The best (and worst) ways to raise fast cash

What credit crunch? Here are 17 ways to get your mitts on some money, ranked from best to worst.

1 of 17

1. Tap your emergency fund

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Best way

Pros: Duh - this is what an emergency fund is for. And with most cash investments yielding less than inflation, you won't be missing much.

Cons: Draining it leaves you unprepared for the next crisis. So start building that cash cushion back up ASAP.

By Stephen Gandel and Donna Rosato, Money Magazine

NEXT: Sell some investments

Last updated August 22 2008: 12:36 PM ET

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