Hopefully you will never run into a financial emergency. Unfortunately, emergencies are things that we cannot foresee. The best that we can do is plan for an emergency, but sometimes circumstances make planning impossible. This article will help teach you how to deal with financial emergencies that you are not prepared for.

1. Consider taking out a loan.

Taking out a line of personal credit can help you through an emergency. You can spend as much or as little of this loan as you need. Personal lines of credit are among the lowest interest loans you can take.

2. Speak to your Creditors.

If you are going to be unable to make a bill payment this month, call up the phone or utilities company and explain that you will have to make your payment late. Sometimes you can arrange upon a later date for payment, or a partial payment that can be paid off later.

3. Never get a payday loan or cash advance.

These loans have the highest interest rates on the markets, sometimes upwards of 200%. Many people who get payday loans assume that they will only need one for this paycheck, but in reality, the majority of people have to return for second, third, and further loans. This is because even if next paycheck you are back in the black, you will still have to pay off (often hidden) fees from the payday loan company, which will mean that you need another advance on your money. This is a negative cycle to get involved in.

4. Avoid debt-rotation strategies.

Do not try to pay off one of your credit cards with another of your credit cards, or similar tactics. Credit cards are very high interest loans, and it is unadvisable to leave a high balance on your credit card because you will end up paying much more (and for much longer) than you have to. Instead, consider taking out a loan as discussed above.

5. Find out what help is available locally.

Often, cities or counties will have various safety nets set up in order to help you deal with emergencies. You might have to go to more than one source to meet all your needs (as they sometimes specialize in only helping with hydro, or only helping with rent).

Colleges and universities have emergency funds available to their students. Check these out as a way to help bridge the gap.

Local churches and other charitable organizations sometimes have emergency financial assistant programs set up. If you are seeking emergency financial assistance, be prepared to bring your social insurance number/social security number, and your bills. You might have to bring other financial material, such as bank statements, to qualify.

6. Get help.

You might need to speak to a financial planner or debt counsellor to help you with your emergency situation. They will help you create a plan to manage your debt and to get you through the financial crisis you are in. They will be able to point you to valuable local resources. It is better to talk to someone earlier rather than later to make sure that you are making the right decisions. It is okay to ask for help during an emergency: you will fare better if you are assisted by an expert.