When you need cash for a financial emergency, your rainy-day funds may be too low to cover the entire cost. As a result, you may need additional assets. Here’s where to turn, in order of preference based on loan rates:

    Your stuff.
If the extra amount needed is relatively small, go through your garage and closet and hold a yard sale, run an ad or sell items on eBay. To learn how to sell on eBay, visit www.pages.ebay.com/education/selling.html

    Family members.
If family members are willing to lend you the cash, an official loan should be set up in writing and formalized with a document. A free loan agreement is available at www.lawdepot.com (click on the “sales, loans & transactions” tab and then the “loan agreement” link.

    Credit union.
If your company has a credit union, its loan rate is likely to be among the lowest in the marketplace, and loan payments can come out of your paycheck automatically.

    Your home.
Many people set up a home-equity line of credit before emergencies arrive so funds are available in a jam.
   
    Your securities.
Set up a margin account with any brokerage firm with which you do business. Your securities serve as collateral against the amount you borrow.

    Credit cards.
Use your cards to cover emergencies, but set a reasonable deadline for paying off the emergency balance.

     Retirement plans.
Ask your company benefits department for the forms. Generally you must pay the money back within five years.