is the most work and highest paying. You’re able to set your own prices for what you want to sell, but you actually have to do the work to get it sold. This means taking a high quality photo or two, then doing the negotiation with the buyer. Have a minimum price you’re willing to accept before negotiating and don’t go below it.

Pawn Shop

The pawn shop is the fastest, but the least paying. The guys at your local pawn shop will probably know your stuff and be able to assess its value quickly, therefore you could be paid in as little as a few minutes. However, they’re in business too and need to make money on what they’re buying from you, so they will offer you a fraction of what it’s really worth.

Selling At Item Specific Stores

The final option is to sell your stuff at places that specialize in what you’re looking to sell. A perfect example of this would be selling your video games to your local Game Stop. They’re going to be able to pay more than the pawn shop because of their ability to turn over merchandise quicker, but you’re likely going to have to spend more time going from store to store. Common items that can be sold like this are clothes, jewelry, video games, musical instruments, and books.

While these aren’t the only ways to go out and earn a quick buck, they are likely going to be the most reliable. Although they are definitely more work than simply getting a loan, not having to deal with a dime of debt is the real bonus.

This is a guest post by Geoff Willis, author of IsItPaydayYet.com. There he discusses all of the different ways to get money quickly without getting into trouble.