Sometimes, payday feels much further away than it actually is. Your salary came in, the bills were paid, school expenses were sorted, transport and groceries took their share, and suddenly you are counting down the days until your next salary.

Then an unplanned bill needs to be paid, your child needs something for school, your phone or appliance needs fixing, or an unexpected expense shows up at the worst possible time. You may have enough money coming in at the end of the month, but you need some of it right now.

Here are seven ways to get money before payday in Nigeria

1. Get a Zedvance Loan

When you need money before payday, a Zedvance loan can give you access to funds for an expense that cannot wait until your next salary. Instead of putting off an important payment simply because payday is still a few days away, eligible customers can apply for a loan through the Zedvance App.

Zedvance offers different loan options for eligible individuals, including Personal Loans for people in the public and private sectors. This means you can apply for the option that fits your situation and the amount you need, subject to your eligibility.

2. Use Your Savings

If you have an emergency savings or money set aside for situations like this, using part of it could help you cover the expense.

However, be careful not to use so much of your savings that you are left without a financial cushion. Before withdrawing the money, consider how much you have saved, how much you need right now and whether you will still have enough left for an actual emergency.

If you can cover the expense with your savings while keeping a reasonable amount aside, this may be a good option. If using your savings would leave you financially exposed, you may want to consider other ways to get money before payday.

3. Ask Family or Friends for Help

If you need a relatively small amount and have someone you trust, you could ask a family member or close friend for a short-term loan. This can be a practical option when you know exactly how much you need and when you will be able to pay it back.

Be clear about the arrangement from the beginning. Tell the person how much you need and when you expect to repay them. If they agree to help, keep your word and repay them as agreed. It is also important not to borrow more than you need simply because someone is willing to lend you more.

Money can affect relationships, so treat the arrangement seriously even when you are borrowing from someone close to you.

4. Ask Your Employer About a Salary Advance

Some employers provide salary advances or other forms of financial assistance to employees. If you need money before payday, check with your HR or payroll team to find out whether your organisation has such a policy.

A salary advance allows you to access part of your expected salary before your normal payday. The amount you can receive and how you repay it will depend on your employer’s policy.

This can be worth considering if your company already offers the option, particularly when you only need to bridge a short gap until your next salary.

Before accepting a salary advance, make sure you understand how it will affect your next pay. Receiving part of your salary early means you will have less available when your normal payday arrives.

5. Delay an Expense That Can Wait

Sometimes, getting more money is not the only way to make it to payday. You may be able to reduce the amount you need by delaying an expense that is not urgent.

Look at what you planned to spend money on before payday and separate your needs from things that can wait.

For example, you could:

• Postpone a non-essential purchase.
• Cancel or pause a subscription temporarily.
• Delay an outing or other discretionary spending.
• Buy only what you need immediately.
• Ask whether a non-urgent bill can be paid after payday.

This may not give you extra money, but it can help you stretch what you already have.

6. Sell Something You No Longer Need

If you have something valuable that you no longer use, selling it could give you some extra money before payday. It could be an old phone, appliance, piece of furniture, clothing or another item that has been sitting unused.

However, think carefully about what you sell. Do not sell something essential just to solve a temporary cash shortage, especially if replacing it will cost you more later.

Also, be realistic about how much you can get for the item and how quickly you can sell it. If you need the money today, selling an item may not be as practical as an option that gives you immediate access to funds.

7. Find a Short-Term Way to Earn Extra Money

If you have a skill, service or side hustle that can bring in money quickly, you could use it to cover the gap until payday.

Depending on what you do, this could include freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, baking, selling products, running errands or taking on a short-term job.

The downside is that this option depends on how quickly you can find work and receive payment. It may not be suitable when the expense is urgent and you need the money immediately.

How to Get Through the Days Until Payday

Start by figuring out exactly how much you need and what the money is for. Then look at the options available to you.

If you need to borrow, avoid taking more than you need simply because you are eligible for a higher amount. Check the repayment terms and consider how the repayment will affect your next salary.

And if you can solve the problem with savings, a delayed expense, extra income or help from someone you trust, those options may be worth considering too.

The goal is to handle the immediate expense without creating a bigger financial problem for yourself later.

If you decide that a loan is the right option for your situation, eligible customers can apply for a Zedvance loan through the Zedvance App.