Need money to buy Christmas presents? Here are ways to get free Christmas gifts for kids, as well as options for a line of credit or for a cash loan.

It's not uncommon for consumers to be short of money to buy Christmas presents. Besides the traditional financial resources, there are other avenues to get help.

Before we discuss a line of credit or a cash loan to buy Christmas presents or for other emergency needs, let's look at alternatives for parents with small children:

The resources below offer free Christmas presents for children of needy families:

   Salvation Army
   Local Churches
   Military Bases
   Some Retailers
   Family, Friends and Neighbors

In regards to military bases, most have a Toys for Tots type campaign. Contact your nearest military installation for information.

Don't let your pride get the better of you. If you have small children, swallow your pride and put your children first. Ask for help, even from friends, family and neighbors.

If you would rather obtain a line of credit or a loan, but have bad credit, here are some options to consider, starting with our highest recommendation:

Refinance an Auto - If you have an auto that is paid off, you have a good chance of getting approved for a loan by using your auto as collateral. We recommend a traditional loan, versus an "Auto Title Loan", because a traditional loan generally offers the best interest rate.

Refinance an Auto Loan - this is another good alternative, because in addition to an equity cash loan, you may also be able to lower your current loan's interest rate and/or monthly payment.

Get a Payday Advance Loan - this has a higher interest rate, but offers easy approval for bad credit people.

Get a Guaranteed Approval Card - Shopping Cards offer you a line of credit, but limits where you may use the card. Typically, it offers online or catalog orders for merchandise from a select group of vendors.

If you decide to obtain a line of credit or a loan, use the links on the right side of this page to select and apply online.

Credit Federal wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!