Here’s What To Do With A Solid Level Of Savings

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. We all know that we’re supposed to save money, but for those who do, they must figure out what do once they get to that point. The following contributed post is entitled, Here’s What To Do With A Solid Level Of Savings.

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While it’s true to say that there are numerous people who have no money in savings today, there are plenty of others who have worked hard to build up their income over the years. This has left them in quite a strong position. However, it’s definitely not the end of the story. Once you build up your money, you then need to think about what to do with it. You can’t just leave it in your account because then what happens? Absolutely nothing, eventually the money will drain away or it will stagnate. So, how should you be using the money that you may have accumulated over the years?

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Invest In Property

If you have a substantial amount of money in savings, then you should be exploring investments that are safe but also have the potential to pay off for you. Property is a fantastic choice here because an investment like this can double your income. Or, it can provide another cushion of cash for you to fall back on. This is always going to depend on whether you want to buy property to rent or buy property to sell. It’s entirely your choice which direction you want to take.

It’s not the only stable investment but it does provide a significant level of benefits. For instance, you could invest in a holiday home and then retreat to your slice of paradise whenever you want to getaway. Think of how much you’ll save on family holidays.

Buy A Company?

Another possibility would be to invest in a company and utilize the profits it provides. Buying a business is a tricky decision because you need to make sure that you are buying a business that has a lot of future potentials. It can be difficult to recognize a company like this so you might want to explore business brokers. They can present you with some of the options that could be suitable for your current financial position.

It’s worth, where possible, looking for a company that you have an interest in or a passion for. If you don’t find a company that interests you then you will like to focus less of your time towards it. This could lead to disaster and cause you to lose money on a venture like this.

Speak To A Financial Planner

Finally, you might want to speak to a financial planner. Experts in the financial industry, they will help you determine how much you have and how it can be used most effectively. There are numerous possibilities here and it’s often difficult to know which direction you should take. A financial planner can provide you with a road map that will be ideally suited for you, based on your financial profile. It’s a great way to ensure that you get the most out of the money you have saved.

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways to build the money that you have saved over the years and ensure that you are using it the right way.

Essential Principles Of Good Money Management

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. Good money management isn’t taught in every home and thus there are many individuals who don’t anything about it. Some of the principles are actually pretty simple. The following contributed post is entitled, Essential Principles Of Good Money Management.

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Many of us struggle with decent money management throughout our lives, and it is something which can negatively affect almost every part of one’s life. If you feel that you could probably do with improving the way in which you approach your use of money, then there are many ways in which you can hope to do that. The truth is that there are a few essential principles to good money management which you might want to consider, and as long as you have done so you should find that you are going to be able to have a much better approach to money in no time.

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Know Your Position & What You Are Owed

A lot of people struggle to actually get to grips with what they are owed and by whom, and for that reason they find themselves in a position of not really knowing what they should be doing. You need to pay close attention to the specifics of your own situation so that you can ensure you are going to get whatever you deserve. You might be a soldier returning to civilian life in need of making va disability claims, or you might be a carer who is eligible for a government grant. Whatever your situation, ensure that you are fully aware of it and what it entails, so that you can always claim what you are owed.

Put Aside Ten Percent

If you are keen to ensure that you are thinking about the future, a good rule of thumb is to always put aside ten percent of what you earn into savings. As long as you manage to do that, you should find that you are going to have a much stronger financial future, and that you will feel secure in your future in a much better way. Of course, that doesn’t mean putting aside only ten percent – if you are able to do more, then that is what you should do, the ten percent being only a minimum figure to aim for.

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Pay Off Debt Before Saving

If you are saving money in a savings account and also paying off debt each month, then you are not really doing the most sensible thing you could be doing for your money overall. Chances are, you are paying more in interest on the debt than you are making in savings, so actually you’re not achieving anything at all. You will be better off over the year if you make a point of first paying off all of your debts before you start to save anything – apart from having a little emergency fund in your savings account just in case you should need it. Other than that, pay off your debt as a priority, and you will be better off in the long run by a long way.

As long as you take these on board, you should find that you are in a much better position with your money in no time.

Clever Ways You Can Manage Your Money During Covid-19

Two of the focuses of my blog are Current Events and Financial Literacy/Money. The Coronavirus/Covid-19 Crisis/Pandemic has created money-related challenges that have never been seen before by Baby Boomers, Generation-Xers and Millennials. As such, many of us need to be creative about how we handle our money. The following contributed post is entitled, Clever Ways You Can Manage Your Money During Covid-19.

