Quick cash solutions carry risks

Are you getting desperate for money for the holidays? Thinking about taking out a payday loan, borrowing money at a pawn shop or renting to own?

Don't, say financial counseling experts.

"When we're desperate, we often resort to solutions that actually increase the problem," said Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org).

Stiff fees accompany payday loans, rent-to-own arrangements, and money borrowed at pawn shops when you put up collateral.

The credit-counseling foundation offers financial advice toll-free, (800) 388-2227, and in Spanish, (800) 682-9832.