We’ve all been there—you’re a few days away from payday, and suddenly your car makes a weird noise, your phone breaks, or your pet needs an emergency trip to the vet. These things always seem to happen at the worst possible time, and they’re never cheap. 

Recent studies show that unexpected expenses can cost us an average of $500 per year. While it would be great to have an emergency fund saved up, many of us don’t have that kind of cash just sitting around. Here are 8 ways to cover an unexpected expense without turning to high-interest debt. 

1. Negotiate your bills & cut costs

Many of us overpay on everyday bills like utilities, cable, and phone service. When was the last time you checked if you could save money? Homeowners in the U.S. are often paying more than necessary for services. If you’re not locked into a contract or have one ending soon, shop around and see if you can negotiate better deals. You might also have access to employee discount programs or other benefit programs that can help cut costs. The money you save could help cover that unexpected expense. 

2. Sell things online or at a garage sale

It might sound obvious, but take a look around your house—there are probably things you can sell. Sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist make it easy to get rid of items you don’t need. You can also sell unused gift cards on platforms like CardCash. 

3. Sell your old electronics 

Got an old phone or tablet lying around? Many companies offer trade-in programs where you can sell your old devices for cash. Look into services like Gazelle, Decluttr, or your phone provider’s recycling program. It’s a quick and easy way to get some extra money.

4. Check if you’re eligible for any benefits

You might be entitled to benefits you’re not even aware of. If your household is low-income or you’re supporting kids, look into tax credits or government assistance programs. This extra cash could help cover unexpected expenses and boost your budget. 

5. Look for sign up bonuses

Many banks offer cash bonuses for new customers, sometimes as much as $200 or more. It’s worth checking out the best offers available. Keep in mind that you’ll usually need to set up direct deposits and transfer over some bills, but this can be a quick way to get extra cash. Just be cautious about switching banks too often, as it can impact your credit score if you’re applying for credit soon. 

6. Reclaim overpaid utilities

If you pay your utility bills by direct debit, you might be paying more than you need to during certain times of the year. For example, you may have built up a credit during the warmer months when energy usage is lower. If you have extra credit, you can request a refund from your provider. Just be sure you have enough to cover your upcoming bills, especially in the colder months. 

7. Check for government refunds

You could be owed money from the government without realizing it. For instance, if you’ve overpaid on taxes, you can apply for a refund. If you’re married and one spouse earns less than the tax threshold, they might be able to transfer some of their tax-free allowance to the higher earner, potentially saving you money. 

8. Find a side hustle

If you have a little time before your bill is due, consider picking up a side hustle. Whether it’s doing freelance work on platforms like Fiverr, dog walking, babysitting, or tutoring, there are plenty of ways to make extra cash in your free time. You could also take online surveys or rent out a spare room through services like Airbnb. 

By thinking creatively and being proactive, you can tackle unexpected expenses without relying on high-cost debt!