The Smart Way to Handle Unexpected Expenses

Aug 27, 2024
 |  1 min read
Table of content

Introduction

Unexpected financial incidents can occur, and it is always better to prepare for them. This article elaborates on coping with unpredictable expenses, from creating a buffer to using urgent cash loans. Let's review some essential measures to keep excessive pressure off your money, reduce costs, and act upon situations beyond your reserve.

What Steps can you Take to Avoid Financial Stress During Emergencies?

Unfortunately, a financial emergency can occur without a warning. Don’t panic! What steps can you take to avoid financial stress during emergencies? Let’s go through them.

  • Build an emergency fund: Set a target of putting aside money that should suffice for between three and six months of your living expenses. Begin with small amounts if possible, but give regularly.
  • Automate savings: Automate the amount you transfer to your emergency fund with each paycheck.
  • Create a budget: Utilise tools and apps to record costs and find areas for slashing. Ad hoc budgeting should be done regularly.
  • Review insurance coverage: Check for proper health, auto, and home coverage so you are not financially drained in case of an unfortunate incident.
  • Develop multiple income streams: When trying to set up an additional source of income, you should consider part-time jobs or freelancing to create a financial safety net.

How can you Cut Unnecessary Costs to Cover Unexpected Bills?

It might become difficult to cut your costs if they regularly exceed. So, how can you cut unnecessary costs to cover unexpected bills?

Identify non-essential expenses:

  • Review subscriptions and memberships
  • Spend a few minutes evaluating the expenditures on dining out and entertainment.
  • Evaluate impulse purchases

Implement cost-saving measures:

  • Prepare and consume most of the meals at home.
  • Avoid using personal cars, or, in other words, encourage using public transport or develop pool cars.
  • Cultivate do-it-yourself for home improvements and repairs.

Negotiate bills and find alternatives:

  • Get in touch with service providers to get discounts.
  • Negotiate better terms for easy enhancements like insurance and the electricity supply.
  • Consider downgrading services temporarily.

Optimise energy usage:

  • Use energy-efficient appliances
  • Adjust thermostat settings
  • Switch off appliances that are not being used

What Should you do if an Emergency Expense Exceeds Your Savings?

Let’s say your emergency expense exceeds your savings. In that case, what should you do if an emergency expense exceeds your savings? Here are some options:

Explore loan options:

  • In this case, a loan for an emergency from banks or credit unions is recommended.
  • Resort to urgent cash loans from direct lenders online for instant access to the loans.
  • For students, research terrible credit student loans, which are meant for emergencies that crop up from time to time.

Use credit cards strategically:

  • Negotiate with credit cards that offer low interest rates or 0% intro APR.
  • Always be foresight on the mode of repayment so that the credited amount is not taken for long-term repayment.

Seek assistance programs:

  • Search for government assistance and other charitable organisations that provide grant funding
  • Determine if your employer has any emergency kits

Negotiate with creditors:

  • To do this, you must talk to the respective lenders and negotiate proper payment methods or short-term hardship options.
  • Ensure that you are at the forefront of informing your situation so as not to attract many charges or penalties.

Borrow from family or friends:

  • As a last resort, contact your friends and family for assistance 
  • Don’t forget to pay them as soon as you can to not let any ill come in between the relationship

Conclusion

Unpredictable expenditures can be easily overcome if you know how to prepare for them and are familiar with the available tools. Develop your policy of creating an emergency fund account to eliminate unnecessary expenses and get acquainted with the types of credits, including urgent cash loans and quick student loans. Just keep in mind that you really can't negotiate regarding your financial emergencies, which is why you should act as fast as you can. By utilising these strategies, you can manage as many issues as possible concerning your finances to keep steady and free from all the stress that goes with it.

Are you considering urgent cash loans for your financial needs? You can easily download mPokket now and get easy and personalised solutions for yourself, where you can get quick short-term loans with minimal paperwork, the lowest possible interest rates, and no hidden charges. It is conveniently available on Apple Store and Google Play.

Don’t forget to comment below on how you handle any unexpected expenses. Any tips to add on?

Gaurav Jalan

Gaurav Jalan is the Founder and CEO of mPokket, a digital lending platform serving underserved Indian youth. He leverages technology and experience to deliver cost-effective credit to marginalized populations. In his role, he provides strategic direction and oversees execution to fulfill mPokket's mission.