Liquid assets are a key financial tool for many people – particularly those who may otherwise have their funds tied up in too many unavailing financial instruments and need an instant cash infusion. That is the whole point of a liquid asset – that ability to lever it and immediately turn it into hard cash. That makes liquid assets particularly attractive – both for quick sale and for safekeeping. What’s more, there are numerous ways to turn liquid assets into hard cash and to use that cash for whatever you wish.
One way to use liquid assets right away is when you need an emergency finance injection. For example, if you have an unexpected expense that eats up all of your cash balance, liquidating some of your assets right away can provide you with the immediate funds you need. Whether you sell your stock portfolios, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, or other investments right away, or if you liquidate some of your personal property, liquidating those assets will allow you to keep the money in the bank and thereby avoid a disastrous default on your credit card or mortgage.
Another way to convert liquid assets into hard cash is to take out a loan. You may have some accounts that are not yielding you good interest; if you are working to repair an adverse credit history, then converting current assets into cash may be your only option. You can do this by taking out one or more commercial loans against your property, turning them over to a specialist lender or converting a number of different accounts into a single loan. You can then use the proceeds from that loan to pay off any other existing debts you have, providing you are making regular payments on time.
If you own a large amount of stocks or mutual funds, liquidating them would enable you to obtain a line of credit. Credit cards usually have a lifetime cap; if you cannot pay off your entire balance, you could end up losing all the money you have invested in your account. If you do not have a line of credit or cash on hand, but are in good physical condition with sufficient income, you can convert some of your liquid assets into hard cash. One way to do this is to close down accounts you are no longer using and transfer the balances to joint accounts. Alternatively, you can transfer part of your liquid assets to your child’s account so that you can continue to use it for education expenses. However, make sure your child is not receiving money under the child’s name because this will constitute as a gift, which is not tax-free and will need to be reported as income to the IRS.
Another way to convert liquid assets into hard cash is to take out a loan against your remaining accumulated value. If you have a stock exchange membership, then this is an excellent opportunity to convert your membership into liquid assets. Usually, it takes about six months to reach full maturity of the loan and the conversion will be reflected in your tax return. However, this is a lengthy process and you would still be required to pay tax on the amount withdrawn annually. If you prefer a faster method, you can look into obtaining a rollover account from a bank or financial institution. Rollover accounts allow you to take out cash within a set period of time and you usually only need to pay capital gains tax on the amount of cash you withdraw.
Withdrawals of hard assets such as stocks, bonds, gold, and commodities are subject to special rules. Because these types of assets tend to appreciate in value very quickly, any withdrawals you make are taxable income to the individual holding them. For example, the selling price of all gold in your possession is taxable, unless you hold the gold for less than a year. On the other hand, most commodity withdrawals are subject to the alternative minimum tax. The AMT can be adjusted to a particular extent, and if you withdraw more than the required amount, you may owe an extra tax.
It is important to remember that not all liquid assets to qualify for quick cash, so it is important to know which options are available to you. If you are unable to sell your assets, you could choose to take out a loan using one of your credit cards, but be careful to carefully watch your credit card statement. If you must use your credit cards, make sure you repay the entire amount before the grace period expires.
One of the best ways to convert liquid assets into hard cash without losing capital is by taking out a loan from a bank or other financial institution. Make sure you read all of the terms and conditions associated with the loan to make sure you understand how the conversion will affect your credit rating and how much interest will be charged on the converted funds. You should also consider making a short sale if you can successfully sell the assets without incurring too much penalty or interest. You can learn more about converting your liquid assets into hard cash by registering for a free online mortgage guidebook.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.