Whether it comes at the beginning, middle, or end of the month, rent time is often dreaded. Everyone hopes that they can make their payment without a problem, but scrounging up the funds can be difficult if you have any unexpected expensive costs. Here are a few ideas to consider the next time you find yourself facing the realities of paying your rent.

Make a Budget – Before your rent is due, sit down with the numbers and look at your budget. Know how much money is coming in and where it all goes. How much do you make? How much do pay for rent? How much do you spend on groceries? On luxuries? With this information, you’ll be better informed as to how to proceed should your funds fall short and your rent payment look tenuous.

Get a loan – Sometimes, even with planning, the unexpected can throw off your careful budgeting. Consider getting a loan, but be sure to shop around. Some (like payday loans) can carry pitfalls, while other personal installment loans can be just the lifesaver you needed.

Move – If you find that, month after month, making that rent payment continues to be a stretch, you might want to consider moving to a new place. If you truly are not able to afford your current living situation, staying there will only lead to an increasing amount of stress and trouble for yourself. Move into something more modest, and you may even be able to start saving money for the future.

While rent day can be daunting, it is not impossible to overcome with the right planning.