Financial crisis is a broad term and without knowing the specifics of your situation, it's impossible to give detailed advice. For arguments sake, let's say you require 1,000 dollars in 7 days. Here are several alternatives:

1. Emergency Fund

You woudn't be in this situation if you had an emergency fund. As soon as this crisis passes, start saving 10 percent of your take home pay for future emergencies. Financial emergencies are a fact of life so plan for them even though you can't predict exactly when they're coming. Being smart and planning for unexpected emergencies is always a good idea.

2. Family & Friends

Family and friends may be willing to provide short-term cash. In time of crisis, turn to the people you know best. It's time to get over any embarassment you may feel. Friends will be more understanding than bill collectors and banks. To show you're serious, put your agreement in writing, including when you're going to repay the loan, and make sure you do it. Don't make excuses if you want these people to remain your friends.

3. Employer

Some employers are willing to make cash advances. They can easily withhold the amount from your next paycheck. Financial crisis happen to almost eveyrone so there's nothing to be ashamed of. And you won't get what you don't ask for.

4. Credit Cards

Use your credit cards for a cash advance or to pay bills. Some credit cards have high interest rates but don't get too caught up with that. If you pay off the balance within days, there usually is no interest charge. And even at a percent APR, borrowing , dollars for days will cost you bucks. That's probably a lot less than some of the exorbitant late fees some utitlity companies and others charge.

5. Cash Advance and Payday Loans

Depending on your situation, it might even make sense to secure a cash advance payday loan. Paying a high interest rate one time to protect your credit rating for the long-term may be a good decision.

6. Online Auctions

Can you sell something on eBay that would make money? You can sell items on eBay as quickly as 24 hours but if you can hold out it's a better idea to have a longer auction that will attract more bidders and a higher selling price. Depending on the buyer, you could have your funds the same day the auction ends or a few days later.

There's no limit to the number of ways to solve a financial emergency. The only limit is your own creativity and imagination. Remembert to start your emergency fund immediately after you survive this crisis by putting 10 percent of your salary in a special emergency fund. It requires discipline. You may have to sacrifice buying some things you want but you'll be happy with your decision when the next financial crisis comes.