Need Cash for the Holidays?

If you are having a hard time making ends
meet this holiday season, you are not alone.
The economy has forced the closures of many
companies, the lay-off of thousands, and the
pay reduction of many. There are a large
number of people who have been injured and
are unable to work. This is a tough holiday
year for many.

There maybe options available to you,
however, if you have certain situations
that can be worked with. There are cost-
cutting measures, as well, in which you
need not spend do much money this season.

Alternatives for holiday gift giving –
make gifts yourself – a gift basket with
baked goodies, a wood carving, a sewn
item, or something that you are good at.
Give stamps and stationery. Or alternate
family members you will give gifts to –
and not give to everyone.

Other possibilities you can explore is
the sale of some of your assets and
property – do you have things you really
do not need and are like new? Do you have
things you can take to consignment
stores? Do you have a legal or insurance
settlement that is paying soon or paying
in installments (you can sell those off
to get the cash now)? Do you carry a note
on a mortgage or have an annuity you would
like to cash in – in whole or on part?
Can you sell an extra car? Do you have a
pension you would like to get cash from?
Do you have excess inventory you want to
get rid of?

Have you called your credit card
companies to try to make a payment
arrangement with them? Many are
sympathetic if you try to cooperate with
them, and can often hold out a payment,
perhaps a month from now. There are debt
consolidation services which can do this
for you, giving you one monthly payment
at a reduced rate. You can also negotiate
a credit card settlement – pay it off in
an agreement, at a potentially huge
reduction (you may have to pay taxes on
the portion you are forgiven, so be
prepared in April 2003).

You can also get an advance on your
paycheck that you know is coming but
not here yet when you are needing the
money. There are places you can get to
loan you cash for that check – it will
cost you, but any of the options above
will cost you – weigh out if it's worth
it to you.

Find out more holiday cost saving tips at
http://www.doubleii.com/holidaycashneeds.htm