I don’t have any cash advance stories because I’ve never used such a business. I have borrowed money from people and paid them back. That’s the best option if you need a cash advance. The best option is to save your money until you have enough to purchase what you need. I understand there may be times when you are down on your luck and are about to get evicted from your house and you need to a write bad check to a cash advance place and pay 2000% interest. That’s better than planning ahead I guess?

The worst I’ve ever needed money in a hurry was when I moved for a new job. The drivers of the moving van didn’t mention it was cash only when they drove off with my family’s belongings. When they called to let me know what time they would be unloading they dropped the “cash only” bomb on me. If I didn’t come up with the cash they would be driving to their next stop which was an auction house where all my furniture would be sold off for payment. I had to scramble to four different Western unions because of the cash limit, and yes I paid the person back immediately with my relocation expense check. I’m not sure why I didn’t report that company for potential fraud and hijacking.

So how do you build a good emergency fund?