5 Practical Ways to Raise Money for Short-Term Expenses

The contents provided on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Consider your personal circumstances and objectives before making any financial decisions.

If a bill, emergency repair, or other essential expense pops up out of nowhere, it can be difficult to find extra money. Doubly so if you need to pull the cash together fast. The good news is that options do exist to help you through; the best one depends on how fast you need the funds, how much you need, and whether you can repay it without putting more pressure on the next payday.

So let’s take a look at 5 practical ways to raise money for short-term expenses, including what each option involves, who it may suit, and potential drawbacks.

Our 5 Options for Raising Money Fast

Let’s cut to the chase. The most practical options to raise money quickly involve:

• Selling unused items.
• Picking up quick paid work, extra shifts, freelance jobs etc.
• Asking for a payment plan on a bill (not technically raising money, but freeing it up).
• Exploring No Interest Loans for eligible essential expenses.
• Taking out a Pay Advance, if you can repay it comfortably.

But we can go a bit further. It’s time to dive a little deeper into each of the options and discuss what each involves and things to note when considering them.

1) Selling unused items

One of the simplest ways to raise money for short-term expenses is to sell things you already own but no longer use or don’t really have a need for. This can work well if you need cash quickly and want to avoid taking on debt.

Phones, gaming consoles, tools, furniture, baby items, sports equipment, branded clothes, even trading cards can all be relatively easy to sell if they’re in decent condition and reasonably priced. Plus, there are plenty of sites that allow for second-hand selling—eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, Gumtree etc.

What it involves

This option is straightforward:

• Find items you no longer need.
• Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions.
• List them on a local marketplace.
• Set a realistic price for a quick sale.
• Arrange pickup or drop-off safely.

If your goal is to raise money quickly, speed usually matters more than getting the highest possible price, but of course use your discretion when it comes to what you will accept.

How it could help

Selling unused items can help because:

• There’s no application process.
• There’s no repayment later.
• It’s cash in hand or account immediately upon selling.
• You may be able to raise at least part of what you need within a day or two.
• It doesn’t require a lot of effort to manage.

Who it’s best for

This may suit you if:

• You need a few hundred dollars rather than thousands.
• You have items in good condition that people are likely to buy.
• You’d prefer not to borrow if you can avoid it.
• You want to declutter your living spaces (not the main reason but could be a silver lining).

Drawbacks

The downside is that it depends on what you own and how quickly it sells. Certain things, such as tools or furniture, often sell faster than others due to having a wider market. If you own niche items you may end up having to wait longer for a sale. It may not be enough on its own if the bill is large or due immediately.

2) Picking Up Extra Work

If you have a bit of flexibility and the available opportunities, short-term paid work can be another practical way to raise money fast.

This could mean taking extra shifts at your current job, doing local casual work, or picking up jobs like deliveries, cleaning, pet sitting, or event work.

What it involves

You don’t necessarily need specialised knowledge or a long setup process. In many cases, you just need time, transport, and the ability to start quickly.

You might look at:

• Extra shifts through your employer.
• Hospitality or retail casual work.
• Delivery driving or rider work.
• Pet sitting or house sitting.
• Task-based work in your local area.
• Tutoring, coaching, or freelance work.

How it could help

This option can be useful if:

• You want to avoid borrowing.
• You have a few days before the expense is due.
• You only need to pay part of the total right now.
• You’d rather earn the money than repay it later, and have the option of doing so.

Who it’s best for

This may suit you if:

• Your schedule has some flexibility
• You can physically or mentally do the work.
• You don’t need the full amount immediately.

Drawbacks

The main issue is timing. Even quick work is not always instant, and payment may not land the same day. It also takes time and energy when you may already be stretched. Adding extra jobs on top of an existing job has to be managed as carefully as possible to minimise potential burnout or overload.

3) Sorting Out a Payment Plan

If the expense is a bill, loan repayment, or another essential payment, one of the smartest first steps can be asking whether the due amount can be split, delayed, or adjusted. Many bill providers are open to this and the answer can help provide extra clarity.

This won’t give you cash in hand, but it can reduce how much money you need to find right now. As such, it can work as a complement to the other money-raising options or can help tide you over until your next pay.

What it is

A payment plan (or in certain circumstances a hardship arrangement) is when a provider agrees to change how you repay. That might mean:

• Moving a due date.
• Splitting a bill into smaller payments rather than a lump sum.
• Pausing a payment for a short period.
• Reducing repayments for a set, agreed-upon time.

How it could help

This can make a big difference when you’re dealing with money for unexpected expenses.

For example, if a $600 bill can be split into 3 payments, you may only need to find $200 now instead of the full amount. That can make other options more manageable too.

Who it’s best for

This may suit you if:

• The expense is a bill rather than a cash-only cost.
• You can manage smaller repayments but not the full amount at once.
• You want to reduce how much you need to raise quickly.

Drawbacks

It won’t work for every expense, and it doesn’t remove the bill altogether. You still need a plan to cover the payments later. Some people also put off or avoid asking because they expect a flat no, but it’s worth posing the question.

4) Apply for a No Interest Loan

If the expense is necessary rather than optional, a No Interest Loan may be worth exploring.

