The best way to manage your money better is to cut your spending. This is simple, just reduce how much you shop, eat out and otherwise use your discretionary income and you may find that you can save for what you need. Spend less and finding a company for a structured settlements purchase may not be necessary.

For many people mortgage payments and credit card minimums take a huge chunk out of the money available to them. But often you can contact these companies to negotiate a reduced interest rate. You have nothing to lose by trying.

Personal loans are when a bank or credit union gives you money based not on collateral, but rather on your reputation and promise. Credit unions can be good places to go to for personal loans, with low rates. But usually you must have a very good credit score to get a personal loan from a credit union or bank.

Sometimes it can be easy to borrow money from a family member, and this can be a much better option than a structured settlements purchase. But do yourself a favor, establish repayment terms and a modest interest rate. Then, write up a contract and stick to it – this will prevent any hard feelings.

Credit cards can be a way to get the money you need, but you have to be careful. Interest rates can be high, especially on cash advances, which may have higher rates and extra fees.

If you have a home you may be able to get a home equity loan, if your house is worth more than what you owe on it. But be careful, while home equity loans can be a good, low interest option, they can have origination fees and, if you finance your house too deeply and property values go down in your area you may find yourself owing more than your home is worth.

We mention these here because they are heavily advertised and are possible. But their fees are very high, and you really just put your problems off and amplify them. Stay away from these. A structured settlement cash out is probably a much better choice.

If you need money to go to college, or to live while in college, look for grants, scholarships and student loans. There are many grants and scholarships, that is money that you do not have to pay back later – ask your college’s financial aid department or the dean of your particular school. Student loans are also good choices, but try to stay with federally guaranteed Stafford or Plus loans; avoid private student loans which carry high fees and less favorable terms.