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The majority of the country is facing the difficulties that have come with the enforced lockdown due to Covid-19. But, this time also gives us the opportunity to find ways to manage our finances a little better.

Try to make the best of this time to come out the other side more financially strong and enable yourself to have benefits that could last a lifetime.

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Make the best of this short time to come out financially stronger and give you benefits that will last a lifetime.

Divide Up a Monthly Budget

It’s important now more than ever to live by a budget, it might seem easier to just plod along, but this is when you find yourself living payday to payday. A great way to divide up your monthly budget is to us the 50/30/20 rule.

50% – Use 50% of your salary for the things that you need, such as food, rent, education, travel, etc.
30%- Ise 30% on the things that you want, such as eating out, non-food shopping, and travel not for work.
20%- Then you should use 20% for safe investments and debts such as savings and any long-standing debts that could affect your credit rating.

You need to carefully analyze what you need and want, but you should also consider cutting down on the things you want if you have substantial debts to pay.

Have A Look At Any Income You May Be Missing Out On

If you’re struggling financially then now is a great time to be looking at any options you have to help increase your income. It might be that you are one of the many people who have lost their main income or have experienced a drop in income and now need some support. There are many government help schemes to help various people, whether you’ve become unemployed, lost self-employed wages, or are a business owner there is something for the majority of people. You could also use this time to look into any money you may be owed from things such as waiting for a payout from an accident claim, it may be possible to use settlement loans as a way to tie you over until the payout, or maybe you’re owed money from a refund of something you have purchased, it’s now time to chase any of these to ensure you’re financially stable.

Have A Look At Unused Memberships

Have a look at the monthly/annual memberships that you are paying for. It could the Gy, a social club or maybe even places like theme parks or zoos. The chances are you’re unable to use these at the moment and it could be a while before things are back to normal and you can utilize them again. This means you could be paying for something that you’re not going to use, which is a waste of valuable income. Cancelling these in the short term could help to top up your income in a much needed time.

You should remember that this difficult time will go away at some point in time. It’s a good idea to use this short time to try and come out financially stronger than you were before, this is going to benefit you in the long-term too, especially if you stick to it. Have you made financial changes due to Covid-19? Please share them in the comments below.

Advice On Borrowing Money Because Of Losses Due To COVID-19

Two of the focuses of my blog are Current Events and Financial Literacy/Money. The Coronavirus/COVID-19 Crisis/Pandemic has thrown many people’s personal finances into chaos. One avenue for managing this economic hardship is borrowing which can actually confound matters. The following contributed post is entitled, Advice On Borrowing Money Because Of Losses Due To COVID-19.

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If you are thinking about borrowing money, you need to do so with a great amount of care. This is especially the case during the current pandemic. However, a lot of people have found themselves in a position where they need to borrow money. This is especially the case for those that are not eligible for government assistance. In this blog post, we will talk you through some options that are available, as well as providing some advice. It is important to be aware that there is no one singular borrowing solution that is great for everyone. You need to make sure you can always make the repayments, otherwise, you could find yourself in a much bigger cycle of debt.

Unfortunately, the need to borrow money is something most people experience. If you don’t have rich grandparents or generous friends, the only other option is to borrow money from a financial institution or a lending company. Nonetheless, there have been many horror stories of individuals who have taken out a payday loan for example, and then struggled to make the monumental repayments. If you are borrowing money you have to be extremely careful regarding the path you go down.

A credit union is the best place to start
The best place to begin when it comes to borrowing money because of losses you have incurred during COVID-19 is with a credit union. Joining a credit union means that you will essentially be part of a community whereby people are encouraged to save, and lenders lend to other members when they are in need.

There is no guarantee that joining a credit union is going to be an option for you. You will only be able to secure a loan if you are a member. There are a lot of credit unions that are going to require you to save first before you can opt to take out a loan. However, this is not always going to be the case, so it is certainly worth looking at the different credit unions that are out there and seeing whether you will be accepted into any of them.

If you can’t join a credit union, what about a loan secured against your vehicle?
There are many loans to choose from, however, car logbook loans are popular with a lot of people to help them through the COVID-19 financial strain. One of the best things about a logbook loan is the fact that almost everyone can apply. This does not mean everyone will be approved, however, it does mean that there is hope for those with a bad credit history. If you wish to take out a logbook loan you will need to be over the age of 18-years-old, the car must be in your name, and it must be paid for in full. In addition to this, you have to show that you are going to be able to make the repayments. Nonetheless, credit history checks are not always carried out, and therefore if you have a bad history you needn’t be fearful. There is every chance that you may be accepted if you meet the other criteria put in place.

