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Getting a payday loan can be a slippery slope unless you plan ahead and know exactly what you are getting into. The high interest rates and fees could easily keep a borrower from being able to pay off the loan on their next payday. Before you make the decision to take out a payday loan, you should be well informed. You will have to know about the risks involved and look for shady practices and hidden terms with every company you consider. Taking out a payday loan should be your last or only option, so before you go searching for the best payday loan company, make sure you have exhausted all of the following alternatives.

• Go to a small bank or credit union for a short-term loan.

Many credit unions will offer short-term loans similar to payday loans to their members, but the loan will have a much lower interest rate than a payday loan. You may also be able to apply for a small loan from a bank to consolidate your debt or to help you pay your bills this month.

• Ask your employer for an advance.

Sometimes, all you have to do is ask. If your employer is willing to give you your paycheck early, make sure you will be able to live off of the money until your next scheduled paycheck comes.

• Negotiate a better payment plan with your creditors.

Instead of trying to cover up the problem with a payday loan, you can try to deal with your debt directly. Some creditors will allow you to make partial payments for a while if you put a payment plan in place. It may take you a bit longer to pay off your debt, but at least you won’t give yourself more debt with a payday loan.

• Find an emergency assistance program.

There are usually a few organizations in any given area that will help people in financial trouble. Do some research and keep a look out for these programs.

• Get a second job.

If you have the time to do some odd jobs on the weekend or at night, you should get a second job, even if it is temporary. The extra money you get will help you pay off your debts or get you through the month without missing a payment.

• Avoid payday loans all together with an emergency fund.

Every household should have at least six months’ worth of expenses saved up in an emergency fund. If you haven’t been able to do this yet, make sure you start saving as soon as possible. Then, when an unexpected expense comes up, you are prepared.

• Sell things that you no longer need.

You may think you want to keep that old t-shirt from that concert 10 years ago, but do you really need it? If you are really struggling, it might be time to clean out your closets for cloths and other items you can sell to get you through this tough time.

• Use your credit cards.

Typically, I don’t condone the use of credit cards for monthly expenses, but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. Credit cards have a much lower interest rate than payday loans, and you can pay them off over time or very quickly, depending on your financial situation.

• Ask your friends and family for a loan.

During difficult financial times, it will do no good to let your pride take over. If you are in trouble and your family or friends are willing to help, let them. Make sure you write out a contract and come up with a payment plan so they know you are serious about paying them back. Money can ruin a relationship, so make sure this loan doesn’t ruin yours.

Elise Brown is an author who writes guest posts on the topics of business, marketing, credit cards, and personal finance. Additionally, she works for a website that focuses on educating readers about instant payday loans.