Were you recently hit with a big bill that you weren't really expecting? Have you found yourself cash-poor with a while to wait before your next payday rolls around? You might want to consider a payday loan. Payday loans can help those who are short on cash and who need a little bit of money upfront before the next check comes through.

Many currency exchanges and other lenders offer payday loans. A payday loan is like a cash advance. It allows you to obtain cash today and pay it back once your next check comes in. Most of the time, it is easy to apply for a payday loan, and lenders can tell you quickly whether or not you qualify. After you fill out an application, lenders will run the application and let you know on the spot if you're approved. If so, the payday loan is deposited directly into your bank account, and you can have immediate access to the funds.

Sound too good to be true? Maybe so. While the service is entirely legitimate, there are a few things to remember about a payday loan. First of all, it is a loan, not a gift. As with any loan, payday loans come with interest attached. The longer you need to pay back the payday loan, the more interest you'll end up being charged. Most lenders offer flexible payment options, so keep this in mind when you choose the term for your payday loan. Remember this, too, when you decide how much to borrow with a payday loan. If you borrow the total amount of your paycheck, you won't be able to pay back the interest portion right away. It would be wiser to take a payday loan for a portion of your check so that you can pay off the loan in one lump sum once payday comes along.

Sometimes unanticipated expenses put us in a bind. If you borrow wisely, payday loans can come in very handy. They can help you to cover those unexpected bills as well as everyday expenses while you wait for your regular check to arrive.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Payday Loan Resources a website providing information on Payday Loans