In times of financial crises, some people are lucky enough to have friends or relatives who can and will help out. Before asking your college roommate, Uncle Paul or someone similar, consider the following: Can the lender really afford to help you? If the person is on a fixed income and needs the money to get by, you should probably look elsewhere for a loan. Do you want to owe this person money? If the loan comes with emotional strings attached, be sure you can handle the situation before taking the money. Will the loan help you out or will it just delay the inevitable (most likely, filing for...

e. Use the Equity in Your Home If You Are Elderly A variety of plans help older homeowners make use of the accumulated value (equity) in their homes without requiring them to move, give up title to the property or make payments on a loan. The most common types of plans are reverse mortgages....

Advantages of Home Equity Loans and Credit Lines You can borrow a fixed amount of money and repay it in equal monthly installments for a set period (home equity loan). Or you can borrow as you need the money, drawing against the amount granted when you opened the account; youll pay off this type of loan as you would a credit card bill (home equity line of credit)....

Different plans have different requirements for borrowing and withdrawing money. Withdrawing money early from a tax-deferred account is expensive. Generally, any money that you take out of your 401(k) plan before you reach age 591?2 is treated as an early distribution. The one exception to the early distribution penalties and income taxes applies to Roth IRAs....

mprove your gas mileage by tuning up your car, checking the air in the tires and driving lesscarpool, work at home (telecommute), ride your bicycle, take the bus or train, and combine trips. Conserve gas, water and electricity. Discontinue cable (or at least the premium channels) and subscriptions to magazines and papers....