This type of loan is designed for essential goods and services, which can make it a more sensible option than higher-cost borrowing for some people. It often also has specific eligibility criteria, depending on the provider.

What it is

A No Interest Loan is what it sounds like. A loan that charges no fees or interest and is generally used for specific essential costs, such as:

• Car repairs or rego.
• Medical or dental expenses.
• Household appliances.
• Education-related costs.
• Some employment-related expenses.

Unlike a general cash loan, it’s often tied to an approved expense rather than being money you can use for anything.

How it could help

A No Interest Loan may help if:

• The expense is essential.
• Keeping costs down matters.
• You want to avoid interest.
• You can afford the repayments.

For someone comparing ways to raise money for short-term essential expenses, this can be a lower-cost option where it fits the purpose.

Who it’s best for

This may suit you if:

• The expense is necessary.
• You meet the eligibility criteria.
• You don’t need unrestricted cash in your account.

Drawbacks

It won’t fit every situation. It may not be the fastest option if the expense is urgent, you may not exactly meet the eligibility criteria, and it won’t be ideal for those who need flexible cash for multiple costs at once.

5) Take Out a Pay Advance

If you’re working, need a smaller amount quickly, and want a short-term option with a clear repayment structure, a Pay Advance (also known as a cash advance) may be one of the options you compare.

This can be relevant when the expense can’t wait, and other ways to raise money quickly won’t cover it in time or won’t be able to cover it all.

What it is

A Pay Advance is a short-term loan designed to help bridge a gap before payday. It’s generally aimed at smaller, near-term expenses rather than large, long-term borrowing.

What it involves

A Pay Advance may be used when you need help covering an essential cost like:

• An urgent bill.
• A car repair.
• A medical expense.
• School costs.
• Another short-term cash flow gap.

With Beforepay Pay Advance, eligible customers may be able to borrow up to $2,000 and repay it in up to 4 instalments. As with any borrowing option, approval and suitability depend on individual circumstances and whether the repayments fit within your budget.

Each provider may also have specific eligibility criteria for borrowers. For example, Beforepay’s criteria includes:

• Being an Australian resident aged 18+.
• Having an Australian driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card (for ID purposes).
• Being employed and earning a wage.
• Not earning more than 51% of your income from Centrelink.

How it could help

A Pay Advance may help if:

• The expense is urgent.
• You’re employed and have regular income.
• You need funds quickly.
• You want a smaller short-term borrowing option rather than a larger loan.
• You want to avoid payday loans.

Who it’s best for

This may suit you if:

• You’re a working Australian with regular pay coming in.
• The cost is essential and time-sensitive.
• You’re confident the repayments will be manageable.

Drawbacks

A Pay Advance is still borrowing, so it should be approached carefully. If repayment is likely to leave you short again next payday, it may not be the right fit. A Pay Advance can work well for some short-term gaps, but only when it fits comfortably into your next few pay cycles.

What to check before choosing any option

If you need to raise money quickly, it can help to pause for a few minutes and check these first:

1. How much do you actually need today?

Try to separate the urgent amount from the total amount. You may not need to solve the full problem all at once. This can be tricky if an expense is in your face and you’re under pressure, but it can be good to consider.

2. Is the expense essential?

If the cost can wait, delaying it may save you from borrowing.

3. Can the due date be moved?

A payment plan or hardship arrangement could reduce how much you need right now.

4. Will repayments fit comfortably into your budget?

This matters most if you’re considering a No Interest Loan or Pay Advance.

5. Are you fixing the problem or shifting it?

The best short-term option is the one that helps now without making next month harder.

The Long and Short of It

If you need to raise money for short-term expenses, start with the option that gives you the least long-term pressure.

That usually means looking first at what you can do without borrowing. Surveying your options will help you hone in on exactly what you’ll need to do, such as looking for things to sell or checking the availability of extra work. If those won't solve the problem in time, compare the short-term borrowing options that are realistic for your situation, especially if the expense is essential.

The key is to be practical, not perfect. Choose the option that covers the cost, fits the timeline, and leaves you in a position to stay on top of your next payday, not stuck chasing your tail in a pile of debt.

If a short-term borrowing option is the most realistic fit, make sure you understand the repayments, keep the amount as small as possible, and choose an option that works with your budget rather than against it.

Need money now?

Explore Beforepay Pay Advance to see whether it could suit a short-term essential expense.

Explore other finance strategies

• What are Your Options if You’re Out of Work and Need Money
• How to Compare Utility Providers and Save Money on Your Electricity Bill
• How to Save Money on Groceries and Stretch Your Budget Further
• How to Budget When You Have an Irregular Income

Disclaimer: Beforepay Group Ltd, ABN: 63 633 925 505. Beforepay allows eligible customers to access their pay and provides budgeting tools. Beforepay does not provide financial products, financial advice or credit products. The views provided in this article include factual information and the personal opinions of relevant Beforepay staff and do not constitute financial advice. Beforepay and its related bodies corporate make no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or reliability of the contents of this blog post and do not accept any liability for any loss whatsoever arising from the use of this information. Please read our Terms of Service carefully before deciding whether to use any of our services.