What do you do for emergency money
@sunnypub (2128)
United States
April 24, 2007 1:11am CST
Everyone has times when funds are tight or when something unexpected happens and you just need some money.
In times like this I look around my house to see what crap I have that I don't really need. Of course what is crap to me is not necessarily crap to someone else, so I turn to eBay or the swapmeet to unload the stuff to earn some extra cash.
If things are really bad I will dip into the change jar. I save this for dire circumstances because I like having this growing jar of coins.
So what do you do in emergencies to get some etra money?
5 people like this
7 responses
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
24 Apr 07
I take back the bottles and cans, which means about $50.00. If this isn't enough, then I post coupons, forms and proofs of purchase for a handling fee, which usually solves my problem. Most of my reward sites pay out in paypal, so I can use some of it for an emergency.
@judyt00 (3497)
• Canada
24 Apr 07
When I need extra money, I call my kids and borrow some, just like when they need some extra money, they call me and borrow from me. That's want families are for, to be there when you really need something. If worse comes to worse, I'd call my mom, and she'd call my brother to loan me some.
3 people like this
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
24 Apr 07
Well I will definately call my daughter once she gets old enough. I used to turn to my parents but they are on hard times as it is and a few years back they did loan my husband and I a considerable amount of money so I don't want to put my hand in the cookie jar until I have returned all the cookies. I know I can count on my sister as well if she has it to spare.
I will usually try to get the money myself someway before turning to asking family, but if it comes down to it, I will ask.
Thanks for responding.
3 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
5 May 07
The change jar is our big thing too. If we're really in a tight place, we turn in all our change. If we need more money than that affords, we can usually borrow off friends for a short time, since we have also often loaned our friends money when they really needed it.
Otherwise, since we both work and have checks direct deposited into our accounts, we can use a "direct deposit advance" service at our bank. But that is really expensive, so we've only done it once when we really had no other options.
I haven't ever really sold things when I was broke, because I don't own much that anyone would want. And I'm too lazy to do all the shipping and stuff like that with ebay.
1 person likes this
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
5 May 07
I amg etting ready to cash in our chagne jar right now. Actually we have multiple jars, one for quarters, one for the other silver and one for pennys. I would say that we progbably have at least $100 in quarters alone so that will come in handy.
We have at times used the direct deposit advance too. I know it is expensive but it sure has come in handy. My husband just got a new job so the direct deposit isn't set up yet, but it is nice to know that once it is, we have that option.
The shipping is the worst part about eBay for me so I actually have my niece do it and pay her a little. I am also focusing on ebooks right now so I don't have to worry about shipping.
thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
24 Apr 07
I've had a lot of these emergencies you're speaking of. Like you I've looked around my house to see what I don't need. The summer before last we were involved in 2 yard sales, which worked out quite well for us. I've also sold some crystal that was just sitting collecting dust, and did well with that too. I 'try' to keep an envelope with some emergency cash in it, but sometimes it's hard to hold onto even that.
2 people like this
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
24 Apr 07
I think that just about everyone has stuff lying around that they could sell. You just have to get into the midset that your crap might be someone elses treasure. It ttok me a while to get into that mindset but once I did, I was amazed at what other people will pay for. I hear you about the emergency cash. I learned a long time ago that if I want emergency cash then I have to hand it over to my parents or a friend that way I amless likely to spend it on something other than an emergency. Thanks for responding.
2 people like this
@noriko (1254)
•
2 May 07
me and my husband has a savings account and we put there all the lose change.... and we can get some mergency money there. but if ever the bank is close coz that account is not ATM we can pound one of his guitars.... i dont know if he will do that but i think if its emergency.
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
4 May 07
A savings account is great idea but I fear most people have trouble keeping the money in it. Thanks for responding.
@hezoid (2144)
•
5 May 07
In a real emergency, i will look to my family in times of need, as i'm very fortunate to have a lvoing and supporting family who will help me out, and then i will repay them in better times. We had to do that in order to pay for our boiler as the UK weather is just too cold in winter, and to buy x-mas prezzies last x-mas. Hopefully we're getting in a better financial position now though.
1 person likes this
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
5 May 07
I hear ya. For the real emergencies, like we have to have money yesterday kind of thing, I turn to family and friends. they know that I am good for it and when I am in a position to help I help them out. It is all about give and take. I guess I am pretty lucky too. thanks for responding.
@evelynlyp (788)
• Japan
2 May 07
I keep money for a rainy day. So far it always covers the emergency expenses. I make it a rule to save as much as I can each month (roughly 20-50%). I suppose that's a lot of time spend indoors but hey, its much better than freaking out when you don't have enough money and need to borrow from someone. Other people need their money too.
1 person likes this
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
4 May 07
If you have the will power to keep doing that, that is a great idea. I think that is what most people should do but I know how hard it is. Thanks for responding.
