Providing a nest egg for my children

If there's more month left than pay check and you have some outstanding bills or an unexpected expense you're going to need some fast cash. There's no shortage of ways to make some extra money such as taking an extra job, completing online surveys or starting a side business, but what if you need money today? Here are five ways to get some instant cash.

Return Recent Purchases or Gifts

Did you treat yourself to new clothes, games or electronics earlier in the month or recently receive a gift? Take these items to the store for an instant refund. Even if you don't have a receipt, some stores will offer a refund on store-branded goods such as clothing. If you're not sure if a store offers cash refunds, as some offer store credit, call ahead and check their returns policy.

Recycle Scrap Metal

Do you have unwanted metal items cluttering up your garden or garage? Copper, brass, aluminium, and steel can all be taken to your local scrap metal recycling centre and exchanged for cash. The exact amount you'll get per kilo of metal is subject to market fluctuations, but you'll be given a no obligation quote once your metal is weighed. Copper and brass are high-value metals, so look for old plumbing pipes, door handles, electrical wires, and light fixtures.

Sell Your Concert Tickets

If you're in possession of sought-after, concert tickets you won't have a problem selling them quickly. Advertise your tickets on local classified sites and sell them for at least their face value. You may be disappointed to see them go, but at least you'll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your financial obligations are being met.

Be sensible when meeting a potential buyer; meet in a public place, try to take a friend along with you and avoid being scammed by insisting on cash instead of a cheque or online money transfer.

Pawn Some Valuables

Pawn shops lend money on an item you offer as collateral such as jewellery, electronics, tools, or musical instruments. They keep your valuable and give you a cash amount equivalent to the value of the item, and you have a few weeks to return to the pawn shop and buy your item back. You'll have to pay an agreed amount of interest if you return to get your goods, but there's also the option of not returning to collect the pawned item. Items that aren't bought back become the property of the pawn shop and they can sell them on.

Get a Cash Loan

Cash loans from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars can be processed the same day you make your application, and the application process is less stringent than that of traditional loans. This type of loan is designed to be paid back within a few months, so it's a good option if you know you can meet the repayments using your subsequent pay checks.

You can apply online or over the phone and most cash loan companies will give you an instant decision. You'll have to provide some supporting documentation such as proof of address and income, but these can be submitted electronically. Once approved, funds are immediately transferred to your bank account.

If you're at risk of missing an essential bill payment such as rent or utilities, consider the above suggestions for accessing quick cash. They may not be ideal ways of boosting your bank balance under normal circumstances, but they do offer a lifeline in emergency situations. For even more tips, consult resources like Mobile Money Australia.