Need to Find Some Cash NOW?
We all have unexpected cash needs come up, but there are better (and unfortunately, worse) ways to tap into your resources. Stay on top of your situation and be the wiser. Consider these 4 relatively safe ways to find some money quickly if you need cash NOW.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) OR Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
BEST FOR a MEDICAL EMERGENCY or SURPRISE BILLS
For unexpected medical emergencies and sudden bills, consider spending some of your funds in your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) first. These funds are earmarked for just this purpose: to help ease you through a challenging medical time or to handle one-time emergency hospital or doctor/specialist bills.
Is your medical bill a total SURPRISE? Check out the NO SURPRISES ACT, enacted in January 1, 2022 by the United States Government for U.S. citizens facing sudden, surprise medical bills.
2. Cash OR High-yield Savings Account
BEST FOR OTHER MAJOR EXPENSES
Your best first step could be to withdraw from a cash or high-yield savings account for expenses other than medical ones. This might be a dedicated emergency savings account or any other cash account at your bank, credit union, or other financial institution.
3. Temporary Use of Low-Interest Credit Card
BEST FOR TEMPORARY, SHORT-TERM CASH NEEDS
In some cases, it may make sense to carefully (and temporarily!) put expenses on a low-interest credit card. So, what is considered low interest these days?
Several major bank credit cards offer low rates and low (or no) annual fees and very attractive Balance Transfer options:
BankAmericard–0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days.
Discover It Cash Back–0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card–0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
4. Non-Retirement Account Withdrawals
Consider withdrawing from non-retirement accounts, like a taxable brokerage account ,as a stopgap measure before tapping your retirement accounts.