In addition to this, if you take out this type of loan you will still have access to your vehicle. A lot of people worry that they have to hand over their car until they have paid the money back. This is definitely not the case. The only time the company can take your vehicle is if you fail to meet the terms that have been outlined in the contract. Otherwise, you can continue to live life as normal.

A lot of people like car logbook loans because of the easy application process. If you were to borrow money from a bank, for example, it is likely that you would experience an extremely segmented process. You would have to hand over one document, then come back and fill out several forms, then you will be asked for further documents, then you will need to wait for something to be checked, and so on and so forth. It seems to be never-ending. However, with a logbook loan you are usually only required to fill out an application form online and you will be informed of everything you need to provide prior to doing so.

Last but not least, this article would not be complete without mentioning the amount of money you can borrow and the repayment terms put in place. Flexibility is undoubtedly the name of the game when it comes to this type of lending. There are so many companies offering logbook loans and therefore you are assured to find a loan that fits in with your circumstances and your needs. In addition to this, you only borrow what you need. This lessens the risk of you experiencing any difficulty when paying back the cash.

What happens if you have a bad credit history?
Let’s clarify the fact that there are criteria in place you will need to meet when applying for any type of loan. A lot of people have a tendency to assume that anyone with bad credit will not be accepted, but this is not the case. Nevertheless, what makes some of the online loan companies different from traditional lenders is the fact that they do not consider your credit rating first and foremost. If you were to apply for a loan from a bank, for example, you would need a good credit rating to get past the first stage. However, some online lenders are more bothered about the current monetary situation you find yourself in, rather than any mistakes you have made in the past.

They want to know that you are going to have the ability to make the repayments every month, and this is why they want to see that you have a regular income coming in. This is their main priority. This does not mean that your credit rating won’t be considered; some direct lenders will conduct a credit check as well. Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean that your bad credit rating is going to hold you back. There is every chance that you will be approved if you show the lender you are someone trustworthy to lend to.

The Benefits of Embracing Outsourcing

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Depending upon what type of business you’re running, you might not have all of the knowledge and expertise you need in house. If so, than outsourcing is viable option for you. In many instances, it’s more effective than trying to fill the need yourself. The following contributed post is entitled, The Benefits of Embracing Outsourcing.

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If you’ve ever wondered how some businesses seem to manage to do everything they need to do at an alarming rate, then the answer is outsourcing. It doesn’t matter how productive some companies are, no one is productive enough to keep the system up and running, write company blog posts, p[ay their staff, and still have time to realign marketing strategies all in an afternoon.

If your business hasn’t yet heard of outsourcing, then you are seriously lagging. Outsourcing is a fantastic way to give your business more time to focus on the essential things while the boring stuff is done entirely off-site. With such potential for remote management and more, turning to outsourcing is something you need to consider. Still, if you’re not convinced, here are some more reasons to explore.

Less Stress

By outsourcing your operations, you will find that a weight has lifted from your shoulders. Rather than worrying about paying employees on time, arranging your own meetings, and making sure your servers are in excellent condition, you can use Computer Network Solutions to do all of the hard work for you.

With this reduced stress, you’ll feel calmer at work. This can increase productivity, happiness, morale, and make you fall in love with the business.

Too much stress can also lead to burnout, so outsourcing can be as good for your mental health as it can for your professional well being.

More Money

On the surface, it may seem like outsourcing does not save much money at all. However, as these outsourcing firms are located elsewhere in the world, the costs are often much less than hiring an in-house team to do payroll, system maintenance, and more.

Furthermore, you will often get an entire team of engineers working around the clock that you would employ a single person to do everything. With operations like this, you can ensure that the outsourcing firm can stay on top of any issues without getting complacent about providing total protection, whatever the job.

With more money in the bank, you can focus on improving the other business operations. You can consider expanding your base or treat your in-house employees to a bonus they have more than earned.

Increased Productivity

With more money and less stress, you’ll also find an increase in productivity across the office. Your staff won’t spend hours doing menial tasks throughout the week, which, while mindless, can also hurt overall concentration, which can transform into a boost in creativity.

With fewer issues on everyone’s mind, especially for tasks that they aren’t engaged in, you might find that your team is more productive and creative than ever. This will only lead to positive things for your business, and it could be the tool that unlocks the next level of your business and its potential.

Outsourcing Success

Entrepreneurs often find it challenging to rely on others to do the jobs they feel obliged to do themselves. However, with a trustworthy outsourcing firm, you can rest assured that your small tasks are in safe hands, allowing you to focus your energy on more important matters.

Now Could Be the Perfect Time to Start a Side-Hustle

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. There come times in our lives when we need to figure out how make more money. That money can come from any number of sources, but in times when conventional ways of making money have been compromised, it’s highly advantageous to have alternative means of generating income. The following contributed post is entitled, Now Could Be the Perfect Time to Start a Side-Hustle.

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With many people unable to work due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a side hustle could be the perfect way to maintain your income. No matter what your skills, there are plenty of ways to earn a little cash when you need it most. For inspiration, take a look at these top side hustles…

Delivering groceries and food

Although many industries are being negatively affected by coronavirus, the demand for delivery services has increased significantly. As people grow wary of leaving their homes, they’re relying on delivery drivers to bring them essential items, including medication, food, and drink.

If you’re not in a ‘high risk’ category and you have access to a vehicle, becoming a delivery driver could be an effective way to boost your income. With many companies welcoming self-employed or freelance drivers, there are endless opportunities to develop a side hustle.

Online tutoring

Most schools, colleges, and training providers are prevented from welcoming students as normal, so parents and learners are turning to the internet for learning opportunities. Many educational institutions have been forced to cut the academic year short, so private educators are increasing their services.

Using your professional expertise and academic experience, you could be well-placed to deliver online tutoring sessions or webinars. Remember – adult learners are actively seeking out learning opportunities while they’re self-isolating, so there are plenty of subjects, topics, and skills which are in demand.

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Mining cryptocurrency

If you’re tech-savvy, you could make a significant income by mining cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Buying cryptocurrency and hoping it increases in value is one way to generate a profit but mining crypto could be a faster way to make some money.

Mining refers to the verification of crypto transactions and the addition of each transaction to the blockchain digital ledger. As every transaction needs to be mined, there is a high demand for fast, reliable mining services.

Although you used to need specialized hardware to get started, new tools mean you can start mining without buying any extra hardware. With cost-effective crypto mining hosting prices, you can reduce your costs to maximize your profits. What’s more – online guides and tutorials make it easy to get to grips with crypto mining and everything it entails.

Start a blog

Blogging has been popular since the internet first burst on the scene but the potential to monetize a blog and turn it into a business has never been greater. As people spend more time indoors and online, you can create a considerable amount of revenue simply by publishing your content and attracting new readers or viewers. No matter what subject you choose, there are people out there who will share your interests and your content.

Start a Side-Hustle Now

They say necessity is the mother of invention, so what better time to start a side hustle? If your unable to carry on with your regular job due to coronavirus, launching an innovative side hustle will enable you to generate income, adapt your skillset and keep you motivated during testing times.

Credit Invisibles: How to Build Your Credit Profile

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. There are many people who don’t understand credit. While letting something like credit card debt get out of control can be damaging to one’s personal finances, it’s important to obtain and maintain a solid credit profile. It has implications for your personal finances and ability to start a business if you have entrepreneurial aspirations. The following contributed is entitled, Credit Invisibles: How to Build Your Credit Profile.

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Many individuals are “credit invisible.” This means that they don’t have enough relevant information in their credit reports to produce a credit score. If you find yourself falling to be in this category, it can be impossible to apply for loans or credit cards, get a mortgage, or even land a job. Here are some proven ways to build your credit profile and establish a history.

Make use of alternative data

Credit scores are usually generated based on comprehensive repayment histories or credit reports. If you lack these, it’s possible to generate a score based on alternative data and supplemental information like utility, cellphone, and rent bill payments. Even without a history of repaying home, student, or auto loans, you’ll now be granted access to a credit score through alternative data credit scoring. It also works if you have a credit score that has been previously damaged. This kind of data will be able to produce a credit assessment that is highly predictive and unlike traditional credit scores.

Affiliate yourself with a community bank or credit union

Join a local credit union and take out a small signature loan or credit-builder loan. With these kinds of loans, the local bank or credit union will first place your loan money into an interest-bearing savings account which you’ll make payments to. Your payments and activity will get reported to the credit bureaus. Once you’ve fully repaid the loan, you’ll be able to receive the money and you’ll have built up an adequate repayment history.

Add yourself to an existing credit card account

Seek the help of a family member or loved one who possesses a long-established, positive credit history. Ask if they can add you to their credit card account as an authorized user. The older their credit card, the better since the information that dates back to when the card was first opened is included on the user’s credit file. Once you become an authorised user, you’ll be issued a card, but you won’t need it to make a credit history. This card is directly linked to the primary cardholder, and they’ll be responsible for the charges made on it. It’s best not to use it at all so that you can avoid getting into any conflict with them. Check your credit score when you’ve had it for several months. If your credit score is at 670 to 740, then you can apply for your own card.

Make a request for a secured credit card

Applying for a secured credit card doesn’t require a credit score, but it does require you to put down a refundable deposit which will serve as your credit line. This means you’ll be borrowing against your own money. If you’re unable to cover payments, the lender will take money from your deposit in order to repay it. Make sure to use the card sensibly by only charging small items on it that you can afford to repay in full by the due date. This will allow you to build a positive credit history in just a couple of months.

Besides paying your bills on time and applying for high-interest, short-term loans or cards, these simple methods will help you go from a non-existent credit score to a great one.

Investment Options You Should Consider to Earn More

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. Understanding money and setting yourself up to thrive involves more than simply earning your pay at your job and saving. At some point, learning to acquire investments becomes important as well. While it can be daunting at first, it can also turn into a vast and fun new world. The following guest post is entitled, Investment Options You Should Consider to Earn More.

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Money is necessary to buy our needs and wants. That’s why we try to earn as much as possible. It is to live comfortably every day and secure a stable future. No matter how high your income is, however, there are better ways to get higher profits.

With insurance and investments, you can earn money at a faster rate. However, before starting to invest, you should be prepared. Make sure you are following a household budget so that you know how much you can spend without compromising your finances.

After you’ve worked out a proper budget, you’re ready to start investing. Here are your possible options.

Mutual Funds

If you’re new to investing, play it safe by buying mutual funds. They are easier to understand compared to stocks and pose fewer risks since a team of expert investors manages it. Initial investment requirements are also low, which allows you to begin investing earlier.

However, you should be careful when choosing where to invest. Some companies have portfolio managers that make poor decisions just to fix the values for the books. Others have excessive sales charges. Research carefully about the companies that you are considering.

Stocks

When you are more experienced, begin dabbling in stocks. Investing in a company allows you to receive part of their earnings quarterly or yearly and provide you with a stable source of income. However, the stock market is constantly fluctuating, so a company’s worth can change.

Don’t invest a large amount in one company immediately, though. Take your time learning how the stock market changes and base your investing decisions on that. You’ll eventually figure out your investment strategy as you start to settle into a certain risk profile.

Another thing to remember is to separate what you invest from what you use in your living budget. If you end up losing all of your investment, you’ll find yourself in dire straits trying to make ends meet.

Retirement Insurance

Begin saving money for your retirement fund as soon as you have a reliable source of income. While it is ideal for putting in a certain percentage of your salary every month, it is not always possible with a tight budget. No matter how little, build a habit of saving part of your money.

Consider availing of a retirement insurance plan to help you save. It allows you to collect money at your own pace and grow it until you choose to take it out. Some insurance plans also offer additional benefits, such as life insurance coverage to your family in case you pass away.

If you have a hard time building a habit of saving, set up an automatic deposit in your bank account. This also encourages you to spend less. To keep your savings untouched, put them in a time deposit account, which only allows you to withdraw after a certain period.

Real Estate

This option gives you a reliable and stable long-term income. However, it requires a large initial deposit, so be sure that your finances are in good shape before you begin investing. There are various payment options available, though, such as mortgage plans.

While investing in real estate is mostly self-sufficient, there are still some things to keep in mind when managing it. Choose your tenants wisely and have good relations with them so that they stay for a long time. Property maintenance is also important to fulfill health and safety requirements.

With these in mind, you can plan and prepare your money to start investing. Make sure that you have enough before starting any of the choices mentioned.

Three Steps To Financial Freedom

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. Financial Freedom is a goal that many people aspire to but not everyone reaches. It’s not something one can do overnight and there are distinct steps and behavioral changes involved. The following contributed post is entitled, Three Steps To Financial Freedom.

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Financial freedom is definitely something that you want to try and reach, but have you got to the point where you feel like it’s never going to happen? Do you feel like you’re still living paycheck to paycheck? Or do you even perhaps feel as though you’re living comfortably, but you know it’s not the life that you want to live. Financial freedom is having the money to live the life you want to live, and to live without money worries. Money really does make the world go round and it’s no doubt something you will spend most of your days thinking about. If you are living paycheck to paycheck at the minute then you will definitely have the stress. So, we’re going to show you three steps that will point you towards financial freedom. There are so many things that we can do to change our lives and the way we have access to money. The three things below and just some of the things you can do!

Emigrate To A New Country

This is one of the best things you can do if you have already envisioned your life abroad. For some people the thought of emigrating and building a life abroad would have been a dream since a very early age. The possibility to earn more money abroad is often huge. One of the countries that people love to move to is Australia. It just offers so much. First you have the lifestyle and how amazing that is to live through. The boiling hot summers, the generally great weather all year round, the people who are loving their life. But most importantly the job pays well and you can get a lot more for your money in terms of real estate. It’s easy enough to move as well. You’d first have to decide location. Understand how easy it is to work. Figure out all the living costs vs wages. Secure a job, secure a home. Then all you need is a successful migration agent to make sure you can get a visa to live in the country. There are often stages to the visa and criteria that you have to meet. But the Australian lifestyle will definitely be one worth moving for.

A New Way Of Money Management

Money management is definitely what everyone could do with focusing on at the minute. If your job is unaffected by the virus outbreak, you might find that you’re able to manage your money and save more because you’ll be doing less. For those of you who are being affected, finances can become a big worry. Which is why we think you should use money management apps to manage your money. You can put your reduced pay in and split your money into categories. You can then monitor it throughout the month and make sure that you’re sticking to it. Using the apps when money does settle is also going to help a ton. It becomes a clearer way of seeing your money, making it far easier to manage. Often money management is all that’s needed for financial freedom.

8 Ways to Finance Legal Aide

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. One of the most significant costs one can accrue in their lifetime is legal fees. Individuals who find themselves on the wrong side of life’s events can find themselves in unforeseen legal battles which they often don’t know how to finance. The following contributed post is entitled, 8 Ways to Finance Legal Aide.

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It’s your worst nightmare – legal fees. But they don’t have to be scary. If you’re struggling to finance legal aid, try some of these cool ideas:

  1. Online legal aid: you can access legal advice online for low prices or even on trial memberships. You get to chat with an attorney online, or sometimes on the phone for a low price. There are many companies available, so do some web-surfing and find the best one for you. Some specialize, some are general. Decide what you need and shop around. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest one. Maybe a little bit more money will get you a better service. After all, you want the best advice tailored for your situation, and there are many fields of law out there. Get someone who knows the area of law you need them to know, and avoid one-size-fits-all legal advice.
  2. Legal Aid Society: the Legal Aid Society provides legal advice for low-income people. They offer free consultations and representation in court. They can’t help you with criminal cases (as you get legal representation as part of your constitutional rights during criminal law cases), but they cover everything under civil law. They run legal clinics that are entirely free and are always happy to help.
  3. Local attorneys: don’t dismiss your regular attorney’s office. Just because you’re low on funds doesn’t mean an attorney won’t help you. If you’re in the midwest, try the attorneys in Minot, ND. They may still be able to help you.
  4. Regular old bank loan: if all else fails, consider a standard loan. Your bank can lend you a given sum of money to cover legal costs, which you’d then have to pay off the same way you’d pay off your credit card or your car. The downside is that you’d have to wait for everything to be processed before you got any money, but maybe your attorney can work with that.
  5. Legal students: if you have any legal students in the family, perhaps they can help you with information and research. If they don’t know the answers, they’d be able to ask higher-level students or professors. This option won’t help you if you need court representation, but anyone working in or studying law might know someone who can take your case.
  6. Peer-to-peer loans: usually found online, peer-to-peer loan companies let you borrow and lend money amongst other ordinary citizens. You’ll still need a good credit score, but there are no banks involved. You have to keep up the payments to maintain your credit score, however.
  7. Use your credit card: for a one-off consultation, putting it on your credit card might work if all you need is some time to pay the bill.
  8. Insurance: certain kinds of insurance will cover legal expenses, like professional indemnity insurance and some types of pet insurance. Have a look at any policies you have and see what they will cover.

There are many ways of accessing legal aid when you need it. Don’t despair; work your way through this list until you find something that works for you.